Eritreans continue to suffer from “systemic” human rights violations under President Isaias Afwerki’s decades-long rule, according to a report by Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea.
Speaking at a UN summit in Geneva on Monday, Babiker described a deeply repressive environment in the Horn of Africa nation, citing arbitrary detention, forced labour, and indefinite national service as major concerns. “Violations are systemic, and the need for accountability is urgent,” Babiker told the forum. He dedicated part of his speech to those “detained without charge or trial, who have not been heard from in decades,” vowing, “Your names will continue to be spoken.”
Eritrea, a nation of about 3.5 million people, has been led by President Isaias Afwerki since gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993. The country operates as a single-party state and has long been criticized by international human rights organizations for cracking down on dissent and imprisoning political opponents.
Eritrea Rejects Findings, Accuses UN of Bias
Eritrea’s chargé d’affaires to the United Nations in Geneva, Habtom Zerai, firmly rejected the report, claiming it lacks “objectivity, transparency, accountability, and balance.”
“This report is politically motivated and does not reflect the realities on the ground,” Zerai stated, highlighting that the UN rapporteur was not granted access to Eritrea, raising concerns about the completeness and impartiality of the findings.
Calls for Context: Sanctions and Global Narratives
Critics of the report also argue that the international community often overlooks the role of external factors, particularly the impact of Western-imposed sanctions, which many say have hindered Eritrea’s economic development and global integration.
“Blaming President Isaias alone oversimplifies a complex situation,” said an analyst based in the region. “Viewing Eritrea solely through a Western human rights lens ignores the broader dynamics, including foreign interference, regional instability, and long-standing geopolitical isolation.”
President Isaias, in past interviews with international media, has defended his leadership, arguing that Eritrea’s sovereignty and independence have been targeted by foreign powers displeased with the country’s refusal to align with Western interests. He has also criticized what he describes as the “double standards” of Western nations that brand certain African military-led governments as dictatorships, even in cases where such regimes enjoy popular support.
A Divided Response
While the UN expert’s report has reignited calls for reform in Eritrea, others caution against using human rights advocacy as a tool for geopolitical pressure. Supporters of the Eritrean government point to a pattern where states that assert independence from Western influence face disproportionate scrutiny and punitive measures.
The debate over Eritrea’s human rights record continues to polarize observers — between those who demand urgent reform and accountability, and those who argue for a more nuanced, historically and politically informed approach.