GENEVA, Dec 15, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The United Nations on Monday called for the 
unconditional release of the estimated 10,000 people arbitrarily detained in 
Eritrea, including politicians, journalists and students.

The Horn of Africa country has been ruled with an iron fist by President 
Isaias Afwerki, 79, since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, and ranks near 
the bottom of every rights indicator.

"The recent release of 13 Eritreans from nearly 18 years of arbitrary 
detention is an encouraging development," UN human rights office spokesman 
Seif Magango said in a statement.

"We call on the authorities to unconditionally release all individuals still 
arbitrarily detained across the country, including the G11 former senior 
government officials who were detained in 2001 after calling for governance 
reforms."

The NGO Human Rights Concern-Eritrea last week welcomed the release earlier 
this month of 13 people, including an ex-Olympian and former police officers, 
who had been imprisoned without charge, trial, or access to a lawyer.

It said during their detention in Mai Serwa prison, near the capital Asmara, 
some had been confined to metal containers where temperatures fluctuated 
between extreme heat and bitter cold.

Dissenting voices in the country, home to around 3.5 million people, 
disappear into prison camps, and civilians face military conscription or 
forced labour.

"There are estimated to be more than 10,000 people in arbitrary detention in 
Eritrea, among them politicians, journalists, priests and students," said 
Magango.

"Our office stands ready to continue its engagement with the Eritrean 
authorities to ensure Eritrea fully complies with its international human 
rights obligations."