| Eritrean refugees rescued over the weekend off the coast of Libya (Photo: Courtesy of Daily Mail) By Sam James, Guardian June 8, 2015
UN report accuses government of extrajudicial executions, torture, national service and forced labour that create a climate of repression driving many to flee
It also accuses the government of using a programme of imprisonment, forced disappearance, surveillance and censorship to create a culture of permanent fear and crush all dissent. The year-long study, which was carried out without the co-operation of the Eritrean government, is based on first-hand testimony gathered through 550 confidential interviews with witnesses in third countries and 160 written submissions. Escaping Eritrea: ‘If I die at sea, it’s not a problem – at least I won’t be tortured’ Read more The report finds gross human rights violations are widespread throughout the state apparatus, and identifies the main perpetrators as Afwerki, his office, the ruling and only party – the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) – the Eritrean defence forces, the national security office, the police, and the ministries of defence, justice and information.
It says that while the struggle for Eritrean independence from Ethiopia has gone down in history as a “major feat of a people’s fight for self-determination”, the fight has long since lapsed into relentless political self-interest and terror.The report says: “The commission finds that the current situation of human rights in Eritrea is the tragic product of an initial desire to protect and ensure the survival of the young state that very quickly degenerated into the use of totalitarian practices aimed at perpetuating the power of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front and its successor, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice.” The report says: “The commission finds that the current situation of human rights in Eritrea is the tragic product of an initial desire to protect and ensure the survival of the young state that very quickly degenerated into the use of totalitarian practices aimed at perpetuating the power of the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front and its successor, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice.” The report says that state spying and surveillance are conducted to such a degree in the country that Eritreans live in constant fear of arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, disappearance or death. That culture has given rise to a poisonous climate of self-censorship and mistrust that permeates communities and families. “Information gathered through the pervasive control system is used in absolute arbitrariness to keep the population in a state of permanent anxiety,” it says. “It is not law that rules Eritreans – it is fear.” One witness told the commission: “When I am in Eritrea, I feel that I cannot even think because I am afraid that people can read my thoughts and I am scared.” The report also notes the lengths to which the state will go to stop people fleeing. “Eritreans who attempt to leave the country are seen as traitors,” it says. “For a considerable period of time, the government has implemented a shoot-to-kill policy in border areas to prevent people from fleeing.” Equally feared is the government’s policy of conscription, which can leave young people trapped in indefinite national service. Some interviewees told the commission they had decided to flee the country after spending 17 years as conscripts. Conditions in military training camps – which lack adequate food, water, hygiene facilities, accommodation and medical facilities – are further compounded by abuse and ill-treatment of both men and women. “Sexual violence against women and girls is widespread and indeed notorious in military training camps,” says the report. “Furthermore, the enforced domestic service of women and girls who are also sexually abused in these camps amounts to sexual slavery. The commission considers that these violations of the rights of women and girls also amount to torture.” It accuses Eritrean officials of using beatings and rapes as a way to inflict severe physical and psychological pain, adding: “The purpose of these acts is to extract confessions and information, and to punish, intimidate and coerce detainees and conscripts.” |
