Amnesty International has urged the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the forced return of Eritrean refugees as the situation regarding human rights in Eritrea deteriorates. The organization highlighted ongoing abuses these individuals face in host nations and called for their protection under international law, especially in light of significant violations occurring in Eritrea and surrounding regions.
Amnesty International has called on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to denounce the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees during its 58th session, which addressed human rights issues in Eritrea. The organization emphasized the unsafe conditions within Eritrea and the precarious situations these refugees face in host countries, which are often marked by attacks and harassment.
The organization urged UNHRC member states to ensure the protection of Eritrean refugees against forced returns to their homeland, arbitrary detentions, and all forms of abuse, in accordance with international law. It noted that many Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia have faced various violations, including the deportation of hundreds of Eritreans by authorities in the last quarter.
In Sudan, Eritrean nationals have encountered compounded human rights violations due to the ongoing conflict, resulting in both internal displacement and additional challenges for refugees and asylum seekers. The fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to even more abuses, particularly against Eritrean women and girls, who have suffered from acts of sexual violence, kidnapping, and forced labor in RSF-controlled areas.
Amnesty International specifically condemned Türkiye’s forced deportations of Eritrean refugees back to Eritrea, emphasizing the high risk these individuals face, including torture and arbitrary detention by governmental authorities. The principle of non-refoulement under Article 33 of the 1951 Convention on Refugees Rights clearly prohibits returning an individual to a place where their life or freedom may be threatened.
Eritrea itself continues to grapple with a significant human rights crisis, driven by the government’s oppressive measures such as limitations on free speech, mandatory indefinite conscription, and forced labor. This situation compels many Eritreans to flee, especially as the government has lengthened the duration of national service beyond the initial 18 months, particularly during times of crisis, significantly impacting families and communities since 2022, when Eritrean forces engaged in the Tigray conflict.
In summary, Amnesty International’s appeal to the UNHRC highlights the urgent need to address the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees, who face dire human rights violations both at home and abroad. The situation in Eritrea remains critical, with systemic issues driving citizens to flee and secure refuge elsewhere. It is imperative that the international community takes action to protect these vulnerable individuals according to international law.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
