Eritrea

Eritrea persists in violating fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression, opinion, and religion, mainly through intensified limitations linked to compulsory mass conscription. These violations of fundamental rights include widespread detentions, prolonged arbitrary arrests without access to legal representation, judicial assessment, or family visits, some of which have lasted for several years. Additionally, the government has been accused of denying and detaining individuals based on their religious affiliations.

Pray for those suffering under physical oppression in Eritrea, for the Lord is the stronghold of the oppressed (The Holy Bible, Psalms 9:9).

The northeast African country of Eritrea is situated on the Red Sea coast. Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti are the bordering countries. Asmara is the capital city and is famous for structures built during colonial rule by Italy. The country is ruled by a totalitarian regime and people are controlled by stern government norms. It seems to be an apt description of Eritrea that it has been compared to the worst rule in North Korea as “hermit kingdom”. In Eritrea everything is secretive and it is the most isolated country in the world. The Churches operating with approval are under the direct tight control of the government. Even the messages delivered there are constantly monitored. Terrible oppressive rule has displaced many people and many had to flee the country. Christian Believers have faced immense opposition that they had to run away from the volatile places. It is a very sad situation in Eritrea that even while half the population are Christians, extreme persecution is prevailing to the most.