Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights (EMDHR) is an autonomous and non-profit civic movement. It is independent of any government, political affiliation, economic interest or religion. Eritreans founded it in December 2003 in the Republic of South Africa in response to the absence of civil and democratic rights of citizens and lack of rule of law in Eritrea.

The EMDHR believes that a sustainable democracy, rule of law and respect of human and democratic rights can only be achieved through non-violent, indigenous and positive reform based on full comprehension, awareness and participation of the public.  EMDHR is a registered civic organisation in South Africa (Registration Number 034-999-NPO) effective 15 September 2004.

Mission

The mission of the EMDHR is to defend and promote the values of human rights, as established in relevant international instruments and covenants, and advance democratic change, rule of law, and constitutionalism in Eritrea with the aim of building a society in which citizens exercise their basic rights and live in peace, dignity, and prosperity. 

Building Consensus Among Eritreans

In May 2014, EMDHR held a workshop titled “Strategic Thinking on Political and Socio Economic Crises in Eritrea: Implications, Scenarios and Responses” attended by many Eritreans from across the world, including high profile political leaders and academicians. 

Training Eritrean Human Rights Activists & Civil Society Organisations

In 2019 EMDHR along with Africa Monitors trained 25 Eritrean individuals and civic organisations in democracy building and documenting, reporting and monitoring of human rights. In 2020/2021, EMDHR trained more than 50 Eritrean, human rights activists & civil society organisations, bloggers and jounalists in two training sessions. 

Protecting Refugees 

EMDHR has been active in defending the rights of Eritrean refugees in South Africa and in other counrtries particularly in Africa.