 Further observed that the Eritrean socio-political situation will demand continuous open and genuine engagements by various parties especially as the nature of extended national service is intrinsically linked to the issues of „no war no peace” resulting from the failure of Ethiopia to fulfill its commitments on the international final and binding ruling on the delimitation and demarcation of the border by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission (EEBC) that presents uncertainty and sense of insecurity, as well as the UN sanctions, which also pose serious challenges to development.” PART III: NATION BUILDING AND PEOPLE’S RIGHTS Right to Development The Eritrean people‟s right to development is an integral part of the ideals of nation building. Its main features promote all-round transformations in the society with dividend to the sustenance of peace, security and development. Hence, the realms of equity and social justice, creation of conditions favorable to development and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation form the essence of the right to development in Eritrea. In this regard, equal rights and opportunities have been pursued as the main drive in the right to development. Focus to bridge the gap in the development of the various regions and areas is a major priority and more attention is given to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable sections of the society. People-centered strategies and community based approaches continue to flourish through local, regional and national level governance structures and establishments. Furthermore, collective responsibility and duty has prevailed and dichotomy between individual rights and collective duties is negated. Hence, people are not only beneficiaries of the right to development but are also active and responsible participants. 239. 240. The inequitable international order and the protracted use of coercive measures continue to undermine the right to development of peoples and nation and abort the viable future of many nations, including Eritrea. In this regard, the Geopolitical agendas and selfish interests of western hegemonic powers have become drives to vilify, isolate and destabilize targeted sovereign nations by fabricating crisis and crisis management. Furthermore, Global inequalities, asymmetries of trade relations and opportunities, plundering of natural resources, demographic reality and environmental degradation are also present challenges. The effect has been instability, underdevelopment, migration and displacement. Eritrea has been a victim of this reality but has worked to ensure the right of the Eritrean people to development in the face of all the mentioned adversities. In the above context, essential parameters in the right to development have ascertained the national security, interest and survival and above all peace and stability of Eritrea as a nation. What are these parameters? Sovereign Equality and Eritrea’s Independent Political Stance (i) In spite of many challenges and hostilities, Eritrea‟s right to development driven by an independent political stance has been sustained. Eritrea asserted national ownership that 241. Page 59 of 100

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