others (4 signatures, 1 adherence and 1 subscription of membership). This could be categorized across 15 functional areas with 13 others classified as an additional category (signing, adherence, membership). Many of these have been reflected in the new national codes, but some others of which Eritrea is not party to have also been reflected. Eritrea is also committed to the goals and principles of African Charter on Human and Peoples‟ Rights (ACHPR). This is above all manifested in its accession and signing to the ACHPR on January 14, 1999 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child on 22 December 1999. Eritrea is also part to 16 other regional conventions at various levels (acceded, signed and accessed, and signed). This again reaffirms the Government‟s commitment and effort to regional engagement and cooperation on human rights. 21. In general, international and regional treaties and conventions are taken seriously and pursued rigorously. As such, ample time is taken to analyse their provisions and ensure that international instruments are reflected in Eritrea‟s efforts. The Ministry of justice has also drafted a working document on the implication of international and regional instruments of which Eritrea is a party to. The fundamental approach is, however, to advance the effort in line with internal dynamics and the progress in institutional and organizational capacity. It also considers the development of national laws and legislations and the capacity to implement them effectively. The above overview serves as a context for the progress and challenges in implementation during the reporting period, issues related to national building and people‟s rights and regional and international engagement and cooperation during the reporting time. PART II: IMPLEMENTATION, PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES Essence of the Progress rooted in Equal Rights and Opportunities 22. The overriding principle for Eritrea‟s progress and achievements is equal right and opportunities. The implementation of this principle is reflected in the following dimensions with implications to the respect, protection and fulfillment of human rights:    There is no discrimination, exclusion, restriction or preference made on the basis of ethnicity, religion, social status, language, opinion, gender and race. Tremendous effort is made to bridge the gap in the development of social groups and diverse areas and thus equity consideration prevail. The equitable distribution of wealth and resources is also maintained. This also considers the special situation of rural population, marginalized areas and vulnerable social groups. The population including the Diaspora is active participant and beneficiary of the wealth and opportunities on the basis of an equal footing of all rights. Hence, a system that nurtures collective responsibilities & duties prevails. Above all, the enjoyment of equal right and opportunities is sanctioned by national law. Page 6 of 100