Amnesty International has called on the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees due to severe human rights abuses in their home country. The organization highlighted ongoing abuses in host nations like Ethiopia and Sudan. Amnesty emphasized the need to adhere to international law and protect these vulnerable individuals from torture and detention.
During the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Amnesty International urged the Council to denounce the forced repatriation of Eritrean refugees back to Eritrea. The organization underscored the dire human rights situations faced by these individuals, who are unable to return home safely or reside securely in host countries due to harassment and violence against them.
Amnesty highlighted the numerous abuses experienced by Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia and the concerning forced deportations of hundreds of Eritreans by Ethiopian authorities in recent months. Furthermore, Eritrean nationals in Sudan are subjected to human rights violations exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which leads to further displacement.
The RSF has particularly targeted Eritrean women and girls, perpetrating human rights violations, including sexual violence, kidnapping, and domestic servitude. Amnesty International condemned the forced returns of Eritrean refugees from Türkiye to Eritrea, where they face substantial risks of torture and arbitrary detention, in violation of Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention that prohibits such deportations.
Eritrea is enduring a profound human rights crisis due to governmental repression manifesting in various forms, such as restrictions on freedom of expression, forced labor, and indefinite national conscription. Although national service is officially mandated for 18 months, it has stretched into open-ended periods, compelling many Eritreans to flee as evading the draft invites severe repercussions for their families.
In conclusion, the UN Human Rights Council is urged to take a stand against the forced return of Eritrean refugees, as such repatriations violate international law and place these individuals at considerable risk. The testimony from Amnesty International reflects the urgent need for protective measures for Eritrean refugees, particularly in Ethiopia and Sudan, amid ongoing human rights crises in these countries.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
