In Which Country Is There No Right To Assembly?

Discover the surprising truth about a country where citizens have no right to assemble. Learn about the history and current state of this unique situation and its impact on the people living there. Read on to find out which country it is.

The right to peaceful assembly is an integral part of any democratic society. It is a fundamental human right enshrined in various international human rights documents, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights. However, there are some countries where the right to assembly is not guaranteed, and citizens risk arrest and imprisonment for organizing or participating in peaceful demonstrations. In this article, we will explore which country has no right to assembly and its implications.

What Is Assembly? 

Assembly in a country refers to the legislative body responsible for making laws and policies. It is composed of elected representatives who advocate for their constituents’ interests and debate proposed legislation before voting on it. The assembly plays a crucial role in ensuring that laws are representative, transparent, and accountable to citizens. Assembly members are expected to possess strong analytical skills, understanding of the lawmaking process, and deep knowledge of national issues. They work closely with other branches of government and civil society groups to address critical issues affecting citizens’ lives such as education, healthcare, security, and economic development. Effective assembly functioning can lead to effective governance and ultimately contribute to strengthening democracy within a nation.

In Which Country Is There No Right To Assembly?

• The country that does not recognize the right to assembly is Eritrea. Eritrea is a small country located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the Red Sea. The country gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long and bloody struggle, but it has since been ruled by a repressive government that has curtailed many fundamental rights, including the right to assembly.
• The right to assembly is protected by several international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 20 of the UDHR states that “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association,” while Article 21 of the ICCPR states that “the right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized.” Eritrea is a signatory to the UDHR and the ICCPR, but it has not respected its obligations under these instruments.
• In Eritrea, any form of public gathering is considered illegal unless it is authorized by the government. This means that individuals and groups cannot hold peaceful protests or demonstrations without first obtaining permission from the government. However, the government rarely grants such permission, and even when it does, it often imposes strict conditions that make it difficult for individuals and groups to exercise their right to assembly.
• The government’s crackdown on the right to assembly in Eritrea is part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses. The government has been accused of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and disappearances, as well as torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced labor. It has also severely restricted freedom of the press and the right to free expression, with many journalists and dissidents being jailed or forced into exile.
• The lack of a right to assembly in Eritrea has serious implications for the country’s citizens. Without the ability to peacefully protest and express their opinions, they are effectively silenced and unable to hold their government accountable. This lack of accountability has contributed to a culture of fear and intimidation in the country, with many people reluctant to speak out against the government for fear of reprisals.
• The absence of a right to assembly also makes it difficult for civil society organizations and human rights groups to operate in the country. These groups often rely on peaceful protests and demonstrations to draw attention to human rights abuses and demand change. Without the ability to hold such events, these groups are forced to operate in secret, making it harder for them to advocate for human rights and hold the government accountable.
• In recent years, there have been some signs of hope for the right to assembly in Eritrea. In 2018, the government signed a peace agreement with Ethiopia, ending a long-standing border dispute and raising hopes for improved human rights in the country. In 2019, the government released several political prisoners, including some who had been held for decades. However, these developments have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the right to assembly, and the government’s overall record on human rights remains poor.

Conclusion

Eritrea is the only country in the world that does not recognize the right to assembly. The government’s crackdown on peaceful protests and demonstrations has serious implications for the country’s citizens, making it difficult for them to hold their government accountable and contributing to a culture of fear and intimidation. While there are unfortunately several countries where the right to assembly is severely restricted or non-existent, it is important for individuals and organizations to advocate for the protection of this fundamental human right worldwide.