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Selome Emnetu wins big—Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival!

The Eritrean Norwegian actor, who plays a main role in Dreaming, is part of a growing pattern of Eritrean Excellence across industries—from science to sports to film!

Her family, hails from Mendefera.

[Zmeselo]

General
Promoting Equality and Expanding Access to Opportunity

Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

https://shabait.com/2025/02/24/promotin ... portunity/

Feb 24, 2025



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.




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[Zmeselo]

General
Remarks delivered Via Pre-Recorded Video-Statement by H.E. Minister Osman Saleh during the High-Level segment of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council 24-26 February, 2025 Geneva, Switzerland

https://shabait.com/2025/02/24/remarks- ... itzerland/

Feb 24, 2025



Mr. President,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to address this esteemed assembly at such a crucial moment in our shared history. While my message is delivered through a pre-recorded statement, the gravity of the matters at hand compels me to speak directly to this Council. We meet today at a time of immense global challenges—conflicts that ravage nations, humanitarian crises that tear apart communities and an international order that, with alarming frequency, falters in the face of resolute action. At this critical juncture, it is essential to reflect on the role of this Council and its capacity to address the profound issues facing humanity.

At its best, this Council should be a champion for peace, justice, and human dignity—a forum for genuine dialogue and meaningful resolution. Yet, the annals of its history bear testimony to an unfortunate proclivity for apportioning blame rather than cultivating the spirit of concord.

Certain sovereign nations, particularly those hailing from the global South, find themselves perennially ensnared in the machinery of scrutiny, with mandates renewed ad infinitum—bereft of fresh contemplation or substantive discourse.

Mr. President,

Having borne the mantle of Council membership for six years, Eritrea did not undertake its candidature lightly. Rather, it was an endeavor rooted in sincere commitment to engage with integrity and forthrightness. To serve within this body is a duty which Eritrea embraced with the utmost gravity, underpinned by the sacrosanct tenets of dignity and truth.

However, for no less than thirteen successive years, Eritrea has been the subject of deliberate and unwarranted vilification within this Council, assailed at the behest of certain powers. These relentless and indiscreet mandates are not borne of a genuine aspiration to safeguard human dignity, but rather wielded as an instrument of coercion—to besmirch Eritrea’s image, to encroach upon its sovereignty, and to exert undue geopolitical duress.



The authors of these resolutions remain unchanged, their ruse unaltered, revealing an entrenched pattern of partiality and duplicity that runs counter to the lofty ideals that this institution purports to uphold.

Furthermore, Eritrea, along with many other sovereign nations, continues to suffer the effects of Unilateral Coercive Measures. These punitive measures, lacking legitimacy and antithetical to the fundamental precepts of international law, are designed to weaken independent nations, erode their economic sovereignty, and hinder their developmental aspirations.

Distinguished Delegates

Contrary to the fallacious narratives that seek to portray Eritrea as an isolated country, our nation plays its modest yet principled role in global affairs.

Eritrea’s diplomatic engagements, participation in multilateral platforms, and its dedication to fostering peace and stability in its region exemplify its constructive approach to international affairs. Through sports, arts, and heritage, Eritrea continues to enrich the global cultural landscape, celebrating unity in diversity and mutual respect among nations.

Even amidst challenges, Eritrean talent flourishes. This spirit of excellence and perseverance was resoundingly affirmed on the grandest of stages when Biniam Girmay cemented his legacy by clinching the coveted Green Jersey at the Tour de France. Becoming the first Black African to achieve this milestone in the race’s 111-year history. Biniam did not merely win a title; he shattered barriers, dispelled prejudices, and showcased to the world the tenacious vigor, unflagging aspiration, and peerless excellence that define Eritrean youth.



Mr. President

Eritrea’s vision is clear: we are deeply committed to building a prosperous, self-reliant nation where every citizen enjoys the benefits of education, healthcare, and housing throughout the country. We are steadfast in the reinforcement of our institutions and the cultivation of long-term alliances with nations that share our values for respect, justice, and mutual development.

As such, Eritrea’s vision for this Council is an aspiration founded in necessity. We envisage a Council that holds sacrosanct the sovereign dignity of nations, that upholds human rights with unwavering impartiality, and that eschews the insidious spectre of selective and politically expedient censure. Our collective duty must be to enshrine and safeguard the rights of all peoples, irrespective of geography, untainted by the pressures of external influence.

To conclude, Eritrea reaffirms, with resolute conviction, its dedication to constructive engagement with this Council. We remain ever prepared to contribute with earnestness in the spirit of common endeavor, and to work continuously towards the exalted ideals of peace, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity.

I thank you!




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[Zmeselo]

Healthcare Programs worth Over 164 Million Nakfa

The Ministry of Health’s Southern Region branch reported that healthcare programs worth over 164 million Nakfa were implemented in 2024. The announcement was made during an activity assessment meeting held in Mendefera on 20 and 21 February.



Dr. Amanuel Mihreteab, Head of the Regional Health Office, stated that modern disease diagnostic equipment has been introduced in all 12 sub-zones of the region, significantly improving disease detection. He also reported that the prealence of communicable diseases, particularly malaria, had decreased by 12% compared to the previous year.

Dr. Amanuel further highlighted that, with the contributions of both the public and local administrations, 32 maternity waiting rooms have been constructed. As a result, the number of pregnant women delivering in health facilities has increased by over 300%, while maternal and infant mortality rates during childbirth have significantly declined. Vaccination coverage has risen to 88%, and tuberculosis cure rates have reached 95%. He also noted the crucial role played by barefoot doctors in disease prevention and treatment.

According to reports presented by the sub-zones, cataract surgery was performed on over 1,328 patients, and the public contributed 2.8 million Nakfa toward the development of health facilities.



Participants held extensive discussions on the issues raised during the meeting and adopted several recommendations.

Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, Governor of the region, emphasized the importance of research-based programs to control disease prevalence. He also affirmed the regional administration’s contribution to improving healthcare infrastructure.



Speaking at the event, Ms. Amina Nurhussein, Minister of Health, pledged to intensify efforts to enhance healthcare services and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates to zero. She also called for coordinated efforts among Government institutions to achieve national health goals. @shabait




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No matter what they say, Eritrea goes in its peaceful and merry way. @globalezra