UN Presses Eritrea to Free Estimated 10,000 Detainees After Limited December Release
The UN rights office calls the liberation of 13 long‑held prisoners an encouraging step that underscores a wider crisis of arbitrary detention.
Overview
- The UN human rights office said more than 10,000 people are believed to be held arbitrarily in Eritrea, including politicians, journalists, priests and students.
- Officials urged the unconditional release of all remaining detainees, explicitly naming the G11 arrested in 2001 after calling for governance reforms.
- Eritrea recently freed 13 people detained for nearly 18 years, with a UK-based group reporting they had no charge, trial or access to lawyers and included an ex-Olympian and former police officers.
- Human rights groups describe harsh conditions at sites such as Mai Serwa prison, including confinement in metal shipping containers exposed to extreme temperatures.
- The UN said it stands ready to continue engagement with Eritrean authorities to secure compliance with international human rights obligations under President Isaias Afwerki's long rule.