reduction do take place. A waste disposal systems and waste treatment plant has been studied for the capital city (for solid waste) and measures have been taken but require considerations including in the other cities. Eritrea also banned and stopped the use of plastic bags since 2002 (Legal Notice 63/2002 and updated in 99/2004) and local alternatives have been promoted. Local and regional assemblies and administrations took the lead and the regulations were passed with popular support. Efforts are going on again to reinforce the regulations. On the other hand, the Medeber recycling centre where everything thrown and unused material has been given value and recycled into various metal, wood and plastic products at affordable cost satisfies the demands of many citizens. It is also a centre where local artisans transfer skills to the young generation through apprentices. Part IV: HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND COOPERATION 377. Eritrea has strengthened its internal dynamics and development as critical to the realization of the respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights. Furthermore, the Government has asserted its primary responsibility in the realization of these efforts. While many advances have been made in all development sectors including in human rights, there is however a long way to go towards the realization of the aims and goals of nation building. In this vein, Eritrea has consolidated engagement and cooperation that ensures dignity, national interest and partnership as essential dimensions in the advancement of human rights. This is also seen in relation to the collective ideals we all shoulder to the advancement of humanity. It is, however, unacceptable to use human rights as a political tool to advance ulterior motives. 378. Eritrea has thus developed an extended paradigm of engagement and cooperation with the international system and the mechanisms established at global and regional levels. In line to the ongoing effort to mainstream human rights in the sustainable development goals of nation building, a Strategic Framework on engagement and cooperation is implemented. A coordination structure that involves relevant stakeholders is also charged with managing the implementation and monitoring of this process. Eritrea‟s commitment for expanded and integrated engagement has thus been implemented as a viable path to promote cooperation. 379. Eritrea is also engaged with the ACHPR and participates in all sessions of the Commission and has made oral and written submission on various requests and communications. Due to circumstance and capacity Eritrea has overdue reports and the present initial report is part of the determination to close up the gap and ensure its commitment to present reports on time in the future. Eritrea also submitted the Consolidated First, Second, Third and Fourth Periodic Reports on the Implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) in May 2015 380. It has also expanded and strengthened its engagement and cooperation on human rights through the UPR and the following are some of the achievements:- Page 98 of 100

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