We are Eritrean organizations and concerned individuals that are distressed about the ongoing harassment, indiscriminate arrest and extortion of Eritreans by police in Sudan.

Currently, Eritrean women, children and the elderly are arbitrarily  arrested. Roundups and arrests include Eritreans with valid UNHCR registration cards, and holders of foreign passports who are  visiting families in Sudan. There are also many Eritrean refugees whose papers have expired because, since the transitional government's formation, the Eritrean refugees cannot renew their papers. This has posed a serious problem for many refugees. We have also received reports of the arrest and detention, rape, sold to Libya / smuggling/ human traffickers and abandonment of children of Eritreans, including some with Sudanese nationality. The indiscriminate harassment and arrest of Eritreans in Sudan are taking place in the following areas:

 

Khartoum:

1. Gism Nizam Al- Aam
2. Merkeba Sug Al Arebi Ajanb
3. Al Huda Detention Center (Um Durman- this is for detainees who could not afford to pay to be released.)
4. Al- Entzar Detention Center (this is for women who could not afford to pay to be released).
 

 

The round-up and arrest of Eritreans started in January 2022. First, the victims are held in Alarabidetention facility in Khartoum pending the payment of their ransom. They are forced to pay over $1200 Dollars ( 712,200 Sudanese pounds) for their release with no guarantee that they will not be detained and required to pay again. As a result, many Eritreans have been arrested multiple times. Each time, they are forced to pay for their release. Those who cannot pay are transferred to Al Huda and Al- Entzar Detention Center.

 

In addition to the violence inflicted on Eritreans at the time of arrest, we also have reports that while in detention, Eritreans, both men and women, have suffered sexual violence. At the same time, Eritreans have become prey to thieves who rob them by pretending to be members of the police force or the security force.

 

Eritreans are seeking safety and refuge in Sudan; they are fleeing their home country to escape human rights abuses and violations, including arbitrary detention, restrictions on rights of freedom of expression, association, religion, and belief; and forced labor. However, recent events mean that Eritreans are not safe in Sudan. As a signatory of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 protocol; and the 1969 AU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, Sudan has a responsibility to ensure the safety of Eritreans who are seeking protection from abuse inflicted by their own country.    `.

 

  Therefore, we ask the Sudanese Government to urgently uphold its obligations and:

 

a) Renew all refugee status documentation.

b) Release all detained Eritreans, including Eritrean refugees, who are not held for legally justified reason.
c) Hold to account, those officials who have engaged in the harassment and arbitrary detention of Eritreans.
d) Ensure that Eritreans in Sudan enjoy safety and security as per international standards.

 

Yours sincerely

George Ghebreslassie, founder and director of Surbana Medias and Community Services, Inc