Our Story
Who we are
The Eritrean Law Society (ELS) is the only professional association of Eritrean lawyers. Due to the extremely repressive political situation in Eritrea, which does not allow the establishment of free and independent professional associations, ELS was established in exile and it operates from exile.
ELS strives to become the most representative voice of the Eritrean legal profession. It stands and works for the establishment of an Eritrean politico-legal system anchored on respect for the rule of law in which the legal profession is permitted to play its distinctive role, inter alia, by shaping policy and practice in all areas related to the promulgation and interpretation of the law, as well as adjudication of legal disputes in a free, fair and impartial manner.
Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
Our vision
“Our vision is for an Eritrea where the rule of law is respected, upheld and protected for all citizens. We strive to be the leading organization in promoting a legal system that is fair, impartial and accessible to all, and to ensure that the rights and freedoms of Eritreans are protected through education, advocacy and the promotion of transparency and accountability. We are committed to working with all stakeholders, including government, the legal profession, civil society and the public, to build a strong and independent legal system that serves the needs of all Eritreans.”
Our mission
“Our mission is to promote and protect the rule of law in Eritrea by providing education and training, promoting transparency and accountability, and advocating for legal reform. We will work to build a stronger, more independent, and more accessible legal system, that serves the needs of all Eritreans, regardless of their background or circumstances. We will also work to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of the rule of law and the role of the legal profession. Our goal is to empower Eritreans with the knowledge and tools they need to understand and access their legal rights and to hold the government accountable for upholding the rule of law.”
Our Story
Our Goals
The Eritrean Law Society is a nonprofit organization registered in the state of Virginia and California with the aim of achieving, among others things, the following objectives:
- Promoting the Eritrean legal system in accordance with the Constitution of Eritrea and its subsidiary laws and regulations.
- Increasing public understanding of the rule of law and democratic principles.
- Providing legal services to Eritrean citizens.
- Investigating, monitoring, recording and publishing violations of human rights against Eritreans by any government, political organization, groups or individuals.
- Assisting Eritrean victims of human rights violations who are outside of Eritrea and find themselves in difficult situations.
- Lobbying governments, organizations and individuals to pay attention for gross human right violations against Eritreans.
- Promoting common understanding, cooperation and support, and information sharing with governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and individuals.
Membership to ELS is open to all interested lawyers, professionals and academicians who share and are committed to the objectives of the Eritrean Law Society.
Join Eritrean Law society
OUR TEAM
committee
Dr. Daniel Mekonnen
Executive Director
is the Executive Director of the Eritrean Law Society (ELS), and member of the Council of the Barcelona-based International Criminal
01.
Wesenseghed Hagos
Treasurer
is an Eritrean lawyer and activist, who served as a Legal Adviser at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and in the Department of Human…
02.