or behavior. The Eritrean Police Force (EPF) also takes appropriate measures on any abuse
and violation of responsibility during active service, though the occurrence is minimal.
58. While investigation reports are forwarded to prosecutors directly, police stations are also
under the obligation to write an instant report to their higher officers on any measure and
operation. On this basis the inspection department routinely assesses the adherence of the
actions to the established legal provisions and rules of procedures. In the above context, any
detained or those appearing for questioning are informed and requested to forward any
claims of abuses, which after being registered in the Police Diary are forwarded to the
Inspector officers. Abuses are hence addressed whenever they surface but as mentioned
earlier are insignificant. In addition, an internal EPF bulletin is regularly circulated, reflecting
the best practices and problems and enables members to exchange experience.
59. As a result of the above development, and in spite of institutional and resource constraints,
law enforcement and protection of public safety is maintained successfully with the full
support of communities and citizens. Eritrea is a nation with a very low crime level and the
type and complexity in comparison to many countries is also negligible. The study by the
expert in NFPS (mentioned earlier in relation to corruption) presented in the International
Eritrean Studies Conference also reflects the truth that violent crime is also very low. It
further indicates the following facts on violent crime:
The data of recorded crimes of 24 years was found to be consistent and relevant to
determine minimum and maximum number of offences and trends
Marginal intervention activities have shown significant impacts in reducing crimes
When compared to other countries (comparative analysis of 27 countries across all
regions and various levels of development was made in the study), violent crime rates in
Eritrea is very low and not interlinked with corruption
The impact of violent crime on national development is minimal
Reports released by international organizations on crime in Eritrea also suffer from
methodological problems and don‟t reflect the reality in the country; these western
narratives have gone wild to label Eritrea as a high crime country, but the study shows
that actual homicide rate in Eritrea is one of the lowest in the world
60. The above facts show the importance of law enforcement in the enjoyment of human rights
in Eritrea. An important determinant factor in this regard is the ever growing
police/community relationship. The impact of this relationship in raising public
consciousness, responsibility and organizational capability to fight crime and corruption is
indeed very reassuring. In this respect, there are well established avenues for engagement and
consultations with the general public. The periodic seminars, publications geared towards
public awareness on law and order, on community responsibility, etc. are very effective.
These also edify the public at all levels and structures and create a platform to discuss
questions and matters brought about by individuals on any legal issue and public safety.
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