Mr. Chairperson,
All Protocol Observed,
At the outset, I wish to convey my gratitude to the People and Government of the Republic of The Gambia for the warm hospitality accorded to me and my delegation since our arrival in the beautiful city of Banjul.
Mr. Chairperson,
Eritrea subscribes to the universality and indivisibility of human rights within its broad and holistic dimensions. It goes without saying that the primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of the human and people’s rights of the population of Eritrea rests with the State of Eritrea. Eritrea takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard and consolidate human rights enshrined in the national laws, as well as the Banjul Charter and other regional and international human rights instruments to which it is a party. This commitment is exhibited vividly in the unrelenting efforts that the People and Government of Eritrea exert to uphold the dignity and to improve the quality of lives of the people.
The principles of social justice, self-reliance, equality, and leaving no one behind are embedded within Eritrea’s nation-building agenda. Eritrea has crafted a broad spectrum of policies, adopted a variety of legal instruments to promote and protect human rights.
Enacting legislations and domesticating international treaty obligations, as well as setting up institutional architecture for their implementation are important initial steps. Improvements in the sphere of human rights, however, heavily depend on long-term sustained investment and dedicated hard work over an extended period of time.
Eritrea’s development agenda is implemented through broad based mobilization of the people and is geared towards benefiting all sectors of the population. At the same time, Eritrea undertakes several programs to protect, help address the specific needs of, and catalyze progress for vulnerable groups, such as the disadvantaged, persons living with disabilities, nomadic populations, and those residing in geographically remote areas.
Mr. Chairperson,
The solemn pursuit and crystallization of these principles and policy objectives are in alignment with the hierarchy of needs. There are basic needs essential for survival. The right to water, food and shelter fall in this category. According to UN reports, one in three Africans are affected by water scarcity. This is compounded by drought caused by climate change. Similarly, most of Eritrea’s territory is arid and semi-arid area with limited water sources.
The Government of Eritrea has since independence identified the conservation and provision of water as one of the top national priorities. Eritrea invested heavily to build almost 800 large and medium water reservoirs throughout the country. Several hundred more small dams have also been built, more dams are currently in different stages of development.
As a result of national investments in water infrastructure and distribution systems; within rural areas, where the large majority of the country’s people resides, approximately 79 percent of the total population has access to safely managed drinking water services, up from 72 percent in 2015, while within urban areas it is 95 percent, a 5 percent increase from 2015.
Ensuring food and nutrition security are also among the top national development goals of Eritrea. This harvesting season, Eritrea is poised for a bumper harvest thanks to the hard work of the farmers and the Government, and the generous rainfall that a large part of the country experienced. The overarching objective is ensuring access to nutritious food for all and everywhere in the country. To this end, concerted activities are being undertaken to prevent food contamination, promote proper agricultural practices, advance food processing, and ensure food safety.
Mr. Chairperson,
I wish to avail this opportunity to update the session of some recent developments that contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Government of Eritrea has made significant investment to provide advanced medical equipment to healthcare institutions across the country. This investment is envisaged to strengthen the capacity of the healthcare providing institutions and consequently ensure access to specialized medical services in all administrative regions of the country.
Eritrea is pushing forward with the legal reform process. Consultations are being held at the grassroots level and with experts. Eritrea espouses the principle that a well-functioning justice system is a crucial component of development.
The Eritrean Government’s effort to secure sufficient, reliable, and sustainable production and supply of affordable energy is bearing fruit. Last month the first phase of the immediate term plan has been concluded. This has improved the electricity supply in the country. A lot of additional investment is required to secure sufficient power needed for household, agricultural, and industrial use.
Mr. Chairperson,
The promotion and protection of human and people’s rights and development can only flourish in an environment of peace and security. Eritrea is acutely aware of this fact, and through persistent efforts of the People and Government, has managed to ensure its peace and stability. The conflicts raging in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions, and the turbulence at the global level are causes for serious concern. Eritrea continues to work closely with countries of the region for peaceful resolution of conflicts and restoration of stability in conflict affected countries.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the wish of the Government of the State of Eritrea to strengthen constructive engagement with the ACHPR towards the fulfillment of the objective enshrined in the Charter.
I Thank you!
