Vulnerability of Eritrea to Organized Crime: Implications for Security, Economy, and Human Rights

Eritrea faces significant challenges in combating organized crime, which poses a threat to its security, economy, and human rights. This article highlights the key issues contributing to this vulnerability and proposes recommendations for addressing them.

Key Issues Contributing to Eritrea’s Vulnerability to Organized Crime

Lack of an Independent Judiciary

The judiciary system in Eritrea is poorly organized and dependent on the government, leading to a climate of impunity.
This situation enables power holders to operate arbitrarily, contributing to widespread corruption and bribery.

Harsh Prison Conditions

Prisoners are held incommunicado for indefinite periods without charge or trial, and prison conditions are harsh and overcrowded.
These conditions exacerbate the vulnerability of Eritrea to organized crime and undermine its human rights record.

Weak Law Enforcement Capacity

Eritrea’s law enforcement is weak due to corruption and bribery, making it vulnerable to organized crime.
The government’s inability to effectively combat organized crime has significant implications for the country’s security and economy.

Territorial Integrity and Illicit Smuggling

The government maintains strict border control policies but has been accused of controlling and profiting from the illicit smuggling of its citizens.
This situation raises concerns about the country’s territorial integrity and the human rights of its citizens.

Limited Economic Regulatory Capacity

The government’s irrational financial policy contributes to a currency black market, and families and business owners are restricted in their ability to withdraw funds.
These economic challenges undermine Eritrea’s economic stability and contribute to its vulnerability to organized crime.

The government fails to identify and support victims and witnesses of organized crime and has not developed mechanisms to protect and support trafficking victims.
This lack of social protection undermines the country’s human rights record and contributes to its vulnerability to organized crime.

Recommendations for Addressing Eritrea’s Vulnerability to Organized Crime

Establish an Independent Judiciary

Ensure the separation of powers to prevent the executive branch from interfering with the judiciary.
Strengthen the independence of the judiciary to prevent corruption and bribery.

Strengthen Law Enforcement Capacity

Implement measures to address corruption and bribery in law enforcement agencies.
Improve the training and capacity of law enforcement officials to effectively combat organized crime.

Improve Prison Conditions

Ensure due process for prisoners, including fair trials and access to legal representation.
Improve prison conditions, including reducing overcrowding and providing adequate food, water, and sanitation.

Develop a Systematic Mechanism for Identifying and Supporting Trafficking Victims

Establish a system to identify and support victims of organized crime, including trafficking victims.
Provide mechanisms for protecting and supporting trafficking victims, including access to counseling, medical care, and legal assistance.

Implement Policies to Protect Eritrean Refugees from Human Rights Abuses

Develop policies to protect Eritrean refugees from human rights abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and forced labor.
Ensure that refugees have access to fair trials and due process.

Promote Civil Society Organizations and Freedom of Expression and Assembly

Encourage the development of civil society organizations to promote democracy and human rights.
Protect freedom of expression and assembly, including ensuring that citizens can participate in peaceful protests and demonstrations without fear of reprisal.