Page 0 of 66
ANNEX TABLE
UPR 3
rdCycle National Report: ERITREA
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Asmara, Eritrea
14 October 2018
Page 1 of 66
I. FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF ACCEPTED RECOMMENDATIONS (85.87%)
Recommendation No and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment A. DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL EQUALITY
122.68 – Colombia a. Macro-Economic Tenets and ESCRs
(i) Post-Border War Development
Campaign (2003-2014) and ESCRs
1. Post-border Warsay-Yikealo Development Campaign) goals have been achieved - The campaign achieved its goals by addressing the effects of the war in livelihoods, revitalizing the economic activities, focused on critical bottlenecks, maximized the utilization of comparative advantages and mobilized available local resources. The National Indicative Development (NIDP 2014-2018) consolidated these gains in the follow-up years
2. Social Justice maintained - Equity consideration and the equitable distribution of wealth and resources manifested in the Integrated Rural Development Scheme, the Coastal Development Plan, Integrated Social Sector Plan and Strategy and other integrated approaches but much more will be needed to consolidate the effort. Model transformation agendas in particular on poverty elimination are on-going. Focus on human capital formation strengthened through human resource development and broader cultural transformation promoted
3. Government’s proactive role - invested in critical sectors (example construction industry and targeted manufacturing geared towards import substitution), introduced structural agricultural transformation (including in agro-industrial processing), expanded economic physical infrastructure and mining. Domestic investment (Proclamation No 59/1994) stepped up as a means of building national capacity but was affected by the hostilities and
Page 2 of 66 the prevailing situation. The Development Bank of Eritrea gave loans for domestic capital and investment in development projects with high repayment successes (invested over a billion in the last 20 years). Foreign direct investment has gained momentum including in the mining sector.
Mining (Proclamation No 68/1995) is integrated into the national economy and the benefits to national interest are maximized by acquiring 40 to 50%
government shares
4. Land utilization and management strengthened in accordance to Land Proclamation (No 58/1994), Land Committees established at regional, sub regional and village levels; women represented at least one female in the committees at all level (regional, sub regional and village/locality levels).
Women’s land rights strengthened, 32% land distributed to female households (This included 33.5% for housing, 16.6% for agriculture and 28.6% for commercial activities) and 62% for both (as a family). Awareness campaign on land proclamation and community based development conducted by Minister of local government, regional and local administrators and 279460 participated including administrators, cadres, nat i onal organiz ations , com munit y a nd rel i gi ous l eaders participated
122.171, 172, 173, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179 Bhutan, China, Yemen, Chile, Malaysia, Algeria, Venezuela
(ii) Model Initiatives in Poverty
Elimination
5. Model Agricultural Transformations using irrigation infrastructure established in around the new Kerkebet, Gerset and Logo Dams. The resettled households allotted plots of land, used the electricity, irrigation infrastructure and agriculture extension services promoted by the government and are food self-sufficient and generated income by selling their products to the market. They have improved per hectare yield and predictability thus contributing to higher food productivity.
Page 3 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment
6. Minimum Integrated Household Agriculture Package in rural areas (MIHAP) as a pilot promoted household and rural farms consolidated through the through essential inputs (grants/low-credit arrangements that include training). The scheme has promoted household food self- sufficiency and income generation. The following are the inputs made in the last 4 years
• 692,363 day old and 440,396 one month old chicks distributed to 17,005 beneficiaries including women headed households, small scale farmers and commercial farmers.
• 335,721 commercial and 17,048 and 8,000 backyard and parent stock chicks respectively imported
• Capability of producing hatching eggs strengthened by establishing a National Hatchery and the existing regional brooding centers rehabilitated for purposes of producing day old chicks and rearing of chicks in-country for distribution
• potential areas for bee production surveyed and beehives (2 beehives with all its accessories per farmer) distributed to 1,448 farmers
• 200 needy households of Gash Barka region, of which 129 were women headed households have been provided with 1000 heads of small ruminants (4 female and 1 male) in order to meet their nutritional demand, generate income and improve their standard of living, under the pass it on the first born lamb/kid to the next beneficiary.
• 393 in-calf heifers and 1 parity cows were distributed in Anseba, MAekel, Northern Red Sea and Southern Regions and boosted milk production and improved livelihood
Page 4 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment
7. Saving and Micro-Credit programme (SMCP) through 538 village banks has improved economic opportunities for poor and vulnerable families and promoted income generation, food security and economic development.
Short-term progressive loans that go up to eight cycles with the range of ERN 6,000 to ERN 150,000 are given from the Bank. There are 69,000 beneficiaries (66% women) and women are very successful in loan repayment on time.
8. Transforming the life of isolated settlements and villages - Pastoralist and semi-pastoral communities as well as small settlements established in scattered villages in Anseba, Gash Barka, Northern Red Sea and Southern Red Sea regions are targeted in this scheme. Parcels of land for farming allotted, social services established and a solar panel s y s t e m installed i n each v i l l a g e and they have e s t a b l i s h e d fl our m i l l s , bakery, shops, restaurants and other services. The scheme promotes improved livelihood, agriculture, livestock development and social services and the result is promising. It is however indicative of the effort still needed to transform the livelihood of such communities.
9. The Eritrean Women Agribusiness Association (EWAA) established four groups involved in mushrooms, rabbit production, food processing and Aloe Vera processing. The members also involved individually in milk processing, poultry production, apiculture and floriculture. Though it is still at pilot level it has become an important initiative to be reproduced at national level; other similar initiatives are also developing in handicraft, art craft, and other similar activities with the same effect country
iii) Adequate standard of Life improving
10. In spite of the situation of hostilities faced by Eritrea, the Government gave serious consideration to the improvement of the standard of life and 5 areas
Page 5 of 66 in particular deserve attention.
• Clean, tap water access has made remarkable progress and is 85% in rural and 92% in urban areas. Dams store about 20% of the water demand and the rest comes from underground water table which is a challenge to water security in the future and more dams are constructed every year.
• Accessibility to electricity increased to 43.5% (was 22.9% in 1995);
various studies and policy exercises, energy from hydropower (through integrating sea water and Danakil Depression), solar, wind, thermal and non-renewable sources conducted to address the energy challenge.
• On Road transport 14,000 Kms of asphalt and gravel roads connect the whole country; more than 75.7% of the rural villages (about 1790 ) have been covered presently; In 2016, the one direction loading capacity of bus transport services has reached 53,000 passengers ( 17,000 in 1991).
• Land for housing is also distributed in both rural and urban areas throughout the country and many houses built but it still remains a major challenge but the Government is finalizing a new study and plan for major housing projects. Pre-cast industries established in two development regions and construction materials have been established in the port of Massawa port city (for Cement, water and sewerage pipes and PVC production).
• Growth in Communication technology is also promising. The number of GSM mobile subscribers has grown from 16,168 in 2004 to 501,865 in 2016 (an average increase of about 40,474 subscribers per year). The system covers the whole country as proper facilities have been installed widely in most places. Land line and fixed wireless technology also cover about 80% of the country.
Page 6 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment (iv) Civil service new
remuneration
11. Substantial increase of salary in the civil service has been introduced in 2016. Accordingly, a graduate at certificate level earns a gross salary of ERN 2,000, 2 year diploma ERN 2500, 3 year diploma ERN 3000, 12+4 degree ERN 3500 and 12+5 ERN 4,000. Gradual integration of national service members into this new system is taking place for all new recruits and graduates in the last few years and are directly employed even before doing the one year national development duty for one year (as stipulated in the National Service Proclamation).
(vi) Right to take Part in Cultural Life
12. Promotion of Culture and Cultural diversity is guaranteed; Community based ideals and approaches on cultural life are mainstreamed in all policies and programmes .The Set of cultural institutions are growing at national, regional and local level and have played a significant role in promoting diversity. Eritrean cultural festivals inside the country and in the Diaspora and National Youth Festivals every 2 years continue to strengthen and expand the ideals of cultural transformation. Youth Festival, the latest in July 2018 in the Sawa Education and Training Centre, as usual coincided with the yearly national service inauguration. On the other hand, the Development Agency established by proclamation 122/2002 is promoting and coordinating the application of science and technology and building capability on research and innovation. Students in the higher learning institutions present their innovations in various areas every year
13. Cultural and national heritage is also promoted. As per Proclamation No 177/2015 continuous effort is being made to protect and safeguard the tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The capital Asmara is now a world heritage site after hard work that went on for almost 20 years. Eritrea is party to treaties dealing on culture such as the convention on the Protection
Page 7 of 66 of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
b. Development and Welfare of Children
(i) Children’s welfare system
122.70 - South Sudan Functional Efforts at system level
14. The MLHW in 2016 convened a workshop of all stakeholders to finalize National Child Policy Document and is expected to raise public awareness and realization of child rights. An Inter-sector national level coordination Committee on children and women involving MoH, MLHW, NUEW has established 67 sub-regional committees with 984 members (22.4% female) from all stakeholders including government representatives, PFDJ members, NUEW, NUEYS, regional councils, religious leaders and children representatives are functioning. To further support the ongoing effort and informed decision making Strategic Mapping was done as a pilot in one sub region and assessed readiness and mobilization to issue declaration to abandon the practice of FGM/C and will continue at national level. A survey by NUEW on early marriage also done and a National Strategic Plan developed and the campaign expanded. The Assessment indicates that 91.7% oppose circumcision and 89% believe has no benefit and violate their dignity and creates harm. Furthermore, the yearly regional and sub-regional level monitoring assessments of all stakeholders reflected the progress and challenges and annual action plans are developed under the guidance of the MLHW. The understanding, enforcement, implementation of the legal and institutional basis on child rights and protection is stronger
Community based
Structures are stronger
15. Community based Structures have made grassroots levels impacts in advocacy, monitoring for respect and protection of children’s rights and responsible role in implementation of policies and plans. These include, the Children’s Wellbeing Committees (CWCs), FGM/C and Early Marriage Committees, Care Givers, etc.)
Page 8 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment
Trainings conducted
16. Training has consolidated the capacity and impact of the interventions at all levels. The effort has been diverse in scope. 215 judges/prosecutors, police officers, social workers, officers of correctional/detention centers and administrators trained on respect and protection of child rights. Moreover, A 5 days training given to all regional office staff of the MLHW and consolidated their responsibility on social transformation, FGM/C and early marriage. Moreover, 66 social workers in MLHW regional and sub-regional offices gained 9 months training on social work to improve community and children friendly services and care. The training for community level structures also expanded and the following are some examples:-
• To improve community and child friendly services and care 72 representatives (46% female) were provided with a three weeks in house training.
• training given for 482 community and child friendly services, care and supervision, MOLHW regional and sub-regional social workers and community local level agents It improved their overall capacity.
• 160 community activists and 649 (33.4% female) community dialogue facilitators (from 30 localities encompassing 90 villages of two sub regions in Southern Region benefited from a TOT conducted by experts.
• The 43 Child Well Being Committees (243 members) were given training which consolidated their knowledge and capacity in the promotion and protection of child
• Furthermore, TOT on FGM/C and child marriage provided
Campaigns/seminars and mobilization
17. Campaigns/seminars have impacted on the respect and protection of child rights and include the following campaigns and seminars:-
Page 9 of 66
• on FGM/C and early marriage by community dialogue facilitators in 4 sub regions (of AdiTekelezan, Mendefera, Debarwa and Ghindae) of 3 regions - 122,109 participants (57.4% females)
• on child rights with about 850,000 participants throughout the country
• promotional seminars by CWCs - 718,430 participants
• workshop on early marriage in Asmara in collaboration with the AU
• CRC 4th country report printed and disseminated publicly and used in all seminars, campaigns and sensitization
• International Children’s day celebrated yearly in collaboration with stakeholders
122.124 - Philippines (ii) Combating child labor
& trafficking in persons
Child Labor Monitoring enforced
18. Child Labor Monitoring enforced in various ways as indicated in the following:-
• Legal provisions enforced- Article 143(1) of the Labor Proclamation and Article 607 of the Transitional Penal Code and compulsory basic education of 8 years enforced and implemented but vulnerable children received Government financial assistance to remain in school
• Labor Inspection Service consolidated by training 8 more supervisors and 1505 establishments supervised and no elements of forced child labor was observed.
• National Labor force survey conducted and analysis completed; the labor situation and challenges analyzed; will be disseminated shortly labor information and gaps on labor supply and expected to enforce implementation of legal and institutional frameworks and deepen understanding and responsibility on child labor.
Campaign and fight against human trafficking of children and women
19. Government campaign and fight against the human trafficking of children and women is a priority and many smugglers and traffickers have been brought to justice. The MLHW prepared a manual on the scourge of human trafficking and the campaign had been intensified and the following are some examples:-
Page 10 of 66
• TOT of 72 sub-regional social workers was conducted. Sensitization and campaigns through media and in particular campaigns by the trained social workers conducted sensitized 16,000 community members in the four high risk regions (Central, southern, Anseba and Gash Barka (targeted 8 sub-regions – Gala Nefhi and Berik, Senafe and Adi Quala, Keren and Hagaz, Shambuko and Golij)
• National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) sensitized 295,000 youth by mobilizing 1,520 youth facilitators on the impact of illegal migration and human trafficking, established mini-media clubs in 20 middle and senior secondary schools as pilot - and organized training, seminars, cultural shows and media campaigns.
• Through its President Eritrea requested the UNSG and UNSC to establish an independent inquiry into the conspiracy to use illegal migration and human trafficking to lure the young generation and children and women from Eritrea. The President expressed Eritrea’s readiness to cooperate with the body and provide all relevant information in its possession but to no avail.
• Nevertheless, Eritrea actively participated in the Horn of Africa initiative on migration – Khartoum process
(iii) Improving the quality of life of the Vulnerable and Persons with Disability (PWDs) Policy Orientation
20. A national policy document on PWDs was discussed and finalized in a workshop in May 2015 that involved all government institutions, national civic organizations, elders and religious leaders
Page 11 of 66 and professional from various fields
Problems of Vulnerable Children and families addressed
21. The following are some of the measures taken to address the problems facing vulnerable families and children:-
• 7,334 HIV/AIDS infected Children under ART given monthly financial assistance, 3668 vulnerable children (47.98% female) reunified with 1418 host families. 8,712 vulnerable children hosted in 2,178 families who were supported through the donkey pulling cart support (300 also provided with donkeys) for income generation.
• Assistance is given to about 14,635 street children, orphans and disabled children to continue education. The "donkey for school
"project has helped 262 disabled children in their mobility to pursue education. 601 children from 151 vulnerable families i n six regions b e n e f i t e d from the income, generating s u p p o r t f o r vulnerable families care and protection.
• Care and protection of orphans is promoted. The Government managed Orphanage Centre is still giving care and protection for 402 orphans while 5885 orphans (53.8% girls) are hosted by 11 NGOs. 21 vulnerable families were also provided w i t h socio economic s u p p o r t to host 63 orphans through income generating activities.
• Support to Martyr’s families and children maintained. An average of ERN 311 million (about USD 20.73 million) was spent every year. The Government has also bought a third of the shares in some privatized state enterprises for the benefit of the Trust Fund. Eritreans in the Diaspora contributed in a project aimed at financial support to the families and establish family links.
Page 12 of 66 Support and empowerment
for PWDs expanded
22. The favorable government policy, commitment, action, conducive social environment, constructive role of families, communities and the general public to PWDs and the readiness of PWDs to be self-reliant are the main driving factors that have to be sustained in improving the wellbeing of PWDs. Challenges still remain in availing residential houses for PWDs, limited funding for IGAs and critical problems in orthopedic appliances, relevant vocational training, research funding to update the data and situation of PWDs at national level and solving physical environmental barriers limited. Nevertheless, the effort has been consolidated and the following can be mentioned in this respect:-
• Institutional Base to support and integrate PWDs is strengthened through the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) structure in 52 sub regions (with 2,766 volunteers). They have promoted the rights of PWDs and mobilized social and economic support to PWDs from the communities40 inclusive school teachers and peer educators trained and Para Olympic comm. established to empower sport spirit
• Economic and social support to PWDs provided – GoSE provided ERN 252,923,548.9 monthly allowances to 4731 war injured (17.7%
females), 472 WDVs created opportunities through self-financing activities and micro finance scheme to another 1,105 WDVs for start-up businesses, standard medical benefit package and service given to 6406 WDVs, service to 9931 including free check-ups and eye examination to more than 11,000 WDVs; 50% discount given in the eye glass workshop, orthopedic workshop produced assorted mobility for 6575 PWDs. 4013 PWDs also benefitted from the communities at grassroots level and were provided social and economic support either in kind, labor or in monetary forms.
Role of Organizations of PWDs -
23. PWDs actively worked to follow up the UPR recommendations, mainstream human right approaches to minimize stigmatization and
Page 13 of 66 discrimination of the PWDs and their families. Some of the activities accomplished include the following:-
• ENWDVA worked to promote the rights of War Disabled Veterans (WDVs), improve their livelihoods and realize their active participation in their development and contribution to the society. ENDWVA helped 472 WDVs to become productive and economically self-reliant citizens and created job opportunities through animal breeding, grinding mills, animal pulling carts, Knife sharpening with a total expenditure of Nakfa 9,298,238.00. Micro-credit interventions impacted in the livelihood of more than 1105 WDVs and their families. 6406 veterans received medical services. Moreover, it procured and imported medicines and 4659 materials to assist their mobility were provided. The eye glass workshop of the ENWDA sells at 50% discount to 9931 of its members and free eye examination to more than 11,000 others.
• Eritrean National Association of the Deaf (ERNAD): The computer Engineering Dep. of institute of technology developed EriSL Interpreter software in collaboration and closer consultation with EriNAD, Sign Language dictionary prepared, 5000 copies printed and translated to Arabic and English, 30 EriNAD leaders, regional representatives, focal persons trained ; advocacy workshop to 70 social workers, regional leaders of the MoLHW,50 regional hospital experts and doctors of the MOH and120 families and administration workers so as to bolster understanding of deafness disability; advocacy workshop to 300 deaf and hard of hearing women members to boost their understanding on gender and deafness issues; trained 40 inclusive school teachers and peer educators so as to make the school environment bilingual and bicultural; 150 deaf trained to work in companies and government; 150 deaf and hard of hearing trained in tailoring, 50 youths in Art.
• Eritrean National Association for the Blind (ERNAB)- Capacity building Training conducted in 8 sub regions and relevant protocols
Page 14 of 66 and guidelines are produced. In cooperation with the EU; 1149 (43.8%
female) have benefited from various trainings by ERNAB ; a workshop for 60 blind females on sustainable livelihood in collaboration with the NUEW; a training text book (curriculum) in Braille for high school blind teachers. 32 (11 Females) blind teachers and college students have collected these text books printed in Braille; ERNAB promotes a twin- track approach and focus on strengthening both special needs education and further development of inclusive education
• Intellectual and Developmental Disability (NAIDDE) - conducted awareness campaigns through seminars to families, organized joint trainings with international NGOs like ARCHMED (Germany) and sacra Famiglia (Italy), convened its second congress, elected leadership , launched awareness campaigns aimed at reducing social stigma on IDDs in 44 sub-regions, 1402 (67% female) participants obtained specific trainings in 58 sub regions ( for 6 days) given to 1796 IDD parents, two manuals on autism-Down syndrome and on Cerebral palsy (CP) were prepared and distributed to IDD parents and the public and income generating project launched for 70 IDD parents; 20 crunches, 15 wheel chairs and 3 walking chairs distributed to IDD parents.
NAIDDE also distributed teaching aid materials to 16 IDD schools.
c. Women Equality and Empowerment Legal and Institutional
Basis advanced and monitored
24. All discriminations based on sex are abolished by law, various proclamations have ascertained women’s rights including on citizenship, land tenure, labor, national service and elimination of FGM/c and underage marriage. Affirmative action on fair gender representation in public affairs (30%) is advanced and women equality is mainstreamed in national development.
122,113 – Malaysia (i) Awareness raising Campaigns on women equality and empowerment and the fight against
25. Extensive campaign is conducted on women equality and empowerment as reflected in the following:-
Page 15 of 66 discriminatory practices
promoted.
• 209 Facilitators appointed to parts of the six regions and peer education organized in the NUEW HQ as well as in 8 centers of each of the 6 regions. Thus, 8265 seminars, campaigns, workshops, given to the 452,729 participants on women’s legal and political rights and were productive.
• 423 meetings and seminars conducted in all regions (152,729 participants- 24%male).
• Over 300,000 citizens also participated in the campaigns on traditional harmful practices and communicable diseases (Malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS).
• Furthermore, Mother and child safety promoted and 460 facilitators have reached out about 107,113 mothers (3.64% of whom were pregnant women), and 6354 delivered in local clinics campaigns on sexual reproductive health and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) encouraged visits to clinics by couples. In this respect School- based gender and health training is piloted in 5 schools of each region and sensitization of 13,275 students and 6,927women from 3 regions.
• Activism is also promoted in which every year NUEW holds 16 days campaign to fight Gender Based Violence and international Women’s Day (March 8) is used to campaign and mobilize the society
• Media programmes and campaigns also augment the effort. Radio p r o g r a m m e o n w o m e n broadcasted in 5 local languages and also consolidated on a weekly TV Programme. The NUEW magazine (Ageizo - emancipation of women) is also published quarterly 2 documentary films on FGM/C and women empowerment developed and used in the campaign NUEW Visibility and
engagement in
International Space is also stronger
26. NUEW attended 59th, 60th, 61st and 62nd sessions of commission of status of women (CSW) and presented statements, organized 2 side events on Eritrean women. Side events were also during 31st session of HRC and 62nd Session of ACHPR. NUEW submitted the 4th and 5th CEDAW report and twice commented on the Committee recommendations; preparation for the 6th Report is also on-going under the coordination of an inter-sector working group.
Page 16 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment 122.109, 110, 111, 112,
114 - China, Sudan, Armenia, Singapore, Luxembourg
(ii) Gender equality and empowerment
Role in Public Life
27. Generally women constitute 28.5% in political and public life but have higher representation in local level and lower positions. Hence more effort is needed to achieve the 30% affirmative action target. In this regards, all ministries have established gender focal points and gender strategic plans are prepared to advance women equality and empowerment in public life.
Leadership training also continues and the number of trained in The Embatkala Training for Excellence in Leadership has so far trained 341 (was 54 in 2014)
Economic empowerment and Social-cultural support
28. On top of the interventions made at national level and various other stakeholders, NUEW Micro credit scheme has been promoted for 5418 women and 694 women supported in model cooperative agriculture. On the other hand, 95,913 fire wood saving stoves were also distributed in all rural and found to be useful in everyday livelihood of households. Support for girls was also advanced. Financial and material support in education ((30,000 girls to continue junior/senior secondary e d u c a t i o n , 21722 women supported to pursue adult education programme and NUEYS i n p a r t i c u l a r s u p p o r t s 2 0 0 economically disadvantaged and academically under-performing girls in selected s a m p l e schools of the Central Region. It also established Reproductive Health C o m m i t t e e s ( in 5 pilot junior and senior secondar y schools o f each r e g i o n . E xemplary role of women and girls i n m a n y a c t i v i t i e s rewarded in many activities at national, regional and institutional levels. NUEYS pilot project of girls’ education supports 400 economically disadvantaged and academically under-performing girls in selected schools of the Central Region). Moreover 8962 young girls got trained in different vocational skills organized by NUEYS program.
Page 17 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment 122.108, 125, 126, 127,
128, 129, 130, 131- Argentina, Chile, Croatia, France, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, and Uruguay
(iii) Discriminatory practices
The Fight against FGM/C and Early Marriage has been strengthened
29. 548 FGM/C and Early Marriage committees (64.12% of the members are male) are functioning effectively at all levels r e gi o n al , s u b - r e gi o n al a n d vi l l a ge / l o c al i t y l e v el s . There are 6 at regional level with 70 members - 82.9% male,, 82 at sub regional level with 798 members - 73.6% male, 460 at village and locality level w i t h 3666 members – 61.7% male) are functional and worked effectively. In the last two years, anti FGM/C and early marriage Popular Movement has emerged in most regions. At present, grassroots driven popular movement to ban FGM/C and early marriage in many sub regions are on-going with tangible development against the harmful practices. Accordingly,
• The meeting of religious leaders in the Central Region on November 20, 2016 issued a declaration that condemns the practice of FGM and early marriage.
• The involvement of religious leaders has also been critical in the Anseba Region and a declaration was issued to ban these practices. It came as a result of the long process that started at village and sub-regional levels and involved all stakeholders. Accordingly, three sub regions have declared to ban the practices immediately. Similar efforts are also taking place in the other regions
Page 18 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment
30. The effort is complemented by other tangible measures and the following are some examples:-
• Survey and Documentation - In a 2017 study to analyze the driving factors of underage marriage, 26 villages in the sub regions of Habero, Asmat, Aditekelizan were targeted and the findings have been used to develop a National Strategic Action Plan. The assessments indicate that 91.7% oppose circumcision and 89% believe that it has no benefit at all.
• Mapping exercise on FGM/C was also conducted in 26 villages of Adi Tekeliezan sub-region and the data is being analyzed
• Furthermore, a documentary film on the situation of a remote rural community (Hawasha, in Gash Barka) who never practiced FGM/C and rural communities who completely abandoned the practice through concerted efforts has been taken as symbolic in the fight against FGM/C and is widely used in the campaign throughout the country.
122.132 – by Lithuania 122,133 - by Thailand
(iv) Protection of
women from
violence and Support for Victims Monitoring and Legal Action enforced
3 1 . Monitoring and action through the law enforcement agencies, administrations and anti-FGM/C and early marriage committees is institutionalized at all levels. In 2016, 39 women in Anseba Region (Sub Region of Hagaz) 2 women in t h e Gash Bark Region and 4 in Southern Region were convicted for practicing FGM/C and given jail sentences.
Page 19 of 66 Counseling and a legal
advice for women established
32. NUEW has strengthened the Counseling and legal advice centers in all 6 regions of the nation. In the last two years, 1,167 women attended the counseling centers in all t h e regions to get advice and support on various problems and violations. The critical issue i s that NUEW has not established mechanisms of follow up on the cases after they are settled legally. Furthermore, NUEW supported 89 victims morally and financially.
B. SOCIAL SECTOR STRATEGY AND DIGNIFIED LIFE 122.169, 122.170 -
Egypt and Mexico
a. Access to Food
(i) Food Security a priority
33. Raising agricultural productivity has been the main goal in ensuring availability and accessibility. In spite of erratic rain, productivity is an average of 265,000 tons per year. The average demand has been an average of 300,000 tons per year. The average productivity of vegetables and fruits is also 535,090 tons/year. Irrigation has been stepped up and so far 57,530 hectares of land is irrigated (about 10% of the potential irrigable land) contributing to the overall productivity. The various model transformation initiatives for poverty elimination (described earlier) are also contribution in raising productivity though still at an early stage of development. Soil and water conservation has featured an important aspect of environment security and improved productivity. Presently there are 520 ponds, 178 Masonry – Micro Dams, 150 small dams, 35 medium dams and 8 big dams.
(ii) Proactive
Government Role
34. Food Affordability is ensured by Government’s Proactive Role and in the difficult circumstances when rain failed and food market prices soared, the Government used its reserves for emergency measures. The Government Crop and livestock Corporation promoted food availability and accessibility at affordable prices. Furthermore, the Hidri Programme
Page 20 of 66 for subsidized food supplies (some imported in hard currency) runs 201 centers in 67 sub regions and guaranteed availability, accessibility and affordability, especially to those affected by the prevailing food shortages and market vulnerability. The amount is determined by the family size.
An average of about 10 essential food items is sold at subsidized prices and some items at rational prices in order. Hence, there has never been famine and furthermore food prices gradually went down in the last 3 years but more effort is still needed.
(iii) Monitoring food quality promoted
35. The Legal Notice No. 113/2006 has been enforced to determine the standards for milk and milk product processing plants. Preliminary steps have also been taken to promote milk storage centers in three major and have ensured quality and safe delivery. Three modern cold store facilities with capacities of more than 17,000 tons have also been established to preserve food items in a safe environment. On the other hand, the Plant Quarantine Proclamation No 156/2006 has been applied to prevent the introduction and spread of pests through the importation of plants and plant products, take appropriate measures to prevent the presence of pests in plant and plant products during export. Moreover, the Legal Notice No. 114/2006 has been strictly applied to regulate importation, storage, handling, utilization and disposal of pesticides. Furthermore, regular inspection activities are carried out in pesticide stores and premises as well as during pesticide application to ensure that they are properly stored and applied.
(iv) Compulsory
animal vaccination enforced
36. Animal vaccination is conducted regularly against different kinds of disease such as PPR, FMD, sheep pox, Anthrax, Rabies, ILT, NCD, Gumboro, I.Coryza and Fowl Pox. It is given to both extensive and intensive animals arranged by the MOA. In the last three years free vaccination given to 3350873 cattle, 8,206,603 Shoats, 2,292,165 poultry, and 415,985 Equine.
Page 21 of 66 Recommendation No
and country
Strategic Areas & Goals Action and Assessment b. Health
Respect of health rights
37. National Health Policy of Eritrea (NHP-2010) and the National Health Sector Strategic Development Plan (2012 – 2016) have promoted the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health for all as one of the fundamental rights of every citizen. Eritrea is now implementing the HSSDP-II, which covers the period from 2017 to 2021 and is reviewing its 2010 NHP to align it with the national development aspirations and the International 2030 Development Agenda. Various g u i d e l i n e s have been issued to expand and strengthen the respect of health rights by addressing issues of access and quality. Various policy guidelines addressing issues of access and quality have been promoted/implemented and the following examples could be noted:-
• ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ and 'National Pharmaco-vigilance Guidelines'
• Strategic plan and standards on Adolescents and young people friendly health services (AYPFHS)
• Training Needs Assessment at national level and types of training,
• Curriculum Review for associate Nurse training programme,
• vector control,
• IMNCI,
• malaria treatment and case management,
• HIV Counseling, etc.
Advocacy and Sensitization
38. Production and distribution of different health communication materials (HCMs), including, leaflets, brochures, booklets, posters, flipcharts, counseling cards, discussion guides, billboards etc. as well as producing media spots and dramas and broadcasting them through the National media channels, including newspaper, TV and Radios in all Eritrean languages.
Page 22 of 66 Health campaigns (listed in the annex) have also contributed in addressing health rights and services.
Monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance
39. The Ministry conducted a review of internal quality assurances to evaluate and cross check the result, client satisfaction surveys and hospitals performance surveys for internal quality audit. Supportive supervision to the departments of emergency services of National Referral hospitals, supervision and quality assurances in Gash Barka region and health centres were conducted. To further improve the quality of health services on malaria, Therapeutic Efficacy Study, Vector Resistance and Bed Net Utilization surveys were conducted. Moreover, 72 Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) project sites supervised 523 water points in four regions inspected and treated, 2,368 food and drink establishments inspected and necessary guidelines and warnings given. Moreover, quarterly supervision was done to Bisha and Zara mining sites.
Sanitation inspection of the Institute of Agriculture T e c h n o l o g y in Hamelmalo was conducted
(i) the quality and accessibility of health services improved
Equitable health provision expanded
40. Demographic distribution rose in which 60% in rural areas have free access to health service in less than 5% km and about 80% in less than 10 km.
There is a High Antenatal coverage (97%) and delivery at health facility and by skilled birth attendance has reached 62% (was 6% at independence in 1991). On the other hand, high virtual universal immunization rate of 98%, a polio free status and health security where maternal and neo natal tetanus are no more a public concern for under-5 children indicate the extended equitable provision created presently. Since 1999 malaria morbidity has decreased by 90% and overall mortality has decreased by 86%. TB incidence is also the lowest in the Horn of Africa and East Africa at about
Page 23 of 66 70 per 100,000. In the above context, it is essential to consider, early childhood intervention is a priority strategy and is also integrated in the school health programme. In this regards, eye, ear, dental screening and early identification of any mental problems in made.
Outreach programmes maximized
41. - Outreach programmes are effective in public health delivery. In all regions the currently functioning 43 functional waiting homes have improved access for pregnant mothers. In 2015-16, 2,725 pregnant women safely delivered in health facilities after staying in the maternity waiting homes and 61 were referred to higher level facilities. Properly trained and adequately supplied Community Health Agents (CHA) h a v e delivered various promotional and clinical health services, also conduct test febrile cases and treat the confirmed m a l a r i a cases. In 2016 malaria communit y agents treated 3 3 , 3 9 5 malaria patients (40% of the total) . IMNCI, TB dots Promoters, Reproductive health agents, Nutrition and WASH promoters are some of the areas in which CHAs provide clinical health services to people in their homes.
Effective campaigns Promoted
42. Various health promotion goals are done through concerted effort and campaigns with significant impact and the following are some important examples:-
• Obstetric Fistula promoted in Mendefera Regional Hospital a n d a n a t i o n - w i d e c a m p a i g n p r o m o t e d . 7 3 c a s e s r e p a i r e d a n d 6 g a v e s a f e b i r t h s a n d 4 3 s u r v i v o r s g i v e n l i f e s k i l l t r a i n i n g
• vaccination campaign is done in 16 sub regions s e r v i n g nomadic areas and on Polio National Immunization day 5 – 9 months age targeted with 95% coverage
Page 24 of 66
• Healthier life style promoted through campaigns and School personal hygiene and campaigns done throughout the country sensitization
• 21,364 treated for Lymphatic filairiasis (L.F) in a critical sub region and campaign in the b i l h a r z i a endemic sub z o n e s c o n d u c t e d a n d 270,000 treated
• 507 students screened for early detection and management of Cardio Vas cul ar complications by Italian cardiologist Group,
• 812 WASH p r o m o t e r s trained and campaign conducted throughout the country
• Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign done regularly - Diarrheal disease is one of the three leading causes of mortality among under-5 year children, and of morbidity among the general population. Rural Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) is thus a priority to make rural villages "Open Defecation Free (ODF)". As of June 2018, more than 1,000 villages were triggered and 700 villages (more than a quarter of the 2,666 rural villages) declared ODF
Specialized services have impacted on quality of services
43. Non-communicable diseases are recently among the 10 leading causes of morbidity and mortality and heart diseases, injuries, hypertensive diseases, diabetes have been targeted. Incidence of blindness is also fairly low but preventive hygiene and sanitation campaigns are promoted. Concerted effort to prevent cataract blindness is also successful. New Medical Technology and equipment expanded. The Ministry has built new Cardiac and Physiotherapy Center; Oxygen Plants, Radiotherapy C e n t re s outreach TT surgery conducted in 8 sub regionss of Zoba Debub by training Six TT surgeons. Other specialized interventions include the following:-
Page 25 of 66
• Vaccines - Pneumococcal Conjugative Vaccine (PCV) has been introduced since 2015 and post introduction evaluation conducted in accordance to WHO protocol.
• HIV/AIDS - To prevent vertical HIV transmission, routine syphilis test in Ante Natal Care (ANC) sites introduced and 60,000 pregnant women tested for syphilis. 80,000 ANC attendees also tested for HIV;
Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) and SRH services integrated in all facilities; Hospitals , Health centers and 17 Health stations of Anseba region are providing HIV (PEP) Post- Exposure Prophylaxis
• Malaria - Artesunate injection f o r severe malaria i n t r o d u c e d ; Investigation into false-negative RDT results has been conducted with results showing change in P. falciparum parasite strains and as a result a new type of RDT has been introduced
• HAlC laboratory test introduced in Orota and Sembel Hospital's laboratories
.
Availability and
affordability of essential drugs raised
44. Eritrea is producing more than 48 products covering 7 therapeutic ranges and medicines are sold at subsidized and sometimes at affordable prices.
Quality of imported drugs is also monitored . Furthermore, the NUEYS, Eritrean Social Marketing Group also distributed 21,180,700 pieces of condoms in the last four years
Overall Impact and Progress achieved
45. The efforts and achievements in the health sector as well as in other development endeavors resulted in continuous improvements of impact health indicators such as under-five mortality, maternal mortality and life expectancy. 2016 Estimates of Selected Impact Health Indicators show the
Page 26 of 66 following trends:-
• General Trends
➢ Life expectancy at birth - 65 years (62.9 in male and 67.1 in female)
➢ Healthy life expectancy at birth (years)- 57.4
➢ Overall mortality (per 100,000)- 1,297
➢ Communicable diseases (per 100,000)- 506
➢ Non communicable diésasses (per 100,000)- 671
➢ Violence and injuries (per 100,000)- 119
• Mortality Rates:
➢ Maternal mortality (per 100,000 live births)- 44.5
➢ Neonatal mortality (per 1,000 live births)- 17.7
➢ Infant mortality (per 1,000 live births)- 33
➢ Under 5 mortality (per 1,000 live births)- 44.5
➢ Adult mortality (per 100,000 persons)- 264
• Incidence Rates of Targeted Diseases
➢ Tuberculosis incidence (per 100 000 population)- 74
➢ Malaria incidence (per 1000 population at risk)- 17.2
➢ Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence among children under 5 years (%)-0.74
• Prevalence Rates of Targeted Conditions:
➢ HIV-0.5%
Page 27 of 66
➢ Tuberculosis Prevalence-123/100,000
➢ Tobacco use amongst age group 25-34-1.8%
➢ Alcohol use amongst age group 25-34-31.6%
➢ Raised BP at age 18+ (≥140 and/or ≥90 mmHg)- 15%
➢ Overweight and obesity in adolescents (BMI 25 -30)- 9.7%
122.183 – by Uganda (ii) Develop HR capacity 46. On top of the human resource development made directly through the Eritrean higher learning institutions where about 120 medical doctors graduate, the Ministry of Health has worked to develop the required human resource for the health sector in line to the HRD policy and strategic plan of the Government. The following demonstrates the effort made in the last 4 years:-
Number of Graduates from the Three Schools of Associate Nurse
➢ 241 Students graduated as Associate Nurses from Barentu School of Associate Nurses in three years from 2014 -2018.
➢ 290 Students graduated as Associate Nurses from Ghindae School of Associate Nurses in three years from 2014 -2018.
Number of MOH staff upgraded in various levels and areas
• Certificate and Diploma
➢ 106 MOH staff completed certificate course in management and accounting from SMAP
➢ 150 MOH staff completed Diploma Course in Comprehensive Nursing and Midwifery from Asmara Collage of Health
Page 28 of 66 Sciences (ACHS)
• Upgraded to Degree
➢ 45 MOH staff upgraded from Diploma Nurse to Degree Nurse (BSN) from Asmara Collage of Health Sciences (ACHS)
➢ 22 MOH staff upgraded from Diploma Nurse to Degree Nurse (BSN) from Dundee University via Distance Education
➢ 34 MOH staff upgraded in Art of Professional Development (BAPD) from Dundee University via Distance Education
• Upgraded o Masters level
➢ 21 MOH staff upgraded in MSc in Nursing and Global Health (BAPD) from Dundee University via Distance Education
➢ 21 MOH staff upgraded to MSc level in Nursing and Global Health (BAPD) from Dundee University via Distance Education
➢ 9 MOH staff upgraded to MSc level in Nursing and Global Health from Dundee University via Distance Education
➢ 9 MOH staff upgraded to MSc level in nursing from ACHS
➢ 9 MOH staff upgraded to MSc level in Anesthesia from ACHS
➢ 9 MOH staff upgraded to MSc level in Anesthesia from ACHS
➢ 3 MOH staff upgraded to MSc level in (1 in Human resources Management, 1 in Public health, in Epidemiology) from ROMA
➢ University and London University.
➢ 4 MOH staff upgraded to MSc level in Medical Entomology and Vector Control from Al University of Gezira
