resolutions and mechanisms negate the influence and effects of existential external threats on Eritrea‟s development in general and human and people‟s rights in particular. They also viciously attack, among others, Eritrea‟s National Service, the decisive contribution of the youth, the exemplary effort and achievement on women equality and empowerment and the promising Mining sector and its role to the nation‟s development. The country specific politicized mandates and reports of the Hyman Right Council are hence, totally rejected by Eritrea. They are devoid of any legal and institutional basis as targeting a sovereign nation violates the non-selectivity, objectivity and impartiality principles of the Council. Furthermore, they disregard the concrete reality in Eritrea, scavenge on information from countries with hostile position on the country and negate engagement and dialogue. These mandate holders have also indulged into activist-like approaches against Eritrea in contradiction to the Code of Conduct and Operational Guidelines of UN Mandate Holders. (vi) The Drive towards a Qualitative Leap Eritrea‟s development trajectory and the right to development have been influenced by many factors and challenges, shortcomings and hostilities still prevail. They, however, have not been able to roll back Eritrea‟s development progress. The people, the government and the economy have demonstrated resilience and the nation is now in a far better situation as a result of the efforts of the last 18 years. In line to the new development plan, Eritrea is thus focusing on three important pillars of development to achieve a qualitative leap in the next three and encompasses the following three pillars of strategic interventions:- 286.  Effort initiated to create macro-economic stability will be strengthened  The political process will be consolidated through the new political road map, the ongoing effort to implement the new national codes and the writing of a new constitution  A comprehensive reorganization of government institutions will encompass institutional consolidation, redefining of approaches and the fast tracking of the youth succession process in all aspects of development D. People’s Right to Peace and International Security (i) Existential External Threats and Implications Eritrea‟s post-independence initial period until 1998 was characterized by rapid socioeconomic, political and social transformation. The 1998 – 2000 costly war with Ethiopia as well as dire conditions of perennial belligerency that ensued in its aftermath has influenced the tempo and pace of the efforts. It is clear that priorities changed at certain situations and the country had to grapple, first and foremost, with existential issues of preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This reality is quite often ignored by those with hostile position on Eritrea. The existential external threats aim to thwart Eritrea‟s nation building aspirations, violate its sovereignty, compromise its independent political stance and sabotage the promising development achievements. Hence, disregard of the prevailing external 287. Page 72 of 100