CLEAN : Eritrea haemorrhaging youth fleeing atrocities Amnesty

The video discusses the severe political repression in Eritrea, where there are no opposition parties, independent media, or civil society, and many are detained without charge. Despite no ongoing conflict, Eritreans are the third largest group crossing the Mediterranean, indicating the harsh living conditions. National service is compulsory and often indefinite, leading to forced labor. Many Eritreans seek asylum abroad, but are often misclassified as economic migrants, despite fleeing human rights violations.

What are some of the factors contributing to the high number of Eritreans crossing the Mediterranean Sea?

• Ongoing armed conflict in Eritrea

• Eritrea's large population

• High levels of political repression

• Abundant job opportunities abroad

How long is the national service in Eritrea supposed to last, and what is the reality for many conscripts?

• 6 months, often extended to 1 year

• 12 months, often extended to 2 years

• 18 months, often extended indefinitely

• 24 months, often extended to 5 years

What is one of the main economic challenges faced by Eritrean conscripts?

• Lack of access to education

• Inability to find jobs after service

• High cost of living in Eritrea

• Low pay during national service

Why do some countries reject Eritrean asylum seekers, and what is the counterargument?

• They are labeled as students; however, they are looking for jobs.

• They are viewed as tourists; however, they are escaping war.

• They are considered political refugees; however, they are seeking better education.

• They are seen as economic migrants; however, they are fleeing human rights violations.

What percentage of Eritrean asylum cases were rejected by the United Kingdom in the last six months?

• 34%

• 74%

• 84%

• 64%