Overview of Human Rights in Eritrea

The human rights record of Eritrea has worsened over the years since its independence from Ethiopia. Numerous abuses are committed by, and on behalf of, the government.

Ethiopia and Eritrea are still at odds with one another over border disputes. Tensions between the two nations continue to rise, negatively impacting the United Nations’ ability to monitor troops along the border. Threats of the reprisal of war occur frequently.  Meanwhile there are tens of thousands of Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, with two to three hundred more arriving each month.

There are severe restrictions on freedoms of press, speech, assembly, and association.

The government has arrested thousands of dissendents, as well as those who practice "unregistered" religions, attempt to flee the nation, or try to avoid military conscription. Most of those who are arrested are held indefinitely and none are ever formally charged. 

Prison conditions in Eritrea are inhumane. Prominent prisoners are often held in underground cells and less prominent prisoners are often packed in cargo containers or in seriously overcrowded prisons.

Neither domestic nor international human rights organizations are allowed to operate in Eritrea.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

157th out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.