Human Trafficking Issues in Eritrea: A Grave Concern

Eritrea has been plagued by a range of serious human rights issues, including human trafficking. This article provides an overview of the key concerns related to human trafficking in Eritrea.

Forced Conscription and Child Labor

Forced Military Service for All Citizens

• The government requires all citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 to participate in the National Service program, which includes military training and deployment.
• However, students as young as 17 are enrolled in the Warsay-Yikealo/Sawa academy, where they undergo basic military training.

Child Labor: A Form of Forced Work

• Children under the age of 18 are forced to work during the summer months on public works projects, often within the agricultural sector.
• Those who refuse may face fines or be denied school enrollment for the next academic year.

Trafficking Abroad

Thousands Fleeing Eritrea Each Year

• Thousands of Eritreans flee the country each year to escape human rights abuses, search for better economic opportunities, or avoid indefinite periods of service in the National Service program.
• Many pay migrant smugglers to facilitate their journey, making them vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation abroad.

Government Crackdowns on Refugees

• The government has been known to arbitrarily arrest, detain, harass, or forcibly recall Eritrean refugees living in neighboring countries, further increasing their vulnerability to human trafficking.

The Dire Situation in Eritrea

Overall, the situation in Eritrea remains dire, with widespread reports of forced labor, child conscription, and human trafficking crimes. The government’s practices have created a perfect storm for human trafficking, leaving thousands of citizens vulnerable to exploitation both within and outside the country’s borders.