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This was the very first time that ICRC
delegates had been able to talk to Eritrean prison staff in greater detail
about the organization’s work in places of detention around the world. They
explained the purpose of ICRC visits to detainees, the procedures followed
when conducting such visits and the legal basis for this activity. In the
course of the presentations, they also discussed the ICRC’s mandate, the
various activities the organization carries out in Eritrea and the rest of
the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and some
basic rules of international humanitarian law. The initial feedback was very positive and
the participants supported the ICRC’s plan to approach the authorities with a
proposal to give similar presentations in other parts of the country.
Friedrun Medert, head of the ICRC delegation in Eritrea, expressed her
delight at the interest shown by the participants and voiced the hope that
the presentations would be followed by many more. The ICRC regularly visits various places
of detention throughout the country. For further information, please contact:
Carlo Piccinini, ICRC Asmara, tel.: ++29 11 181 130 or 181 164 |
