The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Default user image.

Sara Arapiles

Postdoc

Default user image.

Enslaved by their Own Government: Indefinite National Service in Eritrea

Author

  • Sara Arapiles

Editor

  • Mirjam van Reisen
  • Munyaradzi Mawere
  • Klara Smits
  • Morgane Wirtz

Summary, in English

Eritreans are currently forcefully conscripted into national service, which is indefinite and requires them to engage in tasks that are beyond a ‘purely military character’. These include economic development activities, work for private companies and even domestic work for their superiors, for which they receive little or no pay. Deserting or evading national service is heavily punished and refugees describe being tortured and detained in inhumane conditions. The control exercised over conscripts deprives them of their individual liberty and autonomy, leaving many in a state of ‘false consciousness’, even years after having left Eritrea. This enables the government to exercise 'powers attaching to the right of ownership’ over them. This chapter finds that this level of control constitutes slavery under international law.

Publishing year

2023

Language

English

Pages

195-254

Publication/Series

Enslaved Trapped and Trafficked in Digital Black Hole: Human Trafficking Trajectories to Libya

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Langaa RPCIG

Topic

  • Law

Keywords

  • Human rights
  • Slavery
  • Eritrea
  • Refugees
  • Mänskliga rättigheter

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISBN: 9789956553129