Eritrea’s Dark Shadow: Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Asmara, Eritrea - The absence of transparency and accountability in Eritrea has created a culture of secrecy and corruption. In this environment, it is difficult to access basic information on state budget and asset disclosure, and mismanagement and corruption go unchecked.

International Cooperation: A Rare Occurrence

Eritrea’s reluctance to engage in international cooperation has led to its isolation from the global community. The government views international assistance as creating dependency, and instead prefers a strategy of self-reliance in economic and social development.

Criminal Justice System: A Climate of Impunity

The lack of an independent judiciary and democratic institutions has resulted in a climate of impunity with respect to crimes against humanity over the past 25 years. The judiciary system is poorly organized and dependent on the government, leading to instances of interference by the executive branch.

Arbitrary arrest and detention are common
Due process is systematically violated
Prison conditions are harsh and severely overcrowded

Border Control: A Policy of “Shoot to Kill”

Eritrea’s territorial integrity is maintained by strict border control policies, including a policy of “shoot to kill” towards people attempting unauthorized crossings. However, there is mounting evidence that the government not only controls the illicit smuggling of its own citizens but profits from it.

Internet Penetration: A Low Vulnerability to Cybercrime

Eritrea’s internet penetration is extremely low, with citizens needing to apply to the local government administration to obtain a SIM card. The lack of mobile data means that the country’s vulnerability to cyber-dependent crime is low.

Money Laundering and Financial Environment

Eritrea is considered vulnerable to money laundering and related activities owing to its informal, cash-based economy, limited regulatory structures, underground remittances, and prevalent use of money and value transfer services such as hawala. Despite enacting anti-money laundering laws, the country has not submitted any reports on its efforts.

The lack of victim and witness support mechanisms in Eritrea is an ongoing problem, with the government failing to take any measures to identify and support victims and witnesses of organized crime. The government has also made no effort to identify, protect, and support victims of trafficking.

Human Rights: A Grim Reality

Civil rights and freedom of expression and assembly are absent in Eritrea, and human rights are routinely violated. Civil society organizations such as NGOs, labor unions, and organized interest groups are prohibited, and state institutions and social services remain weak.

Arbitrary arrests continue
Religious persecution is prevalent
The media have no rights, and independent media has been shut down since 2001

In this dark shadow, it’s clear that transparency and accountability are distant dreams for the people of Eritrea.