[Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

ERITREA (Tier 3) – Extracted in part from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of Eritrea does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and, even considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any, on its anti-trafficking capacity, is not making significant efforts to do so; therefore Eritrea remained on Tier 3. During the reporting period, there was a government policy or pattern of forced labor in its compulsory National Service, local citizen militia, and in public works projects. The government continued to exploit its nationals in forced labor, via its compulsory National Service and local citizen militia, by forcing them to serve for indefinite or otherwise arbitrary periods. Officials did not demobilize most individuals from government work units after their mandatory period of service, but rather the government forced citizens to serve indefinitely under threats of detention, torture, or familial reprisal. Additionally, the government directed policies that perpetuated the mobilization of children for forced labor in public works projects, usually within the agricultural sector, during the student summer work program, locally known as Maetot. The government did not demonstrate any efforts to address human trafficking.

Prioritized Recommendations

Enforce existing limits on the length of active National Service to 18 months (as set forth in the Proclamation of National Service 11/199) and demobilize individuals who have exceeded the service limit.

End government policies or actions that compel the mobilization of forced labor within the summer student work program.

Cease the unlawful recruitment or use of children by armed forces and provide appropriate protection services to demobilized child soldiers.

Enact and implement an anti-trafficking law that criminalizes all forms of trafficking and prescribes penalties that are sufficiently stringent and, with respect to sex trafficking, commensurate with those prescribed for other grave crimes.

Develop and implement procedures to identify trafficking victims and refer all victims to services.

Extend existing labor protections to persons performing National Service and other mandatory citizen duties.

Allow Eritreans to choose their form of work and leave their employment at will.

Train government officials at all levels to identify, investigate, and prosecute trafficking crimes.

Partner with international organizations and NGOs to combat human trafficking.