Eritrea

Eritrea is a one party state where no political parties other than the President's People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) are allowed to exist. Although Eritrea is a state party to the main international human rights instruments, reports of human rights abuses are frequent. The OMCT (World Organisation Against Torture) has noted an increasing number of human rights defenders facing judicial proceedings, arbitrary arrest and detentions, and ill-treatment and torture.

There have been several reports of human rights defenders facing indefinite and incommunicado detention without charge or trial; ill-treatment or torture; as well as restrictions on the right to freedom of association, freedom of expression, and freedom of information. There have also been several journalists in detention for the last five years, arrested under the pretext of national security. It has been reported that it is forbidden for any group of more than seven individuals to assemble without approval by the government. In 2001 the government closed down the private press and has since kept a monopoly on access to information. In 2004 the government placed all Internet cafés under government supervision.

Non-governmental political, civic and social institutions and organisations are largely prohibited from functioning effectively. New legislation imposes severe restrictions on ngos allowing them only to work on relief and rehabilitation projects through government structures. No new local ngos have been allowed to register with the Eritrean authorities. The activities of international organisations have also been severely restricted and under proclamation no. 145/2005, established “to determine the administration of non-governmental organistations”, international ngos are limited to relief and rehabilitation activities and are not permitted to work with local communities independently of the government. The proclamation further makes requirements that all ngos (national and international) submit quarterly reports and audited financial reports, pay taxes on all imported goods including food aid, and deposit substantial funds into an Eritrean bank. There have been reports that international organisations are regularly denied entry into Eritrea and international humanitarian agencies and NGOs are restricted in their travel and activities. Prison visits by international human rights organisations are said to be prohibited.