According to a report by the human rights organization Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE), more than 3000 Eritrean refugees have been arrested in Egypt since January 10. Witnesses have reported severe mistreatment, including beatings, branding, and sexual violence. The situation highlights the dire conditions faced by Eritrean refugees, who flee their home country largely due to oppressive government policies including indefinite military service.

Eritrea, home to approximately 3.5 million people, has been criticized internationally for its repressive regime under President Isaias Afewerki, who has not held open elections since taking power in 1993. The mass arrests in Egypt, which appear to have escalated in recent months, are part of a disturbing trend where many refugees are being deported back to Eritrea despite being registered with the UN Refugee Agency. This raises significant concerns about the safety and treatment of these individuals upon their return.

The collaboration between the Egyptian and Eritrean governments has increased in recent years, largely due to mutual interests, but the implications for human rights are grave. If such trends continue, it could signal a dire situation for refugees in Egypt, increasing calls for international intervention and accountability for human rights violations.