Excellency,

More than three years have now passed since the decision of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights was made public in the Case 428/12 – Dawit Isaak v Eritrea.

In connection with the decision the Commission tasked us to follow-up what measures you take to rectify the situation. This is based on Rule 112 (2) of the Commission’s Rules of Procedure:

In the event of a decision against a State Party, the parties shall inform the Commission in writing, within one hundred and eighty (180) days of being informed of the decision in accordance with paragraph one, of all measures, if any, taken or being taken by the State Party to implement the decision of the Commission.”

We have written to you a number of times since the decision but have not had any reply. The stipulated 180-day period is long overdue, and the violations are continuing. We would therefore urge you to answer to the following questions:

  • When are you releasing Mr. Isaak and his colleagues?
  • When will he, and his colleagues, be allowed to see their families?
  • When will he, and his colleagues, be allowed to meet with a legal representative, or representatives?
  • When will you allow for independent media in Eritrea?
  • How are you going to pay compensation?

As you will recall the Commission found the State of Eritrea to violate Articles 1, 5, 6, 7(1), 9 and 18 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and it demanded rectification without delay. We will keep the Commission informed of any progress or lack thereof.

Yours truly,

Björn Tunbäck

Member of the Board, Reporters without Borders/Sweden