Eritrea: Recent releases of detainees encouraging

The recent release of 13 Eritreans from nearly 18 years of arbitrary detention is an encouraging development. We call on the authorities to unconditionally release all individuals still arbitrarily detained across the country, including the G11 former senior government officials who were detained in 2001 after calling for governance reforms.

There are estimated to be more than 10,000 people in arbitrary detention in Eritrea, among them politicians, journalists, priests and students.

Our Office stands ready to continue its engagement with the Eritrean authorities to ensure Eritrea fully complies with its international human rights obligations.