Former Eritrean minister of finance Berhane Abrehe, prominent critic of Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki, has reportedly been arrested in Asmara on Sunday morning, 16 September. Observers had expected the Eritrean regime to take action against Berhane after the publication of his two-volume book “Eritrea Hagerey” (Eritrea, my Country) in which he called for prompt elections and the replacement of Isaias Afwerki.
In October 2018, the next UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) meeting will determine which states will sit as members of the Council for the next three years. In a letter sent to the Permanent Representatives of Member States of the Human Rights Assembly, a number of NGOs and other organizations have expressed their concerns that there are several States running for election that fail to fulfill human rights standards. In addition, some countries fall short in cooperation with the UNHRC and other UN bodies.
In this week’s news highlights: Eritrean-Ethiopian border reopens at two points; former Eritrean minister publishes accusatory book; campaign to protest large-scale disappearances in Eritrea; dozens of migrant child slaves freed in Sudan; South Sudan goverment and rebels sign “final” peace agreement; Sudanese president to form new leaner government; hostilities continue in Libya; Juncker proposes to upgrade Frontex, tighten asylum rules; more migrants die on sea after crackdown on NGO rescue missions; UN to investigate attacks on migrants in Italy and Austria