ICERAS

This Guidance Note supersedes UNHCR’s Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International
Protection Needs of Asylum-Seekers from Eritrea of April 2011.1

2. Since its independence in 1993, Eritrea has been governed by the People’s Front for Democracy and
   Justice (PFDJ), headed by President Isaias Afwerki, who serves as both Head of State and Head of
   Government.2 No elections have been held since 1993.3
3. In 2002, the arbitral award by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission regarding the delimitation and
   demarcation of the border between the two countries was not implemented in full,4 which led to an
   impasse, referred to by Eritrea as a situation of “no war, no peace”.5 The Government of Eritrea
   therefore adopted a strategy focusing on national security and self-reliance, in pursuit of which it
   consolidated power in the Executive branch, suspended the nation’s Constitution, curtailed civil
   liberties, suspended the National Assembly, extended national service, postponed electoral processes,
   and incarcerated individuals without legal recourse on grounds of treason.6 While relations with Ethiopia
   thawed in 2018,7 more recently concerns have arisen about renewed tensions between the two
   countries.8
4. Eritrea reportedly continues to place restrictions on the enjoyment of basic human rights, including the
   rights to freedom of opinion, religion, and expression,9 with particular concerns having been expressed
   about human rights violations in the context of Eritrea’s national service.10 The Special Rapporteur for
   the situation of human rights in Eritrea stated in May 2025: “Eritrea has yet to establish credible and
   effective mechanisms capable of addressing the prevailing impunity and providing redress to victims.
   This persistent failure to ensure accountability not only undermines the rule of law, but also signals
   tolerance for human rights violations, emboldening perpetrators and perpetuating cycles of abuse.”11 readmore