In Eritrea, social justice is a foundational principle and robust anchor for nation-building and development. The country’s National Charter, which was adopted in February 1994 and that articulates a guiding vision for the nation, underscores this commitment: “Equitable distribution of wealth, services and opportunities, and special attention to be paid to the most disadvantaged sections of society.”
President Isaias also described the key place of social justice within Eritrea’s policy framework and national strategy, explaining, “Our development strategy is anchored on prioritizing deprived regions and segments of the population. The strategy strives to ensure fairness and equity through structured governance configurations and a social contract that promotes equal opportunities and a level playing field for all stakeholders. Our central objective, and for which we have paid precious sacrifices in a long struggle, is to secure and enhance effective participation of the population within the fair framework described above…”
Across the past three decades, Eritrea has crafted a broad spectrum of policies and adopted a variety of legal instruments to help address the specific needs of and catalyze progress for vulnerable groups, such as the poor, women, children, persons living with disabilities, nomadic populations, and those residing in highly remote or hard-to-reach areas. These vital interventions continue to play a critical role in cultivating peace and unity within Eritrea’s multi-ethnic, multicultural society; in mitigating disparities and in creating a level playing field on which all citizens have a genuine opportunity to excel. These policy measures seek to ensure that each and every individual is empowered and able to enjoy the fruits of inclusive socio-economic growth and social progress.
Social Justice in action within education
There are many reflections of social justice in action across Eritrea. (Due to space constraints, I only touch on a few.) For instance, consider education, which is internationally recognized as a basic human right and a critical tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, reducing inequality, and fostering sustainable development. The United Nations states, “Education is the key to achieving many other Sustainable Development Goals…. When people can get quality education, they can break out of the cycle of poverty. Education, therefore, helps reduce inequalities and reach gender equality.”
However, global inequalities persist, with millions of children out of school and widespread illiteracy affecting people of all ages. It is widely understood that when educational injustice prevails, it hinders national progress and particularly impacts young people and children – society’s most valuable resource.
In Eritrea, education is regarded as a fundamental right to which all citizens are entitled, and it remains a central pillar of society. The country’s national policy provides for equitable access to education free of charge to all, extending from the primary level up to and including the tertiary level. Beyond this policy framework, social justice is evident through many initiatives.
For example, the adult literacy and outreach program has steadily expanded over the years, particularly benefiting women and historically marginalized groups. In communities nationwide, the initiative has promoted literacy and provided learning opportunities to those the formal education system may have left behind.
Additionally, the mother language policy, developed and implemented by the Ministry of Education (with the close support of international partners, such as the GPE), further illustrates Eritrea’s commitment to social justice in education. Through this specific policy, Eritrea’s different ethnic groups – there are nine in total – have access to instruction and teaching materials in their various languages. In addition to playing a crucial role in preserving cultural diversity, protecting human rights, and promoting social cohesion, the mother language policy has improved literacy rates, enhanced academic performance, and stronger community engagement in the teaching and learning process.
Another example that can be cited are measures for enhancing gender equity. Historically, women made up only a small proportion of students enrolled in higher education. This was due not to an inherent lack of ability on their part but to a combination of cultural, economic, and social factors, including traditional gender roles and early and child marriage, among others. However, time-bound affirmative action within the admissions process (along with policy measures targeting other areas) has helped to address past injustices and current disparities, ultimately boosting gender equity, increasing women’s access to opportunities in higher education, combating discrimination, fostering diversity, and empowers future female leaders in academia, business, and society.
Supporting vulnerable populations
Moving past education, social justice is evident through the financial and other support extended to a variety of vulnerable population groups, such as families of martyrs, the disabled or those living with mental health challenges, and low-income families. A large body of empirical work from settings and contexts around the world shows how these groups are often at a significantly heightened risk of unemployment, poor physical and mental health, poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination. However, Eritrea’s targeted programs and services – grounded in social justice and the fundamental belief in the inherent worth and equality of all – aim to empower these individuals, promote dignity, and create opportunities for meaningful, productive lives.
In addition, notwithstanding an array of challenges, Eritrea provides essentially free healthcare to its citizens as part of its commitment to universal health coverage. (Those with chronic and long-term conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes, also receive medicines. This coverage extends to everyone in the country, not just citizens.) This approach helps to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to essential medical services, reducing health disparities and promoting equality. Importantly, it upholds the principle of social justice by prioritizing human wellbeing and recognizing healthcare as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. By removing financial barriers to healthcare, Eritrea empowers historically marginalized communities, improves public health outcomes, and fosters a more just and equitable society.
Bridging the Historic Urban-Rural Divide
Finally, social justice is also reflected in Eritrea’s sustained emphasis on rural and historically underserved areas nationwide. Across the world, discussions on development have disproportionately focused on urban centers, leaving rural communities marginalized. Despite their immense contributions, these areas are often neglected in policy planning. Eritrea’s longstanding efforts to provide infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic support, and other services to hese areas demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring that “no one is left behind”. Guided by social justice, Eritrea is helping to improve its quality of life and fostering long-term social and economic equity.
Going beyond rhetoric
Eritrea’s approach to social justice goes far beyond rhetoric – it is a practical and integral component of national policy. The country continues to work to create a society where fairness, inclusivity, and opportunity are accessible to all. These efforts strengthen national unity and cohesion and set the foundation for sustainable development and longterm prosperity.