Why do people flee Eritrea?

At Asylum and Refugee Care (AARC), we support individuals and families from various countries who seek asylum in the UK. One of the most common places people come from is Eritrea, a small nation in the Horn of Africa. But why do so many Eritreans embark on such a long and dangerous journey to reach the UK? To understand their reasons, we need to look at the harsh realities that many face in their home country.

Eritrea: A Country in Crisis

Eritrea has been described as one of the most repressive countries in the world. The government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, has held power since 1993 and rules with an iron fist. Basic freedoms such as freedom of speech, the press, and assembly are severely restricted. Those who speak out against the regime or criticise its policies are often imprisoned, tortured, or disappear without a trace.

A key reason many Eritreans flee is the country’s national service programme. Officially, it’s a requirement for all citizens to serve 18 months, but in reality, many are forced into indefinite conscription that can last for decades. Conditions in national service are notoriously brutal, with conscripts facing physical abuse, lack of pay, poor living conditions, and forced labour. This system, which affects both men and women, is often compared to modern-day slavery.

Human Rights Violations and Fear of Persecution

Eritrea is notorious for human rights abuses. According to the United Nations, crimes against humanity have been committed by Eritrean authorities, including enslavement, torture, rape, and murder. Those who attempt to escape the country are often considered traitors, and their families back home may face retaliation, such as imprisonment or financial penalties. Religious persecution is also rampant, especially for Christians who do not belong to the state-recognised denominations.

The Journey to the UK

For many Eritreans, the decision to leave is not taken lightly. The journey to safety is perilous, often involving dangerous crossings through Sudan, Libya, and across the Mediterranean Sea. Migrants are frequently at the mercy of human traffickers and smugglers, facing further abuse, exploitation, and even death.

Yet despite the risks, many Eritreans choose to make the journey to the UK. Some have family connections here, while others are drawn by the UK’s reputation for respecting human rights and offering protection to those fleeing persecution. Nearly all arrive in the UK with little more than the clothes on their backs, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.

How AARC Supports Eritrean Asylum Seekers

At AARC, we understand the profound challenges Eritrean people seeking asylum face. Many of those we support have endured traumatic experiences both in Eritrea and on their journey to the UK. Our goal is to help them feel safe and secure, offering practical assistance such as clothing, access to healthcare, and connections to community groups. We also provide support to help them navigate the asylum process, access trauma counselling, and integrate into life in Scotland.

Eritrean people seeking asylum, like all those who seek refuge, are simply searching for safety and the opportunity to live free from fear and repression. Through our work at AARC, we aim to support them on their journey towards rebuilding their lives in a place where they can finally feel at home.