to saw discord among the different denominations. They also attempted to destabilize the social fabrics and politicize their activities. The Eritrean Law forbids politicization of religion and thus appropriate measures are taken to restrain such activities. Social Organizations and Freedom of assembly 69. Freedom of association and assembly is also respected by law. The Legal Notice No 5 of 1992 on “Registration of non-government national organizations and associations” also set the right conditions for their establishment and operation. During the reporting period more than 33 national organizations are operational. Eritrea‟s labor Proclamation also upholds workers‟ rights and there are about 190 trade unions functioning at present. 70. The associations and trade unions have their own constitutions, elected leaders and activists and conduct regular and timely congresses, conferences, meetings and activities. Veterans of the liberation struggle, local communities, social and cultural groups have also formed association and are active in the social and cultural domains of their communities. Assemblies initiated at community levels also play a great role in creating platforms to discuss and address social, economic, cultural and administrative issues. Hence, a system of national associations, trade unions and other social gatherings is a reality and includes the following four categories:     Civil society associations contributing to the all-round national development goals – National Union of Eritrean Women, National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students and the Confederation of Eritrean Workers; Interest groups established for promoting professional interests (Association of Engineers, nurses, chemists, pharmacists, doctors, agriculture science, etc.), labor interests (various federations and unions encompassing various sectors and trades including in rural agriculture and women‟s economic empowerment); Organizations established for fulfilling special needs of citizens affected by physical, intellectual and developmental problems in the society (the Eritrean Association of the Disabled, the Association for the Deaf, the Association for the Blind, the National Association of Intellectual and Development Disabilities, etc.) Community level Associations and organizations – including by veteran fighters association, community associations, cultural groups and networking, etc. 71. All associations are autonomous bodies and once registered work independently. There is a close collaboration with their respective related sector of the Government. There is, however, no polarization of interest and national interest has remained the hallmark of the collective effort and progress. Social organizations have thus contributed in the mobilization, organizations and creation of national capacity. They are also critical elements in advocacy and sensitization on the main issues of national development. Continuous engagement on issues of policies and strategies take place and they actively participate in the government efforts for transformation and progress. Some also have regional and international relations Page 20 of 100