Eritrea’s Struggle against Organized Crime: A Comprehensive Review

Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

Eritrea has recently taken steps to join the global fight against human trafficking. The country has:

• Hosted training seminars with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to enhance its capacity to combat human trafficking.
• Enacted laws that prohibit organized crime, including human trafficking. However, the effectiveness of these laws is hindered by:
• Weak law-enforcement capacities
• A lack of independent institutions, leading to an environment of impunity.

Economic and Financial Environment: Vulnerable to Money Laundering

Eritrea’s economy faces significant risks due to its:

• Cash-based and informal nature, making it susceptible to money laundering.
• Lack of regulatory capacity and transparency in financial systems.
• State-controlled banking system, which hinders the tracking of illicit financial activities.

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Limited Response

In Eritrea:

• There are no government efforts to identify, protect, or support victims of trafficking.
• National authorities lack a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking.
• The country has a restrictive environment for civil society, with:
  • Non-governmental organizations prohibited from operating
  • Independent media outlets shut down.