Amnesty International has called upon the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take a definitive stance against the forced return of Eritrean refugees during the council’s 58th session, which delved into the prevailing human rights challenges in Eritrea. The organization underscored the perilous conditions that Eritrean refugees face, both in their homeland and in host countries, due to ongoing attacks and harassment, urging member states to safeguard these refugees from arbitrary detention and other forms of mistreatment mandated against international law.
In Eritrea, the unfolding humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by government-imposed restrictions on freedom of expression, forced labor, and indefinite conscription. Originally intended as an 18-month obligation for all citizens, this national service has increasingly turned into an open-ended commitment, especially during times of crisis. This sustained conscription is a significant catalyst driving Eritreans to flee their country, as they face limited prospects for discharge, and families of draft evaders are known to suffer reprisals.
The plight of Eritrean refugees has become more precarious in neighboring nations like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Turkey. Amnesty International reported multiple abuses, including forced deportations by Ethiopian authorities and severe violations of human rights amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. These conflicts have not only displaced numerous Sudanese but also worsened the vulnerabilities of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in the region.
The rights group has rebuked Turkey for participating in the forced return of Eritrean refugees, where they face significant risks of torture and arbitrary detention upon their return to Eritrea. Such actions contravene the non-refoulement principle, which is enshrined in Article 33 of the 1951 Convention on Refugees Rights, prohibiting the expulsion of refugees to any country where they might face threats to their life or freedom.
For more details, you can view the comprehensive coverage on JURIST – News.