The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, Ms Sheila B Keetharuth, has released her latest report detailing the most prevalent and pressing human rights violations within the country. A context of human rights violations is summarized, followed by a pinpointing of the main issues for concern, namely, the indefinite national service and arbitrary arrest and detention, including incommunicado detention and inhumane prison conditions; these systematic human rights violations have produced a refugee crisis as hundreds and thousands flee the country.
Situated in a volatile region, the Special Rapporteur summarises Eritrea as living in state of constant combat preparedness, a state that is compromising human liberties. Grave human rights concerns beyond those listed above include extrajudicial killings, detention often preceded by torture, limitations on the freedom of movement, religion and opinion. Furthermore, intimidation of persons who leave the country is rife, and family members of the detained suffer ‘guilt by association’ and are often required to pay substantial fines for those family members that have left the country or are indefinitely detained. These are all widespread human rights violations continuing at unprecedented rates. The Special Rapporteur concludes by appealing to the Government of Eritrea and the international community to addresses these concerns, noting every individual’s right to be treated with humanity and dignity.
UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea reports
Second Report of UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea
Presented at the 26th session of Human Rights Council 10 - 27 June 2014
Second Report (English)
Second Report (Arabic)
First Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea
Presented at the 23rd session of Human Rights Council 27 May - 14 June 2013
