Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2005 - 2006
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Eritrea

In 2005, the Government of Eritrea’s record on human rights worsened as it further restricted basic freedoms. Religious freedom for congregations not registered with the Government was severely constrained, and the United States designated Eritrea as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for the second consecutive year. The Constitution, ratified in 1997, contains considerable safeguards for basic human rights, but remained unimplemented. National elections have not been held since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, and the Government prohibited the existence of any political party other than the ruling party. Parliament did not meet and continued to be more of a concept than a political reality. The Government strictly controlled the media, prohibited independent press from publishing or broadcasting in the country, and continued to detain several independent journalists arrested in 2001. Torture was used as a form of punishment on members of minority religious groups, national service evaders, and government critics. Two local Embassy employees arrested in October 2001 remained in prison. Two additional Embassy employees were detained on August 1; one was subsequently released, but the other continued to be held and denied due process. Lack of due process, arbitrary, and often prolonged detention without charge or trial, and poor prison conditions remained serious problems. The Government cited national security concerns as their primary justification for arresting and detaining individuals, and security forces frequently rounded up men and women for failing to meet national service requirements. In 2005, police and military personnel also began arresting and detaining the parents of national service dodgers, requiring parents to pay fines and also threatening prolonged detention unless their children met their service obligation.

The U.S. strategy to promote respect for human rights and democracy aimed to increase access to information, provide opportunities for dialogue, increase understanding of human rights, and provide the means for citizens to have more control over their daily lives.

While there was initial optimism over the possibility of an expanded bilateral dialogue between the United States and Eritrea on human rights and democracy, this did not occur in 2005. Eritrean Government officials, including the President, unapologetically made it clear that there would be little or no change in the country’s human rights practices until the border dispute with Ethiopia was resolved. In response, the United States made clear that the relationship could not progress until there was real dialogue and demonstrable progress on human rights.

In conversations with Eritrean officials at all levels, U.S. officials repeatedly stressed that addressing the Government’s human rights violations – particularly widespread arbitrary arrests and violations of basic liberties - was vital to improving bilateral ties. U.S. officials also consulted regularly with European diplomats, who have undertaken a formal dialogue with the Government in the context of the EU-Africa, Caribbean , Pacific Cotonou agreement, to ensure a coordinated and consistent international message.

Since February 2004, the Government has imposed restrictions on movement outside of the Makaal region for all NGOs and the diplomatic corps. The Government seized vehicles of aid donors, including those of the UN and the United States . In July 2005, the Government requested the termination of U.S. development activities in Eritrea . The United States phased out development operations by December 2005, and only a small humanitarian liaison office remained as of February 2006.

The termination of U.S. development activities, many of which directly or indirectly supported the U.S. human rights strategy, resulted in fewer resources and opportunities to address human rights through programmatic means. However, the Embassy nonetheless increased its outreach by expanding its American Corner program, extending Internet access hours at the American Center and focusing resources more closely on women, minorities, and Muslim majority communities.
Through the American Center and two American Corners in Keren and Masawa, the Embassy provided access to materials on U.S. values, policies, and culture, as well as daily press releases and free access to the Internet. The Embassy also provided media materials to Embassy contacts. In a country with no independent media, these tools proved vital in promoting democracy and appreciation of human rights through greater access to information from the outside world.

In an effort to build support for democratic reform and human rights among Eritrea ’s opinion leaders, the Embassy held regular functions for alumni of U.S. exchange programs to promote discussion of U.S. culture, democracy, human rights, and other issues. The Embassy arranged speaking engagements featuring U.S.-based speakers and broadcasts of the Africa Journal. The Embassy recruited Government officials and others for the International Visitors Leadership Programs.

The United States sought to increase citizens’ political and economic participation. Three U.S.-funded NGOs supported community development programs that extended opportunities for grassroots participation by working with parent-teacher associations, water associations, and local health committees.

The United States funded a program to train workers to fight the stigma of HIV/AIDS in society. The Embassy also addressed Eritrea ’s high rate of female genital mutilation by funding high school clubs to educate and build awareness on the issue among youth through the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students.

U.S. officials continued to engage a wide range of Government officials and members of minority religious groups in an effort to promote greater respect for religious freedom. The United States imposed sanctions in response to the Government’s continuing severe violation of religious freedom. U.S. officials consistently emphasized the importance of religious liberty for all faiths, including religious minorities. The Embassy worked with Government officials to promote the creation of mechanisms promoting interfaith dialogue, and support low-key visitors who could address legal and other aspects of respecting minority religious rights; however, this did not occur.

 

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