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Recognition of religion or belief in Eritrea

According to the SRR, conditions for RoRB in the State of Eritrea are classified terminal.

Recognition of religion or belief in Eritrea

Overview:


  • Existential recognition is extended to the denominations of Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Evangelical Lutheranism, Roman Catholicism, and Sunni Islam; these groups do not necessarily receive state privilege.

  • Recognition and registration are differentiated but this differentiation is used as part of a system of partial recognition in which only four denominations are able to access recognition.

  • Government outlaws adherence to any group it does not recognise while also severely restricts and involves itself in the activities those groups it does recognise.

  • Informational requirements for applicant groups are excessive and used against group to ensure the rejection of their application.

  • No additions to the four recognised denominations have been made since 2002.

  • Restrictions are placed on movement for citizens, particularly to depart the country which asks for religious affiliation; whether declaration of affiliation inhibits foreign travel remains unknown.

  • The rule of mandatory registration is a violation of the Bielefeldt provision.

  • Arrests of religious minorities are regular.


Positive elements:


  • Nil.


Recommendations:


  • Reduce the informational requirements imposed on groups.

  • Revoke the mandatory registration law and other restrictions placed on the recognition system.

RoRB Topic
RoRB Compliance
RoRB Classification
Title
Country or territory
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