Resource Information Center: Eritrea
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| Response to Information Request Number: | ERT99001.ZAR |
|---|---|
| Date: | 9 November 1998 |
| Subject: | Eritrea: Information on Eritreans who have completed National Service being recalled for military duty during the current border dispute with Ethiopia |
| From: | INS Resource Information Center, Washington, DC |
| Keywords: | Eritrea/ Ethiopia/ armed forces/ military service/ military training/ conscription/ national defense/ conscientious objection |
Query:
Are Eritreans who have completed military service being recalled for military duty in the border dispute with Ethiopia? If so, what punishment might a person face if he or she does not report for recall?
Response:
According to the Eritrean Embassy, individuals who have completed their military service may be recalled into service up to the age of 45. Some individuals have been called into service due to the current conflict. Those who try to avoid the recall will be treated as draft-evaders. Jehovah¿s witnesses are able to avoid their initial service on the grounds of conscientious objection. However, individuals who have already performed their military service are not able to claim conscientious objection for a recall during a conflict because they did not object to the initial military service (Embassy of Eritrea 9 Nov. 1998).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RIC within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References:
Ambassy of Eritrea, Washington, DC. Telephone interview. 9 November 1998.
Other Sources Consulted / Attachments:
Africa News Service (ANS). June 13, 1998. "Ethiopia Questions Military Trained Eritreans."
Agence France Presse (AFP). June 20, 1998. "Eritreans Expelled by Ethiopia Return to a Hero¿s Welcome."
Agence France Presse (AFP). June 18, 1998. "Eritreans Under Suspicion in Ethiopia."
Associated Press (AP). May 28, 1998. "Eritrean Vets Mobilized; Ethiopia Warns of War."