Edmonton: Eritrea’s role in chairing this year’s Social Forum of the United Nations Human Rights Council has drawn criticism amid concerns over the country’s human rights record.
Habtom Zerai, chargé d’affaires at Eritrea’s permanent mission, has been appointed chair-rapporteur of the 2026 Social Forum, scheduled for Oct. 29 and 30.
Eritrea’s selection has prompted criticism over its authoritarian government and alleged human rights violations in the country.
Critics have raised concerns about the absence of elections, rape and torture, forced labor, slavery, and the imprisonment of critics and journalists. Eritrea has also been described as the “North Korea of Africa” because of its political repression and human rights record.
The Eritrean government’s response to the criticism was not included in the information available for this report.
