Sunday 17 May
Give thanks that, late last year, the government of Eritrea released 177 Christians who had been arbitrarily detained for between three and five years. However, most were only freed after signing documents confessing to the ‘crime’ of belonging to an unregistered denomination, and agreeing to be punished if they returned to it.
Monday 18 May
For the past 24 years, Eritrea has outlawed all religious practices not affiliated with the Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran or Orthodox Christian denominations, or Sunni Islam. Those who belong to unregistered groups outside of these denominations are extremely vulnerable to mistreatment. Pray for protection today.
Tuesday 19 May
Ahead of the 62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in June, pray that the Council would renew and resource the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea, to ensure continued international scrutiny of the situation of human rights in the country.
Wednesday 20 May
‘The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry’ (Psalm 34:15). Pray that Christians in Eritrea – especially those in lengthy arbitrary detention – would feel seen, heard and helped by the Lord today.
Thursday 21 May
Next month marks a decade since a UN Commission of Inquiry presented its significant final report to the Human Rights Council. The Commission found reasonable grounds to believe that Eritrean officials had committed crimes against humanity in a ‘widespread and systematic manner’ since 1991. Pray for accountability today.
Friday 22 May
Most crimes against humanity are committed largely within the context of Eritrea’s indefinite military service regime. Lift up in prayer those who have been forcibly conscripted, who receive minimal wages and are regularly mistreated or subjected to forced labour.
Saturday 23 May
Today marks 22 years since the Eritrean authorities arrested two prominent religious leaders: Reverend Haile Naizge and Dr Kuflu Gebremeskel. They have been detained incommunicado ever since. Pray freedom for every prisoner of conscience in Eritrea.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/Eritrea