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Today or rather yesterday is going to be a good day and one to remember for a long time. In a 1994 decree, President Isaias Afwerki revoked Jehovah's Witnesses' citizenship because they remained neutral during the fight for independence, did not participate in the 1993 referendum, and conscientiously objected to military service. While the releases have been warmly welcomed, there is also speculation This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I urge the Eritrean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all of those who remain in prison because of their faith or belief. 1940s First communities of Jehovah's Witnesses are established in Eritrea. orange and black striped caterpillar australia; why is wcco off the air. Ive prayed for these brothers and sisters ( often by name ) for many years. All 52 Jehovahs Witnesses in prison in Eritrea have never been charged, appeared in court, or sentenced. [emailprotected] I wonder if we'll learn at a later time the gravity of this And it has happened so suddenly! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Jehovah's Witnesses Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam have been imprisoned in Eritrea since 1994. [2] Our Database is updated on a regular basis. I have not yet received a response from the Eritrean authorities. I am concerned that the conditions in the camp have impact on the right to education. "We also call for urgent action to arrest the unfolding crisis in Tigray, including by imposing arms embargoes on the warring parties, and sanctions on the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who bear ultimate responsibility for human rights violations that are allegedly being committed with impunity by their respective forces.". Afewerkis policy of restrictions is more about his fear that religion will mobilize people as a political force than religion per se. I remain willing to engage constructively with the Government of Eritrea on urgent human rights concerns. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam have been imprisoned in Eritrea since 1994. She saw trucks being loaded with boxes of looted items that were to be delivered to places in Eritrea. Eritrean officials declined to attend a July hearing before the commission, in which the prisoners' lawyers said they would like to discuss a resolution to the case. On 28 January 2021, in my letter to the Government of Ethiopia, I called on the Ethiopian authorities to protect the human rights of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in the Tigray region, and to ensure respect for their rights under human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law. Eritrea is the center point of some of the most intense persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in modern times. On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. In Eritrea, the report mentioned that 52 Jehovah's Witnesses were in jail (as mentioned earlier, 28 were released on December 4). On 18 December 2020, I requested an invitation to undertake an official visit to Eritrea in my capacity as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. Zenebu detailed how she looked on as she saw Eritrean soldiers loot the belongings from residents homes. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam members of the Jehovah Witness faith were arrested over 25 years ago for objecting to military service that goes against their religion. Currently, our jw.org lists 7 countries by name , and "other lands" , for a total of more than 165 brothers and sisters incarcerated. And the e re at from a list. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Parliament demanded that all prisoners of conscience in Eritrea be immediately and unconditionally released and that the Eritrean Government provide detailed information on the fate and whereabouts of all those deprived of physical liberty. I'm so excited for them and happy for those that have been waiting and waiting for them to come home. forcibly returned to Eritrea from two camps in Tigray, many of whom were allegedly Like many others imprisoned in Eritrea, detained Jehovahs Witnesses have no legal recourse and so cannot challenge their indefinite detention. Three brothersPaulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariamhave been in prison since September 1994, and the government has held another nine brothers for at least ten years. Woke up this morning and found out they were suddenly released! Paulos Eyasu, Negede Teklemariam, and Isaac Mogos are Jehovah's Witnesses and have been imprisoned because of their strongly held religious beliefs. My CO sentit to me. ", Tags: Eritrea, CSW, Ethiopia, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Mervyn Thomas, Eritrea: Catholic bishop and priests released from detention, "We are about to be silenced once more" - Christians in Tigray, London: Mayor Sadiq Khan, Boris Johnson, attend prayer service on anniversary of Ukraine invasion, Professor Ian Linden: Putin's war and South Africa. from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, close to the capital city, Asmara. I am also concerned about allegations of possible implication of Eritrean troops in cases of serious human rights violations, including acts of abductions, forceful or unvoluntary return of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers, and their imprisonment in different prisons in Eritrea. On 1 February 2021, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons near Asmara. The men's families appealed for help to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, but the Eritrean government has ignored their request to allow lawyers, family members, and doctors to visit the three prisoners. Jehovah's Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith By Location I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the ", CSW's Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: "CSW welcomes the release of these Christians in Eritrea, who were detained without charge or trial, and should never have been incarcerated. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that the Christians - 70 in total - came from evangelical and orthodox backgrounds, with prison sentences ranging from two to 12 years. On 27 January 2021, six female prisoners detained for worshipping in public in September 2020 in Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also released. This is fantastically great news when so little news is good. This year has really had a lot of unexpected events. Paulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, among others, have been imprisoned for over 20 years for their Christian faith. In Eritrea, Jehovahs Witnesses are in prison as conscientious objectors to military service, for holding underground religious meetings or for attempts to share their beliefs with others. On 1 February, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released Saddleback Church doubles down on support for female pastors, Mormonisms slow shift away from demonizing working mothers, Faith leaders urge Biden to sign executive order for reparations study by Juneteenth, For many congregations, wiping out medical debt has become a popular calling, Copyright 2020, Religion News Service. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariamhave been incarcerated in the Eritrea since 1994 Why can't the government allow them to take part in an alternative civilian service group to fulfil their obligation? I also received first-hand accounts of allegations of grave human rights and humanitarian law violations, including extra judicial killings, targeted abductions and forced return of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers to Eritrea, allegedly by Eritrean forces. ( sort of). The UN Human Rights Office and the mechanisms we support work on a wide range of human rights topics. Prior to independence, Eritrea allowed conscientious objectors to join an alternative civilian service group to fulfill their obligation.The Eritrean constitution, ratified in 1997, officially grants citizens the right to freedom of religion, but it has limitations. Jehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to work in government offices, and the state takes away their identity cards. On 1 February, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, close to the capital city, Asmara. We call on the not obscure the Eritrean regimes continued complicity in egregious violations The new president declared that Eritrean-born Jehovahs Witnesses were no longer considered citizens primarily because they stood firm to their position of Christian neutrality by refusing to take part in National Service. "Our families spent the whole evening together. All rights reserved. As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years. As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years.In addition, 39 men and 10 women who are Witnesses are also imprisoned. Since there are no effective domestic legal procedures or remedies available to them, their imprisonment amounts to a de facto life sentence. According to reports, four . Learn more about each topic, see who's involved, and find the latest news, reports, events and more. I too was thinking about that same thing, what significance is this for Jehovah? As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years.In addition, 39 men and 10 women who are Witnesses are also imprisoned. dallas stars skating academy ballet rosa ambassador. Now for the rest of our brothers and sister's to come on out!!! I have received information from credible sources that, as of November 2020, the situation of these refugees and asylum seekers has become more precarious and worrisome. By a presidential decree dated 25 October1994, President Afewerki revoked citizenship for Jehovahs Witnesses because they did not participate in the 1993 independence referendum and they are conscientious objectors to military service. They are now in their late 30's-early 40's and still in prison. In December, 24 Jehovah's Witnesses were freed, among them high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years., Although their release has been welcomed, CSW said it is possible that Eritrea is trying to deflect international attention away from its involvement in the ongoing war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, where Eritrean troops have been accused of acts of violence that may amount to war crimes or even genocide.. CSW's Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: "CSW welcomes the release of these Christians in Eritrea, who were detained without charge or trial, and should never have been incarcerated. Eritrea. Among other restrictions, Jehovahs Witnesses are not able to receive a full secular education, own a business, or travel outside of the country. Eritrea has been designated a "country of particular concern" by the State Department since 2004 because of its religious freedom abuses. One man who tried to escape from a military camp was kept in this position for two weeks, while a soldier who refused an order was tied for four hours. A Christian migrant from Eritrea shows a crucifix made of wood after she attended a Sunday mass at the makeshift church in "The New Jungle" near Calais, France, August 2, 2015. HRWF (04.12.2020) On December 4, 2020, 26 male and 2 female Jehovahs Witnesses in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. ( As I have their names memorized)! Amazing news! I remain willing to engage constructively with the Government of Eritrea on urgent human rights concerns. Why is same-sex marriage an issue in the election of the new Scottish First Minister? Sie wurden ohne Anklage oder Urteil festgehalten. I also ( suspiciously) wonder why this is happening now? Big cities run by Democrats for decades are now supposedly 'ungovernable', HBO's sexploitation is a workers' rights travesty, WATCH: Steven Spielberg likens rise in antisemitism to 'Germany in the '30s', AOC gloats after construction of Virginia Amazon headquarters delayed as company cuts jobs, Alex Murdaugh trial: Watch the key video that could've sealed guilty murder verdict. I also ( suspiciously) wonder why this is happening now? Powered by Invision Community. On 27 January 2021, six female prisoners detained for worshipping in public in September 2020 in Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also released. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is the leading United Nations entity in the field of human rights, with a unique mandate to promote and protect all human rights for all people. I know he has not done anything wrong, and he has been suffering for so long, it really breaks my heart. Is something happening on a global scale that we donot yet know about? However, this good news must not obscure the Eritrean regime's continued complicity in egregious violations of human rights, both within its own borders and now in Tigray. In this oral update, I request the Eritrean authorities to give me full access to refugees and asylum seekers allegedly held in various prisons inside Eritrea. Finally, since my appointment, I have not yet had the opportunity to meet with Eritrean officials. A positive development occurred in January 2016 when a court brought to trial the Witnesses arrested at the Memorial in Asmara in April 2014. Special Procedures, 46rd Session of the Human Rights Council. The intention was for everyone to see.. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam were detained on Sept. 17, 1994, apparently because they conscientiously objected to military service, according to a report published in August by the Jehovah's Witnesses' Office of Public Information. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. In March 2002, the country passed a referendum requiring all religious groups outside of the four largest the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Eritrean Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea and Sunni Islamto obtain yearly registrations. of all those detained arbitrarily on account of their religion or belief. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Known as the Tigray War, the armed conflict has been ongoing since last November between the Tigray Regional Government (led by the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front) and forces supportive of the Ethiopian government, which include military forces from Eritrea. Cant wait to hear more about this. In 2013, Amnesty International researcher Claire Beston called Eritrea "one of the most repressive, secretive and inaccessible countries in the world.". As of 1 June 2020, HRWF documented 55 cases of Jehovahs Witnesses in its Prisoners Database,[2] 46 men and 9 women. And when will the authorities release Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, three conscientious . 'Jesus Revolution' leaves out the tough stuff but gets the music right, Mark Wahlberg gives lessons on fasting during Lent, Sacked chaplain to appeal after losing employment tribunal case. Paulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, Negede Teklamarium most of all. On 4 December 2020, the government released 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea in her final statement to the UN Third Committee in New York in Last night I spoke to my husband about my prayers and what more I could say, as I had already given Jehovah several valid reasons why this matter had to come to a close. Jehovah's Witnesses are required to remain politically neutral as part of their faith, abstaining from voting, running for office and partaking in military service. And the e re at from a list. both had been extensively and deliberately destroyed. I have not yet received a response from the Eritrean authorities. Numerous Jehovahs Witnesses took part in these alternative options under different government administrations. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been. I have received information from credible sources that, as of November 2020, the situation of these refugees and asylum seekers has become more precarious and worrisome. Sign up now to get the Washington Examiners breaking news and timely commentary delivered right to your inbox. Wouldn't it be thrilling if Jehovah was securing their release because the Great Tribulation was about to start? Join us and make a difference. The trioidentified as Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariamhave been incarcerated in the East African nation since 1994, after refusing to partake in military service, part of their pacifist beliefs as Jehovah's Witnesses. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. The prisoners had been held without charge or trial for periods of between two and 12 years. As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years. Image copyright: Jehovah's Witnesses Office of Public Information. It is reported that approximately 60 to 65 per cent of students at Sawa do not obtain the results needed for further studies and are either drafted directly into military service or sent to vocational training programmes. unfolding crisis in Tigray, including by imposing arms embargoes on the warring According to the UN However, this good news must In my update today, I will focus on the (a) the human rights of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in the context of the ongoing Tigray crisis in Ethiopia, which added a new complicated dynamic in monitoring the human rights of the Eritrean people, and (b) the progress made in relation to the benchmarks set out in the reports of my predecessor. The Eritrean government's persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses goes back to the early 1990s, when the country became independent after a 1993 referendum. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. What's wrong with the House of Bishops' proposed same-sex prayers? ERITREA Our brothers Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam released after more than 26 years in prison. It is reported that approximately 60 to 65 per cent of students at Sawa do not obtain the results needed for further studies and are either drafted directly into military service or sent to vocational training programmes. Theshouts of praise and sayings of gratitude to Jehovah from his heavenly and earthly children!! Just shows how things can change for the better all of a sudden. Loopy The freed prisoners include six women who were arrested on a street after worshipping in public.. Dozens of Christians have been freed from prison in Eritrea after being held for years without charge.. While the releases have been warmly welcomed, there is also speculation that they mark the latest effort by the Eritrean regime to distract international attention from the country's active role in the ongoing war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, where Eritrean troops have been accused of violence which may amount to crimes against humanity, war crimes and possibly genocide. With no beauracracy or lengthy procedure - just released suddenly! Registered in England and Wales 5090917, Christian Today, International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, Evangelical church redirects payments after CofE gay blessing vote, Evangelical church pursues alternative oversight after CofE same-sex blessing vote. I am also concerned of the imapact of the national serice on the right to educaiton of Eritrean students. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. to the UN Third Committee in New York in October 2020. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea (Report A/HRC/41/53) May 16, 2019. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/G1914037.pdf. That was the last time I saw my friend. Three men, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been in prison for conscientious objection to compulsory military service since 17 September 1994. Therefore, they do not know when they will be released. The country lacks rule of law, a constitution and an independent judiciary to enforce the protection of and respect for human rights. "We feel deeply for Isaac, Negede, and Paulos, who have suffered harsh conditions for more than half their lives for refusing military service," Jehovah's Witnesses spokesperson Gilles Pichaud told Newsweek. Seventy Christians from evangelical and orthodox backgrounds, including women, have been released from three prisons in Eritrea, some after being held without charge for more than a decade, according to the U.K.-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". On 1 February 2021, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons near Asmara. Esteemed Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Since I started my mandate on 1 November 2020, I am monitoring the ongoing Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, which erupted on 4 November 2020, and its impact on the Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers. What a brilliant day this is for not just them but all of us that have prayed for them over the years. The national service requirements oblige all secondary school students in the country to complete their final year at the Warsai Yekalo Secondary School, located in the Sawa military camp, and to undertake mandatory military training for approximately five months of that year.