Eritrea, the often overlooked neighbour of Sudan and Ethiopia, has been considered one of Africa’s most authoritarian states for most of its short independent history since 1993. Arbitrary detentions, executions and forced labour under the guise of indefinite mandatory military service for all have driven hundreds of thousands of Eritreans to flee the country. But along the arduous route through Sudan and Northern Africa, many refugees are subject to even more abuses, with few they can turn to for help.
One of those they can turn to, however, is Meron Estefanos, one of the most prolific voices for the rights of Eritrean refugees and exiles. In this podcast, Meron speaks with us about the situation in Eritrea, the terrible things many refugees go through and what it means to be an advocate for those that are mostly unheard on the international stage.
Sources & further information
Documentaries
Undercover: Africa’s Secret State / Escaping Eritrea (2021)
By Evan Williams for Frontline Series and Dispatches
A rare and powerful look inside Eritrea, one of the most tightly controlled countries on earth, highlighting the voices of people who have endured unimaginable repression and hardship
Available online on Channel 4 (free account required), German- and French-language version available on Arte.tv (regional restrictions apply)
Sound of Torture (2013)
By Keren Shayo
The film intimately follows our interview partner Meron Estefanos in her daily life and work, calling Eritrean refugees held hostage in torture camps.
Available on Amazon Prime or Netflix in certain locations, can be purchased on YouTube
FURTHER SOURCES
Reports by the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea (2015/2016)
The reports of the COI on Eritrea represent one of the most comprehensive sources about the scope of human rights abuses committed by the Eritrean government.
The full reports, including sources and documentation, are available on the website of the UN Human Rights Council