Amnesty International Calls for UN Condemnation of Eritrean Refugee Repatriation
Amnesty International has urged the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees amid worsening human rights conditions in Eritrea. The organization highlights the dangers faced by these refugees in host countries, calls for adherence to international law, and condemns abuses in Ethiopia and Sudan. The human rights crisis in Eritrea continues to drive mass displacement, demanding urgent international intervention.
Amnesty International has called upon the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to denounce the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees during its 58th session, which addressed human rights issues pertinent to Eritrea. The organization articulated the severe human rights challenges encountered by Eritrean refugees, who face dangers in returning home and experience harassment in host countries. Amnesty urged UNHRC member states to protect these individuals from involuntary repatriation, arbitrary detention, and various forms of mistreatment, in compliance with international law.
The organization emphasized the abuse faced by Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, where hundreds have been forcibly deported by Ethiopian authorities in recent months. Furthermore, Eritrean nationals in Sudan have suffered human rights violations exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea indicated that this armed conflict has led to the displacement of refugees and asylum seekers from Eritrea to neighboring countries, with the RSF committing egregious acts against women and girls, including sexual violence and forced servitude.
Additionally, Amnesty International condemned the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees from Türkiye to Eritrea, where they face substantial risks of torture, arbitrary detention, and severe human rights abuses at the hands of national authorities. The principle of non-refoulement, outlined in Article 33 of the 1951 Convention on Refugees Rights, prohibits returning refugees to countries where they are likely to encounter life-threatening harm or oppression.
Eritrea is currently grappling with a significant human rights crisis, rooted in oppressive government policies that severely restrict freedom of expression and mandate forced labor and indefinite conscription. While national service is legally set for 18 months, officials frequently extend this period indefinitely in times of crisis. This extended military service is a critical factor driving many Eritreans to flee, as they face punitive measures for evading the draft. The pressures intensified in 2022 with Eritrea’s active involvement in the Tigray conflict, partnered with Ethiopian forces against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
In conclusion, Amnesty International’s appeal to the UN Human Rights Council highlights the dire consequences of forced repatriation for Eritrean refugees, who face considerable risks upon return to their home country. The organization underscores the urgent need for member states to uphold their commitments under international law to protect refugees from abuse and ensure their safety. The ongoing human rights crisis in Eritrea necessitates concerted global action to address and mitigate the suffering of these vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
