Eritrea’s Lack of Transparency and Accountability Fuels Corruption and Human Rights Abuses

A Culture of Secrecy and Corruption

Asmara, ERITREA - Eritrea’s government has been accused of widespread corruption and human rights abuses, with no transparency or accountability mechanisms in place to prevent or punish such actions.

Lack of Transparency in Budgeting and Asset Disclosure

• The country’s budget and asset disclosure are not publicly available, leaving citizens unaware of how their taxes are being spent.
• The absence of auditing and oversight bodies means that there is no check on government spending, allowing for potential corruption and mismanagement.

Control over Major Companies

• The ruling PFDJ party controls all major companies in Eritrea through its Hdiri Trust Fund.
• The financial head of the party is responsible for auditing the fund, but this lack of transparency has led to allegations of embezzlement and misuse of funds.

Limited International Cooperation

• The government prefers a strategy of self-reliance over economic and social development.
• The country’s constitution, approved by the National Constituent Assembly, remains unenacted, leaving citizens without basic rights and protections.

Corruption in the Judiciary System

• The judiciary system is plagued by corruption and lack of independence.
• Arbitrary arrest and detention are common practices, with prisoners often held incommunicado for indefinite periods without charge or trial.

Human Rights Abuses

• Prison conditions are harsh, with prisoners often subjected to physical abuse and torture.
• There is evidence that the government profits from the smuggling of its own citizens and has occupied territory previously administered by the regional government of Tigray.

Restrictive Civil Society

• Civil society is severely restricted in Eritrea, with no independent media or human rights organizations allowed to operate.
• Journalists are among those who have been imprisoned for their work, and religious persecution continues to be a problem.

Failure to Address Human Rights Abuses

• Human rights groups have accused Eritrean forces of committing serious abuses against Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, including harassment, killings, and rape.
• The government has failed to take measures to identify and support victims of trafficking and organized crime.

Conclusion

Until greater transparency and accountability mechanisms are put in place, it is unlikely that Eritrea will be able to address its widespread corruption and human rights abuses. The international community must demand change from the Eritrean government to ensure the protection of human rights and the rule of law.