Eritrea: Information on the treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses, including whether their churches are being closed, and the are being denied their rights and privileges as Eritrean citizens
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 February 1997 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ERT26113.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Eritrea: Information on the treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses, including whether their churches are being closed, and the are being denied their rights and privileges as Eritrean citizens, 1 February 1997, ERT26113.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abb15a.html [accessed 7 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
An article in the March-April 1995 issue of the Horn of Africa Bulletin, states that Jehovah's Witnesses refused to participate in the struggle for Eritrea's liberation and in the referendum for the secession of Eritrea from Ethiopia (6). As a result the government dismissed Jehovah's Witnesses from their jobs, and they "lost their right of citizenship as a result of not recognizing the government of Eritrea and accepting its laws" (ibid., 6).
The July-August 1995 issue of the same source states that President Isayas Aferwerki met religious leaders to brief them on government policy regarding the role of religious institutions (7). The president reportedly told the religious leaders to refrain from participation in political activities or the establishment of relations with foreign governments (ibid.).
Country Reports 1996, corroborates the above information and adds that in 1994 the government reportedly revoked Jehovah's Witnesses trading licenses and dismissed those who worked for the civil service (1997, n.p). This source furthers states that as a result of not participating in the national service or voting in the referendum, the lives of Jehovah's Witnesses have become proscribed (ibid.). "In addition to the Government's continued denial of passports, Jehovah's Witnesses are also denied identification cards, trading licenses, and government housing" (ibid.). Meetings in private homes, however, reportedly are not prohibited (ibid.).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Horn of Africa Bulletin [Uppsala]. July-August 1995.Vol. 7. No. 4., p.6). "Jehovah's Witnesses Have Lost Citizenship Rights."
Horn of Africa Bulletin [Uppsala]. Mar-Apr. 1995. Vol. 7. No. 2, p. 7. "President Tells Religious Organizations to Stay out of Politics."
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 1996. (Internet: http: www.state.gov).
Attachments
Horn of Africa Bulletin [Uppsala]. July-August 1995.Vol. 7. No. 4., p.6). "Jehovah's Witnesses Have Lost Citizenship Rights."
Horn of Africa Bulletin [Uppsala]. Mar-Apr. 1995. Vol. 7. No. 2, p. 7. "President Tells Religious Organizations to Stay out of Politics."
