Amnesty International has called for the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees, citing severe human rights violations they face both in their home country and abroad. Refugees in Ethiopia and Sudan report rising abuse, while Eritreans forcibly returned from Türkiye risk torture. The ongoing human rights crisis in Eritrea, highlighted by indefinite military conscription, continues to drive citizens to flee for their safety.
During the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Amnesty International urged the Council to denounce the forced return of Eritrean refugees to their home country. The organization underscored the perilous human rights conditions that prevent Eritrean refugees from safely returning or residing in host countries, where they face harassment and attacks. Amnesty International called upon UNHRC member states to uphold their obligations under international law by safeguarding these refugees against forced deportations, arbitrary detention, and various forms of abuse.
Amnesty International also reported that incidents of abuse against Eritrean refugees have escalated in Ethiopia, where authorities have deported hundreds of Eritreans in recent months. The plight of Eritreans has worsened in Sudan due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has resulted in further displacement of both Sudanese and Eritrean nationals. The RSF has been involved in grave human rights abuses against Eritrean women and girls, including sexual violence and forced labor.
Additionally, the rights group condemned the recent forced repatriations of Eritrean refugees from Türkiye, where returning individuals face significant risks of torture, arbitrary detention, and other serious human rights violations. The principle of non-refoulement, as stipulated in Article 33 of the 1951 Convention on Refugees Rights, specifically prohibits returning refugees to places where their life or freedom is threatened.
Eritrea continues to grapple with a severe human rights crisis stemming from the government’s oppressive policies, including restrictions on free expression, forced labor, and indefinite military conscription. Mandatory national service, which is intended for 18 months, has often been extended indefinitely under crisis conditions. This circumstance drives many Eritreans to flee, as those evading the draft face severe repercussions, a situation exacerbated by Eritrea’s involvement in the Tigray conflict alongside Ethiopian forces.
Amnesty International’s call for the UN Human Rights Council to address the plight of Eritrean refugees highlights the urgent need to protect them from forced repatriation and abuse. The grave human rights violations faced in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan emphasize the international community’s responsibility to uphold refugees’ rights under established international law. The ongoing crisis within Eritrea continues to drive significant numbers of people to seek refuge elsewhere, necessitating immediate action and support from global bodies.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
