Eritrea’s Efforts to Combat Transnational Organized Crime
Economic Vulnerability
Eritrea is at a high risk of money laundering due to its cash-based economy and the lack of transparency in banking systems. This vulnerability makes it easier for organized crime groups to launder their illicit funds, further perpetuating transnational organized crime.
Lack of Judicial Independence
The country lacks an independent judiciary, national assembly, or other democratic institutions. This contributes to an environment where human rights violations and impunity persist. The lack of accountability enables organized crime groups to operate with relative ease.
Control Over Borders
Despite having a “shoot to kill” policy for unauthorized entry or exit, evidence suggests that the government controls and profits from people smuggling as well as goods, including narcotics. This contradictory approach undermines efforts to combat transnational organized crime.
Corruption
Corruption and bribery are common in Eritrea due to the lack of oversight bodies and specialized law-enforcement units. This environment enables organized crime groups to operate with impunity, further perpetuating corruption.
Limited Awareness and Support
There is limited comprehension of human trafficking within the country, and no proactive victim identification mechanisms or standardized instruments for referring trafficking victims to proper care are in place. This lack of awareness and support hinders efforts to combat human trafficking.
Restrictions on Civil Society
Non-governmental organizations are not permitted to operate in Eritrea, independent media outlets were closed down in 2001, and foreign human rights organizations cannot function within the country. These restrictions limit the ability of civil society to monitor and report on transnational organized crime activities.
Key Recommendations
- Establish an independent judiciary and national assembly
- Improve transparency in banking systems
- Implement proactive victim identification mechanisms for human trafficking
- Strengthen law-enforcement units and oversight bodies
- Permit non-governmental organizations to operate in Eritrea