The Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation of the inhumane treatment of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea, following the recent landmark ruling by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) that Eritrea has violated the fundamental human rights of these individuals. The commission’s decision, issued on August 20, 2025, highlights the unjust 26-year imprisonment of three Jehovah’s Witnesses and ongoing persecution that contravene international human rights norms and principles.
Call to the Government of Eritrea
The Washington Centre calls upon the Government of Eritrea to immediately release all Jehovah’s Witnesses held solely for practicing their faith and to end its systematic violations, which include unlawful detention, denial of basic civil liberties, religious discrimination, and inhumane prison conditions.
Appeal to International Bodies
We further urge the African Union, United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, to take resolute steps to hold Eritrea accountable.
Need for Global Pressure
The international community must strengthen diplomatic and economic pressure to ensure compliance with the ACHPR’s directives and to uphold the universal right to freedom of religion or belief. Prolonged arbitrary detention on the basis of religious conviction is a stark affront to the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both of which Eritrea is legally bound to respect.
Importance of Monitoring and Accountability
The Washington Centre emphasizes the importance of transparent monitoring and reporting mechanisms to safeguard the wellbeing of Jehovah’s Witnesses and all religious minorities within Eritrea. We advocate for a coordinated multilateral response, including targeted sanctions against Eritrean officials responsible for ongoing abuses and the provision of humanitarian support to affected communities.
Washington Centre’s Commitment
The tragic plight of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eritrea represents a critical test of the international human rights framework’s effectiveness and the moral responsibility of global actors to prevent religious persecution. The Washington Centre reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and fostering inclusive policies that protect human dignity and freedom everywhere.