KEY ISSUES

Origins of the Eritrean human rights crisis

In 1991, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia after winning Africa’s longest liberation war. The leaders of the liberation movement became the leaders of the new state and assured the people that democracy was coming, they just needed some time. The country’s first elections were finally scheduled for 2001, but politicians close to president Isaias Afewerki realised that no preparations were being made and voiced their concerns about that and other developments in a private letter to him. The group eventually published a public letter and were platformed by the country’s new vibrant free press. In September 2001, the Eritrean government announced the ban on all independent media and imprisoned the politicians and journalists who had taken part in the discussions around the election and generally were considered a threat to their power. They proceeded with shutting down all institutions that could platform or inspire dissent. They closed down all civil society and political parties, cancelled the implementation of the country’s first constitutions, shut down the university, and severely limited access to the internet. They outlawed all forms of dissent and ensured that anyone perceived as challenging them would face intimidation, imprisonment, or death. They created a society where young people growing up intentionally were deprived of the education, skills, and resources necessary to challenge them effectively.

Abuses in Eritrea

Since then, the country has experienced one of the most dire human rights crises in the world. All capable Eritreans are enlisted into an indefinite national service that has been compared to slavery by the United Nations, where torture and sexual violence are routine. They do it in whatever capacity and location the government sees fit - robbing Eritreans of the chance to choose their profession, develop their skills and reach their full potential - all whilst becoming deeply traumatised by the abuse they also face.  Eritreans of all ages and backgrounds are routinely detained without due process. They are frequently detained for real or perceived opposition to the government, practising outlawed religions, attempting to flee the country or trying to evade national service. They are held under inhumane conditions, without access to lawyers or visitors and a majority of the time, their whereabouts are not disclosed. The socio-economic situation in the country is also highly concerning. The national service salary that the majority of the population depends on is extremely low, businesses are not able to freely operate and a vast majority of the population is dependent on families abroad to survive. Members of the national service have been forced to fight in the war in Tigray, and family members of draft evaders have faced imprisonment and other forms of abuse. Government policies have intentionally created a food, water, medicine, and electricity crisis in the country that has devastated the population in an effort to keep them focused on survival, as opposed to resistance. Eritreans are also not allowed to freely move within the country and need exit visas to leave the country, which very rarely are given. There is a ‘shoot to kill policy’ at the border to stop Eritreans from fleeing.

Abuses against Eritrean refugees

Due to the human rights crisis in Eritrea, over 580,000 Eritreans have fled the country.  After they flee, they experience even more human rights abuses and difficulties from both state and non-state actors. A vast majority of them receive no assistance or support. When Eritrean refugees either temporarily or permanently settle in the neighbouring region or in the West, they receive no support to heal from their trauma, pursue their professional dreams or become activists. This means that we are enabling the Eritrean government's plan to waste the potential of a whole generation that could be doing more for themselves and for the community overall - both now in and in a future post-dictatorship era. If we do not address this, Eritrea has experienced an immeasurable loss.