Yes, the national service program, the scale of it, is quite incredible. As I mentioned, it was originally conceived to last 18 months, but many people spend their entire lives in national service, and anyone who dares to flee or not participate is often jailed in very inhumane conditions. Torture is widespread. For a period of time there was a shoot-to-kill policy at the border for individuals fleeing Eritrea, often fleeing national service.
Family members of those who flee national service are targeted. There is no opportunity for conscientious objection on religious grounds or any other grounds, so it really is a program where no one has any choice, and even if you're lucky enough to get out of the program, to flee the country, your family members, your loved ones are targeted. It's very difficult.