A/HRC/41/53 about their fate and whereabouts. The Special Rapporteur notes that a good offices process facilitated by the Secretary-General aims to resolve outstanding matters between Eritrea and Djibouti, including that of the Djiboutian prisoners of war missing in action (S/2019/154).28 61. In a letter dated 3 May 2019 (see para. 16 above), the Permanent Mission of Eritrea to the United Nations Office and other organizations in Geneva indicated that Eritrea had no Djiboutian prisoners of war in its custody, that it was not aware of the whereabouts of the above-mentioned persons and that it had released all Djiboutian prisoners of war in March 2016. The Special Rapporteur notes that the letter does not respond to the concern about the missing Djiboutian prisoners of war and invites the Government to investigate the matter and provide information on the outcome of such an inquiry. J. Improving freedom of movement and access for international agencies operating in Eritrea 62. The Special Rapporteur notes that in-country movement restrictions remain in effect for staff of international humanitarian and United Nations agencies in Eritrea. All international humanitarian workers, United Nations staff, diplomats and foreigners continue to be required to request permission from the authorities to travel beyond a 25-kilometre radius of Asmara city centre. These restrictions of movement and access hamper the ability of international agencies to implement their mandates. 63. The Special Rapporteur notes that Eritrea can benefit from strengthened technical assistance from relevant international humanitarian and United Nations specialized agencies, including OHCHR. Various international organizations and international partners are seeking to enhance their technical cooperation with the Government of Eritrea to promote development and strengthen national institutions. To achieve sustainable progress and development, including in human rights, the Eritrean authorities must establish an environment for international agencies, donors and other partners that is conducive to their operation in the country and that allows them unhindered freedom of movement and access. VI. Situation of Eritrean migrants and refugees A. Migrants and refugees on the move 64. During the reporting period, Eritreans have continued to flee the country. The opening of the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia in September 2018 resulted in a surge in the number of Eritrean migrants and refugees crossing into Ethiopia. Between September and December 2018, an estimated 45,000 Eritrean refugees crossed into Ethiopia, mainly into the Tigray region. The actual number of those who left Eritrea during that period is estimated to be higher, as many travelled directly to various Ethiopian cities without registering with border or refugee authorities. The vast majority of refugees during that period were women and children, many of whom were seeking to be reunited with their relatives living abroad. A high number of unaccompanied and separated children were among those who fled.29 65. In late December 2018, the Eritrean authorities reinstated the requirement for exit permits for Eritreans. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that the requirement forces 28 29 14 See also Security Council resolution 2444 (2018), paras. 6 and 57. According to several sources, the reasons for departure of unaccompanied and separated children are varied. Many teenagers, in particular boys, drop out of school early and flee to avoid military conscription. Hopelessness and lack of prospects drive others to leave the country. Some children leave with their classmates after their schoolteachers, who are conscripts, desert the national/military service. Others have parents or older relatives already outside the country who send for them, or are encouraged by their families to seek employment abroad.