Human Rights Conditions in Eritrea: A Review of Key Concerns

Government Repression

Eritrea’s government continues to exert control over various institutions, including schools and vocational training centers. The Catholic Church has seen its institutions taken over by the government, with two planned vocational training center takeovers scheduled for August.

• Arrests and Detention: Peaceful protesters who were arrested in 2017 and early 2018 for protesting the government’s takeover of Al Diaa Islamic school remain in detention.
• Implications: The government’s actions have significant implications for civil society, media, and opposition groups, which face ongoing repression.

Refugees and Returnees

Eritrea has not ratified the UN Refugee Convention or the African Refugee Convention, leaving refugees without international protection. As a result, over 580,000 Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers abroad have cited indefinite national service as the reason for fleeing.

• Targeting of Refugees: Eritreans seeking protection abroad have been targeted by Eritrean authorities and security forces, both while abroad and after forced returns from other countries.
• Abuses in Tigray: Warring parties, including Eritrean forces, have subjected Eritrean refugees to serious abuses in Tigray.

Forced Returns

Egypt forcibly returned 31 Eritrean refugees in January, threatening additional repatriations. UN human rights experts raised concerns about patterns of human rights violations against Eritreans who have been forcibly returned, including torture, ill-treatment, enforced disappearance, and arbitrary detention.

• Concerns: The forced returns are a significant concern for the international community, which is advocating for greater accountability from key actors.
• Implications: The actions of countries like Egypt have far-reaching implications for refugees and asylum seekers worldwide.

Key International Actors

The UN launched a new development cooperation framework with Eritrea in January, sending a high-level delegation to Asmara. However, this move has been met with criticism from human rights groups.

• UN General Assembly Resolution: Eritrea voted against a UN general assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March.
• African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC): The ACERWC noted that Eritrea has violated provisions of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, including by not affording children the right to freedom of religion.

Sanctions

US President Joe Biden extended, for one year, the ability to sanction Eritrean officials for committing serious human rights abuses in Tigray. The European Union maintains individual sanctions on Maj. Gen. Abraha Kassa for serious human rights abuses in Eritrea.

• Implications: The imposition of sanctions is a significant step towards holding those responsible for human rights violations accountable.
• Need for Greater Accountability: However, more needs to be done to ensure greater accountability from key international actors and to address the ongoing human rights concerns in Eritrea.