Amnesty International has called on the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the forced return of Eritrean refugees due to the severe human rights violations they face. The refugees cannot safely return to Eritrea or live in host countries. Recent reports indicate abuses in Ethiopia and Sudan, compounding the crisis facing Eritrean nationals. The situation necessitates urgent international action to protect these individuals.
Amnesty International has called upon the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to denounce the involuntary repatriation of Eritrean refugees during its 58th session, which addressed human rights issues in Eritrea. The organization underscored the perilous human rights conditions confronting Eritrean refugees, asserting that many cannot safely return to their homeland or reside securely in host countries due to persistent attacks and harassment.
Amnesty International urged UNHRC member states to safeguard these refugees from enforced repatriation, arbitrary detention, and other forms of abuse, as stipulated by international law. The organization reported that countless Eritrean refugees have endured various abuses in Ethiopia and highlighted the forced deportation of numerous Eritreans by Ethiopian authorities within the last quarter.
Moreover, Eritrean nationals are suffering severe human rights abuses in Sudan, worsened by the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea noted that the violence has led to the internal displacement of Sudanese individuals and has also forced many Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers to flee to neighboring countries, where the RSF has committed egregious violations, including sexual violence against women and girls.
Amnesty International also condemned the forced expulsion of Eritrean refugees from Türkiye to Eritrea, stressing that such actions expose them to the risk of torture, arbitrary detention, and other serious human rights violations. The organization emphasized Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which prohibits the expulsion or return of refugees to territories where their lives or freedoms are threatened, known as the principle of non-refoulement.
Eritrea continues to grapple with a significant human rights crisis, characterized by governmental repression, which include severe restrictions on freedom of expression, forced labor, and indefinite conscription. National service is compulsory for Eritreans, originally set at 18 months but often extended indefinitely, especially during crises. This open-ended military service has consistently driven many Eritreans to flee the country, as evasion leads to severe consequences for both individuals and their families.
In summary, Amnesty International’s appeal to the UN Human Rights Council highlights the critical situation faced by Eritrean refugees, who are at risk of forced repatriation amidst dire human rights conditions. The report emphasizes the necessity for international protection of these individuals against abuse and advocates for adherence to international laws prohibiting their return to dangerous environments. The ongoing situation warrants urgent global attention and action to ensure the safety and rights of these vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
