Since Eritrea gained independence in 1991, its government has grown increasingly ruthless. Ten years ago they banned all churches except those belonging to three denominations, forbidding them from meeting together under any circumstances.

Up to 3,000 Christians are estimated to be imprisoned – including hundreds from one of the three approved denominations.

Conditions are appalling, with some prisoners locked in metal shipping containers in the scorching desert heat, or kept in cramped underground cells. When the UN decided last July to appoint a Special Rapporteur to investigate Eritrea’s human rights situation, we were so overjoyed! CSW has campaigned for this for many years, so it was an astonishing breakthrough.

THIS WEEK PLEASE:

• Please pray that Eritrea would allow the Special Rapporteur inside the country to report on the true situation,
• Pray that God would give wisdom and discernment to the Special Rapporteur when dealing with Eritrean officials,
• Pray that the voices of Eritrea’s people would clearly be heard at the UN now that the Special Rapporteur has been appointed,
• Use the information above to inspire further personal and group prayer.