Eritrea

East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes

Eritrea

UNHCR in Eritrea continues to pursue constructive engagement with national counterparts, as the country expands access to essential services - including healthcare, education, water, and sanitation - while strengthening social protection systems and community resilience.

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Greece. Refugees on Kos island find employment in the tourism sector.

Abdirahman, a refugee from Eritrea, works as a waiter for an hotel on Kos island, Greece. He especially enjoys serving ice cream to children and seeing their smiles. Through job fairs organized by UNHCR and partners, refugees from island camps are connecting with employers - particularly in the tourism sector - fostering inclusion and self-reliance.

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Key statistics

135

people were displaced or stateless (or returning from forced displacement) within the country at the end of 2024

663,085

Eritreans were refugees, asylum-seekers or in need of international protection worldwide at the end of 2024

$5.8 million

are needed in 2025 to ensure that operations and programmes in Eritrea are sustained

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Eritrea continued to make notable progress in 2024 toward expanding access to essential services, including healthcare, education, water, and sanitation, with growing efforts to strengthen social protection and resilience.

The country’s strategic role in the Horn of Africa gained visibility through its leadership in the Egyptian-Somali-Eritrean alliance, a development seen as a positive force for regional stability and economic cooperation. While economic challenges persist, compounded by global shocks and climate impacts, there is growing interest in fostering development opportunities, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the population resides.

In response to the Sudan crisis, Eritrea welcomed those fleeing conflict, providing shelter and access to basic services in host communities, particularly in the Gash Barka region.

UNHCR continues to seek pathways for constructive engagement with national counterparts, building on improved collaboration with the UN Country Team and the support of regional partners. Despite remaining challenges in asylum governance, there is renewed momentum to strengthen protection frameworks and re-establish partnerships that support the needs of displaced populations and host communities alike.