8. The accumulated effect of the all-round progress since independence is the prevailing peace
and stability. Eritrea remains an oasis of cohesion and harmony in a turbulent region racked
by cleavages along ethnicity and religion. This is a result of the positive political work during
the armed struggle and sustained by prudent policies implemented thereafter in an
independent nation. However, there is a long way to go to consummate the nation building
process and Eritrea as a young nation faces challenges which the Government continuously
works to address. The processes and structures, however, reflect the emergence of a systemic
approach implemented through policies and programmes with all rights respected.
9. Indeed, Eritrea emanated from the struggle for human rights. These ideals are embodied in
the promotion of human dignity, security and development. Human right is thus
mainstreamed in nation building and integrated at all levels, sectors, policies and
programmers. Promoting equal right and opportunities constitutes the epicenter of the overall
effort and the following principles embody the ongoing effort:
interrelationship of peace and security and human rights and development
harmony between individual rights and collective duties
indivisibility of human rights and the importance of an all-round development
prioritization of efforts predicated on the context, needs and human betterment
non-politicization of human rights and the promotion of engagement and cooperation
10. The all-round progress achieved has made deep implications in the enjoyment of human
rights. Equal rights and opportunity is promoted and guaranteed by national law.
Accordingly, progress on dignified life and equitable promotion of adequate services,
equitable distribution and utilization of resources and the creation of a critical and decisive
human capital has been pursued. Moreover, the responsible participation of the people is also
strengthened. Hence, Eritrea is governed by the rule of law with all rights guaranteed.
11. The post-independence period until 1998, characterized by rapid socio-economic, political
and social transformation was, however, disrupted by Ethiopia‟s war of aggression (1998 –
2000) under the pretext of a border dispute. Eritrea also faces unjust UNSC sanctions. These
are part of the continued existential external threats aimed to thwart Eritrea‟s nation building
efforts. It also faced severe drought during 1999 -2004. In spite of their influences the above
challenges did not roll back the progress of the nation. Furthermore, neither did Eritrea
surrender its sovereign rights nor did it abandon its independent political stance under these
challenges. Its commitment and effort on human rights also persisted and hence the
enforcement of the institutional and legal basis has remained a critical dimension.
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