IFOR raises concern at the UN over forced conscription in Eritrea

IFOR participated in the General Debate which took place at the UN during the 49th session of the Human Rights Council, concerning item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council's attention.

IFOR has delivered a statement concerning forced conscription in Eritrea and related issues such as the violation of the right to conscientious objection, the armed conflict in Ethiopia and the refugees rights for the Eritrean fleeing from the indefinite National Service and looking for protection abroad.

Human Rights Council, 49th session 

Geneva, 21st March 2022 

Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council's attention 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr. President, 

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR is extremely concerned about the ongoing conflict  in Ethiopia which is exacerbating conditions for those who have been forcibly conscripted and those  who evade conscription in Eritrea, as reported by the Special Rapporteur.1 

IFOR is concerned about the use of forced conscription in Eritrea, as well as the abuse inflicted on  draft evaders and conscripts alike. 

We restate the concern regarding Eritrean migrants and refugees who often flee from the system of an  indefinite National Service which presents practices that in many cases amount to forced labour.  We call on the international community to protect refugees and to withdraw from practices which  reinforce such a system. 

As we refer to Eritrean conscientious objectors, we cannot forget about the many others who are  refusing to kill in other war contexts, such as in the armed conflict in Ukraine, and are looking for  protection abroad. 

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a non-derogable right and, as is freedom of expression,  it continues to apply in situations of armed conflict. 

We call on this Council to promptly address its attention and take action on this serious human rights  situation. 

Thank you.