Vanessa Tsehaye: The Eritrean Movement for Freedom

Vanessa Tsehaye is a prominent human rights activist and founder of the Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (EMDHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Eritrea. Born in Eritrea, Tsehaye was forced to flee the country in 2010 after speaking out against the government’s human rights abuses and political repression.

Tsehaye’s journey to becoming a human rights activist began when she was just a teenager. In 2001, the Eritrean government began a crackdown on political dissidents and journalists, arresting and detaining thousands of individuals without charge or trial. Tsehaye, who was just 14 years old at the time, witnessed the arrest of her father and other family members for their involvement in the opposition movement. This experience had a profound impact on her, and she became determined to fight for justice and human rights in Eritrea.

After completing her education in the United Kingdom, Tsehaye founded the Eritrean Youth Solidarity for Change (EYSC) in 2013, which aimed to raise awareness of human rights abuses in Eritrea and support the opposition movement. However, she soon realized that a more focused and organized approach was needed, and in 2018 she founded the EMDHR.

The EMDHR works to document and report on human rights abuses in Eritrea, advocate for the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, and promote democratic reforms in the country. Despite facing significant obstacles and harassment from the Eritrean government, Tsehaye and the EMDHR have continued their work, raising awareness of the dire human rights situation in Eritrea and calling for change.

One of the EMDHR’s most notable initiatives is the “Freedom Friday” campaign, which involves calling for the release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience every Friday. The campaign has gained significant traction both inside and outside of Eritrea, with individuals and organizations around the world joining in solidarity.

Tsehaye’s work has not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous accolades for her activism, including the 2020 Rafto Prize for Human Rights. However, she continues to face significant challenges, including harassment and threats from the Eritrean government and its supporters.

In conclusion, Vanessa Tsehaye and the Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights are at the forefront of the struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Eritrea. Despite facing significant obstacles and risks, Tsehaye and the EMDHR have continued to speak truth to power and advocate for change. As Eritrea seeks to move forward and address its human rights crisis, the work of Tsehaye and others like her will be essential in promoting justice, democracy, and the rule of law.