Eritrea
Following Independence the Eritrean Government became increasingly repressive, adopting policies that have shattered a once-unified nation. The military now dominates every aspect of society, including the economy.
In 2002 the government banned all churches except those belonging to the Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran denominations.
Between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians are currently detained in Eritrea. Many were arrested at social gatherings. In at least two cases, entire families were detained while conducting private devotions in their own homes. There are also increasing reports of prisoners dying in detention.
Members of independent evangelical and charismatic churches are particularly singled out. However, even permitted churches suffer persecution. Orthodox patriarch Abune Antonios has been under house arrest since 2006, and priests seen as sympathizing with him are detained and harassed.
Unsurprisingly, people are fleeing the country in increasing numbers, risking a government shoot-to-kill border policy. Some fall into the hands of abusive traffickers, and are held hostage in torture camps in the Sinai Desert. Others receive inadequate assistance from the countries they arrive in, and continue to suffer.
Latest news
Eritrea: United Nations Human Rights Council renews and strengthens Special Rapporteur’s mandate 14/06/2013
NGOs mark the eleventh anniversary of government crackdown on churches in Eritrea 31/05/2013
CSW calls for end to human rights violations in Eritrea ahead of eleventh anniversary of church crackdown 14/05/2013
Eritrea: Philemon Semere released after five month hostage ordeal – but many others still in danger 01/02/2013
Eritrean hostage given five day ultimatum by Sinai traffickers 21/11/2012
more...
Response magazine
CSW team "overjoyed" at first ever Human Rights Council Resolution on Eritrea 01/09/2012
Breakthrough in CSW’s Eritrea advocacy 01/05/2012
CSW’s media advocacy triggers UN and EU response! 01/03/2011
Updates: Helen Berhane’s married life begins with a joyful celebration 01/01/2011
Breakthrough when Eritrean representative questioned at UN 01/03/2010
more...
Prayer diary
Pray for Eritrea 09/06/2013
Pray for Eritrea 17/03/2013
Pray for Eritrea 30/09/2012
Eritrea 13/05/2012
Faith Focus: Prisoners 01/05/2012
more...
Press releases
Eritrea: United Nations Human Rights Council renews and strengthens Special Rapporteur’s mandate 14/06/2013
NGOs mark the eleventh anniversary of government crackdown on churches in Eritrea 31/05/2013
CSW calls for end to human rights violations in Eritrea ahead of eleventh anniversary of church crackdown 14/05/2013
Eritrean hostage given five day ultimatum by Sinai traffickers 21/11/2012
UN Human Rights Council adopts first resolution on Eritrea 06/07/2012
more...
Reports
Eritrea: Edited testimonies of detainees 01/04/2012
Eritrea: Summary of concerns and recommendations 01/04/2012
Eritrea: Edited testimony of torture 01/03/2012
Religious Freedom in Eritrea 01/11/2009
Eritrea: Sexual Violence against Female Army Conscripts 01/12/2008
more...
