Mereja.Forum

[Zmeselo]

General
Statement by Eritrean Delegation on the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

Feb 27, 2025

https://shabait.com/2025/02/27/statemen ... s-council/



Statement delivered during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea

58th Session of the Human Rights Council

27 February 2025


Mr. President,

Every year, this Enhanced Interactive Dialogue unfolds like a well-rehearsed, seasonal show, with the cast stepping onto the stage, each in their assigned roles. The script plays out almost identically to previous years as the dialogue begins. The show has crawled around for twelve years on the central premise of holding a sovereign state accountable. But much like a well-worn drama, the plot twists and turns, but ultimately, it circles back to familiar tactics of naming and shaming. As the drama persists, one thing becomes painfully clear: the glaring hypocrisy and bias in this Council’s application of country-specific mandates. Sadly, the scene still drags on, teasing the possibility of something meaningful without ever delivering.

Mr. President

At its very core, this show stumbles around a flimsy central premise: the gall to hold Eritrea, a proud nation of 3.6 million, to the whims of unaccredited, self-styled human rights crusaders. In this absurd exercise, a nation forged in sacrifice and tempered by resilience is cast as pariahs.

When in fact, Eritrea’s fight for independence was a struggle for human rights and justice—a struggle against oppression, a struggle against exploitation, and systemic violations. Ample evidence reveals Eritrea’s long history of severe injustice and human suffering under colonial rule. Tragically, even today, Eritrea faces ongoing deliberate brutalization through political and diplomatic sabotage, human trafficking, illegal unilateral sanctions, and other unjust and immoral measures.

Distinguished delegates,

Despite this, Eritrea, for years, has openly engaged with credible UN agencies. Yet, that goodwill is smothered by these theatrical sham trials, where our reality—our strides in literacy, healthcare, and infrastructure despite sanctions and encirclement—is drowned by biased and rhetorical narratives.

This deliberate misrepresentation is not only unjust but also profoundly ironic. A simple yet undeniable reality further underscores the absurdity of this spectacle. While this platform is repeatedly used to present exaggerated and misleading portrayals of Eritrea, a fully operational UN Country Office continues to function in Asmara. Where your colleagues constructively engage on a daily basis with our government executing tangible development initiatives.

Yet, the oral reports presented today—like those before them—persist in disregarding the more accurate and nuanced picture of the country’s progress and challenges as reported by the UN country office.

Mr. President

Distinguished Delegates,

Interjections come from our detractors, often circling back to the same pointless and hallow allegations raised against Eritrea in the past. What is meant to be a compelling debate has become a theatrical exercise in futility, a pantomime where the only suspense lies in whether anyone will tune in next year.

Nevertheless, Eritrea stands apart, not as a player in this farce, but as a nation above it, unbowed by colonial echoes, unshaken by hollow critiques, and unmoved by the clatter of an empty stage. Our script is written in the resilience of our people, not the whims of this specific mandate.

I thank you.


====================================================================================




Closing Remarks delivered during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea

58th Session of the Human Rights Council

27 February 2025

Mr. President,

As I mentioned in my opening remarks, what was once intended to be a one-time session has morphed into a long-running saga, with predictable plotlines and occasional recurring characters. In the process, we have lost appetite for giving responses that we have aptly delivered countless times before in response to the baseless allegations from Eritrea’s detractors, some of whom are openly avowed regime-change operatives.

At this juncture, while we acknowledge that the High Commissioner’s Office is fulfilling a mandate it has been tasked to execute, we urge members of the office to act responsibly, nonetheless. It is deeply troubling that, the Assistant High Commissioner continues to present updates based reports recycled mainly from previous mandates, reiterating false allegations. Regrettably, if this pattern persists it will only undermine constructive dialogue and strain the relationship we are striving to build. We have repeatedly expressed our willingness to engage openly and honestly with the Office of High Commissioner.

Mr. President,

Eritrea is not a nation that shirks accountability. Despite immense challenges, we have made significant strides in education, health, and social equality—achievements consistently overlooked by the special mandate’s narrow perspective. We invite genuine partnership and cooperation, not finger-pointing and condemnation. The Special mandate, however, offers neither. It remains a relic of a flawed approach that prioritizes geopolitics over progress.

This mandate also undermines the fundamental principle of national sovereignty, a cornerstone of the United Nations Charter. As a sovereign state, Eritrea has the right and responsibility to address its internal affairs without undue external interference. The imposition of a Special procedures—without Eritrea’s consent—disregards this principle and treats our nation as a subject of neo-colonial oversight rather than an equal member of the international community.

Human rights, Mr. President, should not serve as a pretext for meddling in domestic governance; they must be pursued through dialogue and mutual respect, not through unilateral dictates from this Council masquerading as moral authority.

In closing, Eritrea stands ready to engage as an equal partner, not a target. The onus is on the Council. We urge Member States to act decisively to terminate this mandate at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in June.

I thank you.

[Zmeselo]

The Port City of Assab & the Southern Red Sea Region of Eritrea.

[Zmeselo]

History & Culture
A Glimpse into Bedawyet traditions and Lifestyle

By: Mussie Efriem

https://shabait.com/2025/02/27/a-glimps ... lifestyle/

Feb 27, 2025



The Bedawyet, one of the ethnic groups in Eritrea, live in the northern parts of the Gash Barka region and the Adobha subzone of the Northern Red Sea region and are predominantly pastoral, earning a living primarily by raising animals. Due to their nomadic lifestyle they move around in search of grazing land for their herds, and this close relationship with nature has shaped their customs, traditions, and culinary practices.

The Bedawyet cuisine is a reflection of their pastoral life and environment. One of the Bedawyet’s popular dishes is teasela, a flavorful goat meat fried on hot pebbles. Teasela is widely available at restaurants in towns such as Tesennei, Goluj, and Kerkebet, Gash Barka region. The dish is primarily prepared by men. Another popular food among the Bedawyet is porridge made with the flour of sorghum or millet. This dish, typically prepared by women, is very nourishing, especially during the cold season.

Like many other Eritrean ethnic groups, the Bedawyet hold the coffee ceremony with high regard. This social ritual involves roasting, grinding, and brewing the coffee beans and drinking the coffee in the company of friends and family. In Bedawyet communities, the coffee ceremony is an integral part of their daily life, often performed more than once a day. Both men and women actively participate in the preparation of the cherished tradition.



The Bedawyet mostly live in makeshift dwellings that suit their nomadic life. Yeharbeba Gew is a special house constructed for newly married couples once the couple have lived with their families for a year. It is built by the groom and his friends using tenkobet, mats made using raffia. Yeharbeba Gew’s interior is adorned with intricately designed handicrafts, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the Bedawyet women.

After the wedding, the groom brings his belongings to the newly built Yeharbeba Gew. These belongings, which are displayed prominently on the walls, include essential items such as a sword, a symbol of strength and valor; a spear for hunting and protection; a mesenqo (a traditional harp); a comb, and a camel’s riding gear. By bringing these items to the new home, the groom establishes his role as a provider and protector of his family. Yeharbeba Gew and its associated traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich culture of the Bedawyet. This unique dwelling, with its intricate designs and symbolic significance, continues to shape the lives of the nomadic community.

Bedawyet weddings are a vibrant spectacle, with both the bride and groom adorned in colorful and intricate attire. The groom wears white gemis, a long, loose-fitting robe that covers the body from the neck to the ankles. It is often made of cotton or linen and is a staple of Bedawyet groom’s clothing. The Sederya worn over the gemis is usually a black or grey vest that adds a layer of beauty to the outfit. It is often embroidered with intricate patterns and can be made from various materials, including silk and cotton.

Haleg, a rectangular piece of cloth often made of cotton and that can be wrapped around the body in various ways, is also part of the groom’s garments. It can also be used as a shawl, a head covering. The groom’s outfit becomes complete with a knife around his waist and a sword in his hand, adding a touch of masculinity to the outfit. The knife and sword are often carried by the groom as symbols of strength and protection. The outfits of the groom’s friends are similar to the groom’s, and what sets the groom apart is the red scarf tied around his head.



The bride typically wears a long, colorful, one-piece cloth that is wrapped around her inner garments. This traditional attire is adorned with intricate embroidery and beadwork. To complete the ensemble, the bride is adorned with gold and silver jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and headpieces. These ornaments add a touch of elegance to the bride. The bride’s traditional hairstyle, known as sulit, is a distinctive feature of the Bedawyet’s weddings. This intricate hairstyle involves braiding the hair, often starting from the forehead and extending down to the ears. Delicate, tiny braids adorn the hair, creating an elegant look. To enhance the beauty of the hairstyle, gold jewelry is often placed on the forehead, over the braids.

Additionally, the bride may wear gold jewelry on her ears and nose, further emphasizing her adornment. To complete the ensemble, she often wears vibrant bead jewelry on her wrists and ankles, adding a colorful and cultural touch to her overall appearance. To complement her ensemble, she wears emerkub, which looks like sandals embellished with beads and other decorative elements. The groom, on the other hand, often wears fitik, sturdy sandals made of leather. These sandals are practical for outdoor ceremonies and traditional dances.



Bedawyet weddings are a week-long affair filled with festivities. Throughout the week, the couple’s families host a series of events, treating guests to a feast of fried goat meat and bread made of sorghum. On the seventh day, the community gathers to celebrate the couple’s union with a final ceremony. This involves a communal washing of clothes at a river, followed by a shared lunch. After this week-long celebration, the newlyweds live with their respective families for a year before they move to their own house to start an independent life as a couple.

[Zmeselo]

[Fiyameta]

BRAVO!

General
Statement by Eritrean Delegation on the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

Feb 27, 2025

https://shabait.com/2025/02/27/statemen ... s-council/



Statement delivered during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea

58th Session of the Human Rights Council

27 February 2025


Mr. President,

Every year, this Enhanced Interactive Dialogue unfolds like a well-rehearsed, seasonal show, with the cast stepping onto the stage, each in their assigned roles. The script plays out almost identically to previous years as the dialogue begins. The show has crawled around for twelve years on the central premise of holding a sovereign state accountable. But much like a well-worn drama, the plot twists and turns, but ultimately, it circles back to familiar tactics of naming and shaming. As the drama persists, one thing becomes painfully clear: the glaring hypocrisy and bias in this Council’s application of country-specific mandates. Sadly, the scene still drags on, teasing the possibility of something meaningful without ever delivering.

Mr. President

At its very core, this show stumbles around a flimsy central premise: the gall to hold Eritrea, a proud nation of 3.6 million, to the whims of unaccredited, self-styled human rights crusaders. In this absurd exercise, a nation forged in sacrifice and tempered by resilience is cast as pariahs.

When in fact, Eritrea’s fight for independence was a struggle for human rights and justice—a struggle against oppression, a struggle against exploitation, and systemic violations. Ample evidence reveals Eritrea’s long history of severe injustice and human suffering under colonial rule. Tragically, even today, Eritrea faces ongoing deliberate brutalization through political and diplomatic sabotage, human trafficking, illegal unilateral sanctions, and other unjust and immoral measures.

Distinguished delegates,

Despite this, Eritrea, for years, has openly engaged with credible UN agencies. Yet, that goodwill is smothered by these theatrical sham trials, where our reality—our strides in literacy, healthcare, and infrastructure despite sanctions and encirclement—is drowned by biased and rhetorical narratives.

This deliberate misrepresentation is not only unjust but also profoundly ironic. A simple yet undeniable reality further underscores the absurdity of this spectacle. While this platform is repeatedly used to present exaggerated and misleading portrayals of Eritrea, a fully operational UN Country Office continues to function in Asmara. Where your colleagues constructively engage on a daily basis with our government executing tangible development initiatives.

Yet, the oral reports presented today—like those before them—persist in disregarding the more accurate and nuanced picture of the country’s progress and challenges as reported by the UN country office.

Mr. President

Distinguished Delegates,

Interjections come from our detractors, often circling back to the same pointless and hallow allegations raised against Eritrea in the past. What is meant to be a compelling debate has become a theatrical exercise in futility, a pantomime where the only suspense lies in whether anyone will tune in next year.

Nevertheless, Eritrea stands apart, not as a player in this farce, but as a nation above it, unbowed by colonial echoes, unshaken by hollow critiques, and unmoved by the clatter of an empty stage. Our script is written in the resilience of our people, not the whims of this specific mandate.

I thank you.


====================================================================================




Closing Remarks delivered during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea

58th Session of the Human Rights Council

27 February 2025

Mr. President,

As I mentioned in my opening remarks, what was once intended to be a one-time session has morphed into a long-running saga, with predictable plotlines and occasional recurring characters. In the process, we have lost appetite for giving responses that we have aptly delivered countless times before in response to the baseless allegations from Eritrea’s detractors, some of whom are openly avowed regime-change operatives.

At this juncture, while we acknowledge that the High Commissioner’s Office is fulfilling a mandate it has been tasked to execute, we urge members of the office to act responsibly, nonetheless. It is deeply troubling that, the Assistant High Commissioner continues to present updates based reports recycled mainly from previous mandates, reiterating false allegations. Regrettably, if this pattern persists it will only undermine constructive dialogue and strain the relationship we are striving to build. We have repeatedly expressed our willingness to engage openly and honestly with the Office of High Commissioner.

Mr. President,

Eritrea is not a nation that shirks accountability. Despite immense challenges, we have made significant strides in education, health, and social equality—achievements consistently overlooked by the special mandate’s narrow perspective. We invite genuine partnership and cooperation, not finger-pointing and condemnation. The Special mandate, however, offers neither. It remains a relic of a flawed approach that prioritizes geopolitics over progress.

This mandate also undermines the fundamental principle of national sovereignty, a cornerstone of the United Nations Charter. As a sovereign state, Eritrea has the right and responsibility to address its internal affairs without undue external interference. The imposition of a Special procedures—without Eritrea’s consent—disregards this principle and treats our nation as a subject of neo-colonial oversight rather than an equal member of the international community.

Human rights, Mr. President, should not serve as a pretext for meddling in domestic governance; they must be pursued through dialogue and mutual respect, not through unilateral dictates from this Council masquerading as moral authority.

In closing, Eritrea stands ready to engage as an equal partner, not a target. The onus is on the Council. We urge Member States to act decisively to terminate this mandate at the 59th session of the Human Rights Council in June.

I thank you.

[Temt]

ሕጂ ሊላይ!