Eritrea’s Vulnerability to Organized Crime

Key Challenges Faced by Eritrea

Eritrea is vulnerable to organized crime due to a combination of factors that create an environment conducive to such activities. Some of the key challenges faced by Eritrea include:

Lack of Independent Judiciary and Democratic Institutions

• The absence of an independent judiciary and democratic institutions creates a climate of impunity, allowing crimes against humanity to go unpunished over the past 25 years.

Poorly Organized Judiciary System

• The judiciary system is heavily dependent on the government, leading to instances of interference by the executive branch.
• There are no specialized units with the aim of countering organized crime in force.

Human Rights Abuses and Vulnerability

Eritrea’s vulnerability to organized crime extends beyond its internal challenges. It has also been accused of committing serious human rights abuses against Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, including:

Harassment, Indiscriminate Arrests, Killings, and Rape

• Eritrean officials have been implicated in these crimes, highlighting the need for accountability and justice.

Economic Challenges

Eritrea’s economy is also vulnerable to organized crime, with issues such as:

Illicit Smuggling

• There is mounting evidence that the government controls and profits from the illicit smuggling of its citizens.
• This creates a cycle of exploitation and abuse.

Vulnerability to Money Laundering

• Eritrea’s informal economy, limited regulatory structures, underground remittances, and use of money transfer services make it vulnerable to money laundering.
• Despite enacting anti-money laundering laws, the country has not submitted any reports on its efforts.

Support for Victims and Witnesses

The government’s failure to take measures to identify and support victims and witnesses of organized crime is a significant concern. This lack of support perpetuates the cycle of abuse and exploitation.

Conclusion

Eritrea’s vulnerability to organized crime is a complex issue, driven by internal challenges such as a poorly organized judiciary system and external factors like human rights abuses. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes justice, accountability, and protection for victims and witnesses.