Anti Slavery campaigners deeply concerned about the impact of another war on the people of Eritrea

(Geneva 13-06-2016) Stop Slavery in Eritrea is deeply concerned about reports, this weekend, regarding clashes on the Ethiopia/Eritrea border. The clashes come days after the UN commission of Inquiry reported serious crimes against humanity in Eritrea including the enslavement of 300,000–400,000 people  enslaved through the compulsory and indefinite national service.

Meanwhile in Asmara the capital, and all around the country families are mourning the death of hundreds of refugees, including very young children, who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea whilst fleeing the deteriorating situation in the country.

Escalating war would be catastrophic to a people who have been facing heinous crimes for many years. The death and destruction of Eritreans should be averted at any cost and we call on the UN, EU and the AU to use their influence in averting escalation to heightened hostilities that could lead to the situation in 1998 -2000 where over 100,000 people perished from both sides of the conflict.

Eritreans deserve to live free from fear of war and crimes against humanity. They should be given opportunity to rebuild their blighted lives.

Stop Slavery in Eritrea is a campaign ran by former recruits of the National Service in Eritrea against the indefinite national service in Eritrea

For more information please contact Zara Tewelde Birhan on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or on Phone +44 7793469862