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NEWS and Events
EHDR-UK Writes a Letter to British Prime Minister
June
20, 2003
EHDR-UK
appealed to the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, to look into the
widespread abuse in Eritrea. The letter stated that stronger actions need
to be taken to effectively remind the Eritrean leader, Mr Isaias
Afewerki, that human rights abuses cannot be allowed to go on as if they
are internal matters of the country.
The
letter acknowledged the fact that the Eritrean government’s autocratic
demeanour is continuing unabated as if the country is not part of the
international community. It
also stated that the problems are being reiterated by various
institutions that advocate for human, citizen and refugee rights. Apart from the reports that are
being published by world renowned organisations the letter indicated the
increasing number of people fleeing the country and seeking refuge
elsewhere, including the United Kingdom, can be viewed as warning signs.
“In
today’s world order’, EHDR-UK wrote, ‘disregard for the basic human rights
is seen as a major drawback within the international community rather
than a mere local issue’. In
line with that argument it alluded to the most recent actions taken
against some rogue States as cases in point.
After
mentioning a list of problems that exisit in Eritrea – abuse of power,
lack of free press, critising the government is tantamount to treason,
constitution that has yet to be implemented, confinement of citizens
without any means of communication with their loved ones – EHDR-UK urge Her
Majesty’s Government to take the lead in convincing its European Union
partners to adopt the same measures employed against other rogue
States.
Board
of Directors
Eritreans
for Human and Democratic Rights - UK
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