Risks for Eritrean Refugees in Egypt

23 February 2026London, 23 February, 2026 — Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE) is deeply alarmed by escalating reports of mass arrests, alleged torture, sexual violence, and deportation risks facing Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt since 10 January 2026.

Based on testimonies, documentation, and photographic evidence received from Cairo, HRCE has documented the following patterns:

  • Beatings and burns inflicted with hot water and corrosive substances.
  • Extortion of money under threat of further harm.
  • Denial of medical treatment.
  • Reports of sexual violence against detainees.
  • Transfers of detainees to the Eritrean Embassy for travel documentation processing.
  • Reports that some individuals may already have been deported.
  • Estimates suggesting that over 3,000 Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers may currently be detained. 

Reports of the deaths of two young children following the arrest of their mother, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

Some of the individuals concerned were reportedly registered with UNHCR at the time of arrest.

If confirmed, these developments raise serious concerns under international refugee law, including violations of the principle of non-refoulement and protections against arbitrary detention and torture.

Given that some individuals are reportedly still detained, identifying details have been withheld for security reasons. 

HRCE urgently calls upon:

  • UNHCR to intervene immediately to prevent deportations.
  • The Government of Egypt to uphold its obligations under international refugee law.
  • International human rights organisations and UN mechanisms to monitor and respond without delay.

Immediate protective action is critical. 

Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE)
+44 (0)7958 005 637 
eritrea.facts@gmail.com
www.hrc-eritrea.org