World teachers daY marKed at national level in massaWa...

Vol. 22 No. 63 Wednesday, 3 october, 2015 Pages 8, Price2.00 NFA

World Teachers Day was marked at the national level in Massawa city on the 5th of October 2015.

Speaking on the occasion, the Administrator of the Northern Red Sea Region, Mrs. Tsigereda Weldegiorgis,expressed apprec-

The heads of PFDJ chapters from the German cities of Krefeld, Wuppertal, Dusseldorf, Bielefeld and Cologne conducted a meeting to further boost their activities.

During the meeting, Mr. Tsehaye Habte and Ms. Liya Hadish, the Chairperson of the PFDJ Chapter

A reminder to protect and preserve the rich tourism resources in the Southern Region was made in a meeting on protection of tourism resources conducted on October 1 in the city of Mendefera.

Speaking during the meeting where members from 12 administrative areas of the region participated, Ms. Asmeret Abraha, Director General of the Department of Tourism in the region disclosed due to time and limited awareness

Youth efforts to bolster national development programs

At a meeting held in Himbirti on 3 October, youth of the area expressed their readiness to exert continuous efforts to bolster development programs underway by the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS).

Mr. Samson Kifle, Head of the NUEYS Central Region B, ranch Samson stated that the Union is actively working to enhance access of vocational skills to the youth.

The participants of the meetings elected a 14-membered committee to supervise the various youth activities in Himbiriti area.

financial support to 63 students in adi-Keih

The Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare has extended material and financial support to 63 needy students in Adi-Keih sub-zone.

Mr. Gebriel Kahsai, representative of the Ministry in the sub-zone, said that the objective of the assistance, which is done annually, is to encourage students to continue their schooling. The sustainability of the modest programme is vital and contributions need to secured on a constant basis, Mr. Gabriel underlined.

educational progress in hagaz sub-zone

Mr. Saleh Ibrahim, Head of the Ministry of Education in Hagaz sub-zone, stated that Government investments in education in the sub-zone is contributing to greater access in all levels of education. All in all at the present time, 37 schools are giving service to students from kindergarten to the Secondary level. Enrollment of women across all levels in the sub-zone has seen 46% increase this academic year alone, Mr. Saleh noted.

The Administrator of the sub-zone, Ms. Amna Haj, on her part reaffirmed the commitments of the administration to continue working with partners to maintain the moment and ensure further success in the expansion of the educational opportunities in the area.

iation for the commitment teachers have been demonstrating in their career, and said that the Administration would sustain its collaboration with them. Noting that education is the basis for creating a civilized society, the Administrator went on to say that efforts should be

exerted to nurture the good values of a teacher as they are the foundation for the constructive transformation.

Mr. Isaac Woldegiorgis, Chairman of the Eritrean Teachers Association on his part pointed out that gratifying outcome has been

World teachers daY marKed at national level in massaWa citY

in Krefeld and the Secretary respectively, delivered a an assessment report on the activities carried out by the different chapters.

Participants on their part noted that the strong unity of the Eritrean people and true leadership of the PFDJ were the primary factors for

the rebuff of the different regional and global hostilities against Eritrea, and stressed every member’s task of bolstering the front that has been laying strong foundations for development.

In the end, they reaffirmed their readiness to work harder for better achievements.

heads of pfdJ chapters in north germanY meet to bolster their efforts

call made to protect tourism resources in southern region

of the communities the historical places and artifacts in the region were suffering damages, and that the people and the administrations should take protective and preservative measures.

Noting that most of the tourism resources were located in villages, she called on administrators to know their environments well so as to help in the identification surveys. Ms. Asmeret also called on the administrators to make sure

registered as regards promoting educational outreach and nurturing teachers, with the need for exerting more efforts towards advancing educational excellence. Mr. Isaac stated that the Association would enhance integrated efforts to this end, and called on teachers to keep

intact the values of their career, besides encouraging exemplary role among them.

Also speaking during the event, Mr. Petros Hailemariam, Director General of Research and Human Resource development in the Ministry of Education, noted the vitality of educational standard and productive human capacity in national development. He further called on the Association to play a leading role in raising teachers’ competence.

During the event, the Director General of General Education at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Mussa Naib presented a paper regarding the values and ethics of teachers. In addition a number research papers were presented during the event.

tourism service providers in the region deliver efficient services.

Meanwhile, the Director of Trade, Industry and Mining in the Southern Region Mr. Tekie Tewolde briefed participants on the proclamations of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and underlined the stepping up of efforts by relevant government bodies to solve problems on the management of business licenses and records.

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2Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, 3 october, 2015

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Statement by H.E. Mr. Osman Saleh Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Eritrea

At The Seventieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Mr. President,

It is my pleasure, at the outset, to warmly congratulate you upon your election as President of the 70th session of the United Na-tions General Assembly.

I also wish to extend my deep appreciation to your predeces-sor, H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa, for his commendable efforts in conduct-ing the business of the 69th ses-sion of the United Nations Gen-eral Assembly.

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Seventy years after the birth of the United Nations with its prom-ise of peace, justice and develop-ment for all, of all nations acting in concert for the common good, it is undeniable that we continue to live in an unfair and unequal world, a world where conflicts and wars rage, extreme poverty persists in the midst of plenty, children die from easily prevent-able diseases and justice is rou-tinely trampled.

The United Nations Organisa-tion itself is a reflection of this unfair, unequal and undemocratic global order. In the UN, the over-whelming majority of member states are marginalized, this as-sembly of nations which should

be the most powerful organ is bereft of real power and influence and power and decision making are dominated by a few among the few.

Two decades of talk to reform the organization has yielded zero results.

The resistance of those who be-lieve they benefit from the current configuration is so stiff and the ranks of those who seek change so divided by approaches that are driven by narrow national inter-ests, the enthusiasm for reform is giving way to a disquieting pa-ralysis.

Yet, all the member states, peoples and political and social forces that thirst for peace, jus-tice, equitable socio-economic development and the protection and enhancement of the environ-ment cannot give up.

We need to persist in our efforts to rebuild and revitalize the Unit-ed Nations.

We need to strengthen our soli-darity and defend the time-tested principles of equal sovereignty of nations, respect for territorial in-

tegrity, peaceful coexistence, the right of nations to choose their social and economic path of de-velopment, respect for the dignity and rights of citizens and migrants and fidelity to the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

We need to strive and cooper-ate at the national, regional and global levels for sustainable and equitable development, a lofty goal that also underpins peace and social justice.

We need to fight to avert an environmental catastrophe that awaits human kind and threatens human civilization.

This will require more than hu-man ingenuity and advances in science and technology.

We must realize that there can be no technological fix of the en-vironmental challenge.

It will require radical change away from economic and social systems based on greed, maximi-zation of profits for the few, mas-sive inequality, unsustainable and unhealthy patterns of consump-tion and gross wastage.

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Eritrea is committed to striving for a fair, just, truly representa-tive and effective United Nations because it was and is now a vic-tim of the United Nations and the powers that have dominated the organization.

Six decades ago we were denied of our inalienable right to self-determination and independence; for three decades, we were sav-agely bombed from the air and the ground, with the aim of crushing our liberation struggle; and today, we are subjected to unfair and il-legitimate sanctions and baseless accusations.

The United Nations and its Se-curity Council continue to coun-tenance the illegal occupation of our sovereign territory in viola-tion of international law and sev-eral Security Council resolutions.

Despite this hostility and injus-tice, Eritrea achieved indepen-dence by dint of a heroic struggle against tremendous odds.

Today, Eritrea is making re-markable progress in building a nation based on citizenship and an inclusive state and the respect of human dignity and rights. It is peaceful, stable, secure and har-monious.

Achieving unity in diversity, with its people animated by a common struggle and committed to a common future, it has avoid-ed the pitfalls of sectarianism, radicalization and terrorism that have infected the surrounding re-gion and many other areas in the world.

On another front, Eritrea is building a solid basis for sus-tainable development with social justice by prioritizing education, health, agriculture, industrializa-tion, infrastructure, science and technology, all within a frame-work of regional cooperation and integration, in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf region across the Red Sea.

Eritrea welcomes the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 which ac-cord with its development vision and priorities and is determined to achieve them ahead of the 2030 deadline.

Maintaining focus on develop-ment, Eritrea is fighting human trafficking, stabilizing illegal migration and giving youth and women adequate opportunities to pursue a high quality of life and build their nation.

Eritrea is also making its contri-bution to regional peace, stability and security in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

Eritrea sees its own efforts for peace, justice, development, en-vironmental protection as part of the global struggle for a better and more fair and equitable world; for a strong, effective and truly repre-sentative United Nations.

I Thank You.

03 october 2015, New York


The Background

Perpetual turbulence in ever-widening flashpoints of conflict has become the New Normal in our contemporary times. What is sometimes cynically referred to, or termed as, “the arc of crisis” is ensnaring ever wider regions and populations in Central Europe, the Middle East as well as North and Eastern Africa in avoidable and catastrophic wars. The human and economic costs are stagger-ing. Millions of people remain displaced internally. Yet millions of people are taking extreme risks and seeking refuge in Europe and elsewhere at a time when cultural retrenchment and anti-immigrant sentiments are on the rise fuelled, as they are, by financial and other crises in the host countries.

The spiraling global crises and the proliferation of wars have, surely, local dimensions and causes. But more than often, the multiple and incessant wars that are raging in these preoccupying times are fueled and exacerbated by over-arching external agendas and interests.

In a period whose hallmark is the acute lack of global leadership and in which established pillars and principles of international se-curity architecture have and con-tinue to be recklessly eroded and compromised, imperial hubris has assumed a paramount and unas-sailable position with all its peril-ous consequences to enduring in-ternational peace and stability.

International law is subordi-nated and misconstrued to serve the dictates and predilections of certain powers. It can no longer serve as a deterrent against will-ful wars of aggression and domi-nation under various pretexts and labels.

The gross violation of inter-national law, the denial of justice and the lack of guarantees to hu-man rights and security are not only perpetrated callously and with impunity, but they are also on the increase.

Established norms and prin-ciples of international law on the sovereignty of peoples and na-

tions are no longer the inalienable standards that govern and regulate the conduct and behavior of States in their international and bilat-eral ties. This trend is contrary to cardinal principles “on the main-tenance of international peace; the principles of equal rights and self-determination of peoples; the sovereign equality of all Mem-ber States; and, the obligation of Member States to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or politi-cal independence of any State” enshrined in Articles 1.1., 1.2., as well as 2.1. and 2.4 of the UN Charter. These principles are also enunciated in other continental/re-gional associations. Yet, as amply corroborated by several events in our contemporary times, certain powers have long arrogated the authority to themselves to tamper with and circumvent these inalien-able principles and rights.

International law is squarely anchored on the sovereignty of peoples and States. Indepen-dence, sovereignty, territorial in-tegrity and unity are sacrosanct rights of peoples. Wanton viola-tion of these norms and principles can only be a recipe for and lead to destructive and avoidable wars. Unfortunately, these perplexing trends are on the ascent in these turbulent times.

Another related and controver-sial question pertains to the choice of a country’s political system. Who are the real stakeholders; who has the fundamental right or authority to decide and determine these matters? This is not, of course, a matter of simple philo-sophical or academic discourse. Indeed, the manner in which this pivotal question is perceived and advocated has serious implica-tions on the international security architecture, on the conduct of global and regional actors and on the matrix of Intra-State ties and relations.

The central theme here is that there are no universal models and golden standards for political sys-tems, no one-size-fits-all generic prescriptions, that can be dictated to all nations and peoples at all times.

This is a matter of sovereign rights and independent political choices for the people concerned. No external power or institution has the moral high ground, right or mandate to select and impose a certain type of political system on another nation and people. Indeed the conjecture is better amplified if we digress somewhat from a purely abstract and theoretical discourse to scrutinize the diver-sity of the political landscape that prevails in our world today.

In this regard, would it be ap-propriate to question the ratio-nality and functionality of Royal structures in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and a host of oth-er post-industrial western nations? And what about the Kingdoms in Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, Jordan and Morocco? Who condones the ap-propriateness of these political systems? Likewise, who signs the bill of constitutional health for the political structure of a Sultan-ate in Oman, and for Emirates in Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE? Are there universal criteria to catego-rize and baptize nations in Re-publican, Federal or Confederal configurations? Who prescribes a “socialist” or “capitalist” polit-ical-economic system in a given country? How are one-party or multi-party States determined? Why is plurality confined to a two-party structure in the United States? And who has certified the People’s Republic of China to be a one-party State? The list is long.

But the central message is the same. These are matters of sover-eign right and choice for the peo-ple concerned. External partners do not have the prerogative to pre-scribe political structures for big or small, wealthy or poor nations. Whether the intention is benign or sinister is in fact immaterial and irrelevant. Digression from this practice will only compromise principles of peaceful coexistence and stoke perpetual chaos and conflict.

The struggle of the Eritrean people in the context of peoples’ rights

The people of Eritrea have a long history of defiance against

colonial rule and ardent patriotism. This proud history of fighting for their inalienable right spans sever-al centuries and pre-dates the for-mation of States in our region with their current boundaries and polit-ical configurations. The checkered and documented history of chal-lenging external forces of occupa-tion and domination includes epic battles against marauding armies of feudal chieftains in the region as well as resistance against Egyp-tian and Ottoman incursions from the 15th until the 19th centuries.

This fine tradition of resistance and heroism continued in the pe-riod of Italian colonialism, when the latter occupied and set the boundaries of present-day Eritrea. Many Eritrean heroes who chal-lenged colonial rule were sum-marily executed or imprisoned for life in desolate dungeons.

Eritrean heroes, such as Ze-rai Derres, who unsheathed his sword in Rome against the racist desecration of his native land, and other heroes who threw bombs at and wounded Italian General Gra-ziani in Addis Abeba under simi-lar circumstances are some of the instances of unparalleled determi-nation and sacrifice that Eritrea’s best sons and daughters were prepared to pay for the dignity of their nation and people.

Italian colonialism in Eritrea came to an end in 1941 after the defeat of Italy by the Allied Forc-es. At the time, the people of Eri-trea demonstrated, in unequivocal terms, their desire for full inde-pendence and the restoration of their sovereignty. The sacrosanct rights of the Eritrean people to regain their birth rights was how-ever flagrantly violated and com-promised by the United States.

The US Administration felt that “its strategic interests were not compatible with the independence of Eritrea”. In the event, it em-ployed its diplomatic and politi-cal clout to stifle the fundamental rights of the Eritrean people.

This crime stands out as one of the most blatant violations of international law and the wanton trampling of peoples’ rights in the 20th century as well as in modern

Eritrean history. In this respect, the United States bears primary responsibility for the turmoil that ensued in our region for the next 50 years and for all the depreda-tions suffered by this small na-tion.

The people of Eritrea did not succumb to the machinations of the United States and the denial of their rights. For twenty years after the imposition of a bogus federal arrangement with Ethiopia against their expressed wishes, the people of Eritrea carried out exemplary and peaceful resistance against international injustices and for the full restoration of their inalienable rights.

This patient peaceful struggle was conducted in spite of intense repression and concerted subter-fuges to undermine their national unity, sow dispersion among their ranks, and, silence their moral voice.

Finally, when all their legitimate and peaceful protests to regain their national rights were sup-pressed with brute force, the peo-ple of Eritrea had no option but to take up arms. Thus two decades after the egregious denial of their independence, the people of Eri-trea launched the war for national liberation and independence on September 1st 1961.

The long decades of armed struggle were again extremely difficult years when the people of Eritrea had to face, virtually sin-gle-handedly, the onslaught of the occupying proxy power that was supported, in turns, by the two super-powers.

At it happened, the United States and its allies extended extensive military, diplomatic and political support to Ethiopia from 1961 un-til 1974. The former USSR and its allies followed suit to extend similar and all-rounded succor to Ethiopia thereafter until the de-mise of colonial rule in Eritrea in 1991.

In brief, huge war machiner-ies were deployed and marshaled

The Global Security Architecture, Human Rights Violations and the UN in the 21st Century

continued on page 6

Part I

Eritrea Profile, Wednesday, 3 october, 2015 4

Alamin H.

We are all animals. This is a fact however hard we try to deny it, as we often claim to be social animals; animals that live togeth-er and care about other members of the species. And most impor-tantly, we are animals that have a culture. Culture is what differen-tiates humans from other animals although we are not able to come up with a single definition for it.

Taking a simple definition, solely for the purpose of this ar-ticle, culture is a way of life. It is the sum total of norms and values in a human society.

Though norms and values might differ from society to another, there are common human values that differentiate humans from other animals. Among many one can take the human value that re-spects and values its fellow mem-bers of the species; dead or alive, rich or poor, old or young, a hu-man being is dear and respected for just being a human.

Humans reflect the care and respect they share among them-selves by way of their respective cultures. This makes culture not only a reflection of identity but also a means of protection and se-curity for members of a society.

When people gather in wed-dings or funerals, sharing in the joy and sorrow, or when they visit each other for different reasons, they communicate an important

message saying “We are here for you, don’t ever feel scared of life’s challenges and hardships as long as we are all together.”

However, this advantage that humans have been privileged with when compared to other animals, is being battered as a result of the economic and technological ad-vancement of this “developed” era of ours.

The developments in technol-ogy yielded a new way of life where the role of culture as a means of protection and security is being replaced by artificial ar-rangements.

These new arrangements de-mand an institutional structure assuming an awkwardly huge responsibility of taking care of the old, children and other disad-vantaged members of a society, which consumes a considerable amount of budget.

In a human community with a lively social makeup, where cul-ture plays its due role, human welfare is not the responsibility of an individual member or a single institution; it is rather a moral ob-ligation of the whole society ema-nating from culture.

In the absence of the natural way of protecting the disadvan-taged parts of the society, welfare has become the responsibility of governments and varied non-gov-ernmental bodies.

Today, rehabilitation and wel-fare schemes are squeezing hard-earned capital from national bud-gets of the governments that care to provide welfare. Yet, the needy are not even close to satisfac-tion. Because what the needy are in need of are not the rations and allowances provided to them by governments or NGOs.

They are in need of a genuine safety; human care and protection. An orphanage, for example, can hardly replace ‘home’. An orphan who lives with an aunt, uncle or grandparents is better situated to receive social security.

The life of an old person living in certain rehabilitation centers can under no circumstance be compared to the life of an old per-son living in an extended family narrating stories to his/her grand-children, even if the latter’s life is poorer by economic parameters.

The real human safety depends not on what one gets as allowanc-es; it rests on what one could get as affection and protection from other people. And here comes the irreplaceable purpose of culture.

When culture as a human trait is eroded, the consequences are social insecurity and inequal-ity within society; while some families own as much cars as the number of their members, others use car wrecks as a shelter to live in. If, as already mentioned, it is their culture, their norms and val-ues of caring for and protecting each other, is what differentiates humans from other animals, this reality leads to a debate whether such societies are humane or not.

So, when we talk about preserv-ing and developing our culture it should be seen from this point of view. In this conjuncture where indigenous cultures are wrongly criticized while unquestioned ‘popular culture’ is praised, con-serving our cultural values is a crucial issue for developing countries like Eritrea. It is near to impossible to restore norms and values once the essential social institutions like ‘the family’ are destroyed.

It is hard to guarantee social security and welfare by means of written codes of law and policies, in the absence of the natural way through which humans assure their security –culture.

In the Eritrean culture, pri-oritizing common good, looking after the sick, helping the weak and generally standing together in times of prosperity and adversity, are the main reflections of social safety and protection.

Not only is a guest welcomed in any village as a distinguished person, if a relative or a friend knows that a relative or a friend had spent the night in other plac-es, for example a hotel, it is seen as offense to the would-have-been host.

On the part of the guest visiting a friend, even if one has come to that place for a different reason, and on the part of the host accom-modating a guest is rather a privi-lege for both.

In the Eritrean culture, it is un-thinkable to send one’s aged rela-

Culture: The Sole Reliable Safety

tive to a rehabilitation centre for care.

An aged person could hardly be treated by others as long as his/her children, grandchildren or any relatives for that matter are alive. It is culturally embarrassing to ex-pect ‘institutions’ look after one’s aged relative.

Likewise, culturally, the rights of the orphans are well protected. According to Eritrean traditions, it is believed that depriving the orphaned from their due right is a sinful act. Misfortunate kids are specially treated. The society prefers such children to live with their relatives enjoying the human affection and strengthening the social bonds.

Our culture’s role as a means of social security has even an endur-ing effect on the life of the mem-bers of the society. For example, seeing children leave their fami-lies and live with a relative in a town or city to continue their edu-cation is a common thing in our society.

Had it not been for the value of the society that makes it the re-sponsibility of the relatives too to help such children to accomplish their dreams, they would have lost opportunities until the gov-ernment, NGOs or other presum-ably responsible institutions took assumed responsibility of provid-ing them with education services.

Thus, it is in our own interest to preserve our culture, as it is the sole genuine means of social se-curity and human welfare.


Mela Ghebremedhin

A strong healthcare system can be considered as one of the basic pillars of a comprehensive development program of a given country. Indeed, access to healthcare can be justifiably set atop all other social services. Even in cultural belief, we say ‘te’ena tray yehalu’, literally translated as ‘only health matters’. As such, the question of healthcare access is a key priority in Eritrea and the Ministry of Health in partnership with other government bodies and international partners and other stakeholders is continuously striving to deliver on this basic social need, equitably, throughout the country.

One of its partners, the Italian association called AS.ME.V. Calabria whose members are medical doctors from the city of Calabria were visiting the country this week and I took the liberty to meet them and discuss the work of the association in Eritrea. In today’s issue, my piece will spotlight the question of partnership and collaboration as a key for development progress by featuring the establishment of dialysis centers in Eritrea by the Eritrean Ministry of Health in close collaboration with AS.ME.V Calabria.

Looking back on Ancient Egypt, health and especially the kidney was seen as important as the heart. In fact, kidneys were “keeping untouched in royal mummies to sustain their long journey to eternity” (Barsoum et al., AJKD 2015:502). Even when I searched for the word ‘kidney’, it was anciently perceived to control disposition and temperament. Therefore, the philosophical importance of the kidney is surely due to its important impact to a healthy metabolism.

Indeed, the question of nephrology, the branch of medicine, which deals with the physiology, and diseases of kidneys, is gaining more acknowledgment and many African states are underway to catch up with western countries in giving access to dialysis centers. As a matter of fact, more than 30 African states have developed their dialysis services with the first one opened in 1957 during the apartheid in South Africa.

As the population in Africa continues to grow, the changes in lifestyles and also an increasing number of kidney-related diseases and as kidney transplantation is almost impossible to operate and its interminable waiting list, the best solution in place for both acute and chronic kidney failures are the opening of dialysis centers.

Eritrea is also facing an increase in kidney failures among its population. Henceforth, the clinical purification of blood by this technique, as a substitute for the normal function of the kidney becomes primordial for Eritrean policy makers. Accordingly, with an international average of 1 out of 1000 affected by kidney failure, number of affected in Eritrea is also important. In fact, due to dehydration, diabetes but also genetic blueprint, numerous Eritreans suffer from acute kidney failure with smaller amount of chronic one.

As I was wondering how and when it started in the country, Francesco Zappone, dialysis technician, gave me an insight to the context of this project. In fact, the Minister of Health at that time, the late Dr. Saleh Mekki, firstly expressed the need for dialysis center in 2005 over a discussion with Dr. Roberto Pittito, specialized in nephrology and president of the association

AS.ME.V Calabria. The main point was how could we tackle the issue of kidney failure in Eritrea, and the best agreed solution was the opening of dialysis center.

After three years of planning, fundraising and support, the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Association opened the first center in the capital city, Asmara, at Orotta Hospital, on the 21st January 2008.

The partnership allowed the initial opening thanks to the funding and material donations by Kosmos Hospital in Calabria among others.

The center began its operation with two beds and four machines (two were put in reserve) and the first patient was an 11 years old child who suffered from acute kidney failure and the center was officially opened after this successful first dialysis.

Seven years later, Francesco Zappone and his comrades are very satisfied of the progress made in such a short period of time. To strengthen this, the center, which started with only 2 beds, expanded to two dialysis centers.

Each center, one in Orotta and one in Sembel Hospitals, have respectively 8 and 7 beds available with 14 machines each. The dialysis centers are opened 6

mornings a week with a possibility to open in the afternoon in the future. A patient affected by kidney failure can now come and have his/her dialysis in four hours, twice a week. Yet, the standard in Europe and other western countries is three times a week, I asked Francesco if twice a week would be enough in Eritrea. Accordingly, as the food intake is lower and more organic, the number of dialysis responds perfectly to the living standards of the majority of Eritreans.

Further to this, as Eritreans, we always wish to ideally be self-reliant; the opening of these centers is, thus, not enough. Indeed, monitoring and keeping the momentum can only be achieved by sharing knowledge or the so-called ‘know-how’ idea. In practice, members of the association come about three times a year to train nurses, medical doctors but also technicians who are able to work effectively all year-long. As Francesco said, “I hope in the future I will come to Eritrea just as a tourist as local staff would be able to sustain themselves”.

As the establishment of these dialysis centers has significant positive impact to Eritrean citizens, the challenges remain the access for those in remote areas and other cities such as Keren or Massawa. In the coming years, the expansion of centers to other areas would need to

be further examined to respond to the growing demand. Nonetheless, the members of the association are satisfied of the current development as they said, “in Italy, 60 years ago, dialysis centers started only in the city of Pisa and slowly expanded throughout the country, Eritrea will surely follow the same steps”.

The positive spirits, commitment and personal motivation I witnessed by the members of the association cannot be ignored. Their dedication comes a long way. Of course, with my economic background, I had to ask about the question of funding. Certainly, the association which in size is smaller than the UN agencies among others organizations currently operating in Eritrea, it still manages to aim big by implementing this long-term project. Currently, the Ministry of Health is financially in charge of the center. The association, on its part, manages to get private funding and donations by the association Consulcesi Onlus, thanks to its president, Mr. Massimo Tortorella, who is very enthusiastic about the project. Despite this, an important amount of the work of the association is made all year long through fund raising events; specifically concert, as some members are also musicians during their spare time. Accordingly, the short visit two to three times a year is only a small percentage of the yearlong program for funding and planning.

The partnership with the Ministry of Health shows the positive impact for better health care services to the population. Another positive development is that anyone living abroad can now come and visit the country while doing his/her dialysis at Sembel Hospital. This is an important achievement primarily for Eritrean living in Diaspora suffering from kidney failure.

The questions of sharing knowledge and expertise under the vision of ‘know-how’ but also the importance of working in partnership with different organizations and government bodies can be beneficial in terms of development prospects.

Hence, the work of AS.ME.V Calabria is surely going to be a long collaboration for further health-related projects.

AS.ME.V. Calabria: Partnering for Health – Eritrea’s Dialysis Centers


The Zoba Maekel Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture in Zoba Maekel in collaboration with our partners are in the process of implementation a project funded by European Union with the objective to contribute to reducing poverty and enhancing rural development by means of improving current supplies mechanisms and facilitating access to environmentally friendlier decentralized energy system .

Therefore, we need to procure components for 5,000 improved stoves (ADHANET) by means of open tender procedure.

Interested bidders may obtain bidding documents from Zoba Maekel Department of Agriculture and Land.

The bidders should have a renewed license for 2013/2014 and paid all government taxes for 1. year 2014.

All bids must be in English2. All bids must be expressed in Euro or Eritrea Nakfa (ERN)3. The bidder must deposit a one percent bid bond of the total cost of the bid with Commercial 4.

Bank of Eritrea in Euro or Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) or submit CPO upon the submission of the bid documents.

All bidders must have a minimum of proven three years experience in supplying improved 5. stove (ADHANET) components. This should be supported by written documents.

Bids should be submitted within 30 consecutive days from the day of this notice to Zoba 6. Maekel Department of Agriculture & Land in Asmara and bid will be opened in the Zoba Maekel Administration hall within three days after the bid closing date.

Bidders must submit their bid documents in any possible and secured way.7. Sample of each components be sent to Zoba Maekel Department of Agriculture & Land 8.

before the bid closing date.Please contact our office if you need further clarifications on the bid documents at the address stated

below.Zoba Maekel AdministrationDepartment of Agriculture and Land Near Ring Road Filling Station/Motel (Kahawta)Tel. No.291-1-189527/189738

INVITATION FOR BID

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against a small people and its in-alienable birth rights for thirty long years without moral qualms and with global and regional in-stitutions that purportedly uphold peoples’ and individual human rights raising no voice of opposi-tion to the unconscionable acts of the super powers and their allies.

But the people of Eritrea did not succumb to superior and over-whelming force. They persisted in conducting their legitimate and just struggle for their national and human rights with unparalleled dedication and determination.

And finally, they achieved a historic victory that will remain always engraved in the annals of popular resistance by vanquish-ing the forces of occupation and domination.

Although the people of Eritrea had liberated all their land through their indomitable armed struggle, they still chose a judicious path of strict adherence to due processes of international law.

Thus, instead of promptly an-nouncing a unilateral declaration

of independence, they waited pa-tiently for two years to assert in 1993 their rights to full indepen-dence and sovereignty through a legal referendum.

This was again another illus-trious landmark of impeccable political culture in the exercise of fundamental principles of interna-tional law on peoples’ rights.

The people of Eritrea soon set out to build, in all earnestness, a truly independent, cohesive, and, sovereign nation that does not brook domination, exploitation, slavery, external interference and subversion. These strong convic-tions and ideals did not emanate only from the huge and precious sacrifices that the people of Eri-trea had paid in half a century of struggle.

They also reflected and were deeply anchored on the rich politi-cal traditions that were nurtured throughout their long history of struggle spanning for two genera-tions.

Broad perspective from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

continued from page 3

The Global Security .....


NoTICElJNFPA Country Office in Eritrea would like to recruit a national consultant to con-

duct “the Survey on Availability of Contraceptives and Life Saving Maternal Health Dmgs SOP’s,” a study which will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

TI1e general Terms of Reference are as specified below:

TOR for the Survey on Availability of Contraceptives and Life Saving Maternal Health Drugs SOP’s, in ERITREA

I. Background

In January 2007 the Government of the State of ERITREA. Ministry of Health, and the United Nations Population Fund reached an agreement concerning support for in-country strategies that enhance Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS).

In defining RHCS the agreement stipulated that “RHCS is achieved when all indi-viduals can obtain and use affordable, quality reproductive health commodities of their choice whenever they need them”. In the context of the agreement, RH commodities are described as consisting of equipment, pharmaceuticals and supplies for:

• Obstetrics and maternal health care• Prevention, diagnosis and management of RTis and ST!s• Contraceptive supplies including male and female condoms.

Both the agreement and the body of the UNFPA Global Programme to Enhance Reproductive Health Commodity Security (GPRHCS) make dear that RHCS needs to embrace supply, demand and support aspects. Specifically. RHCS should focus on three issues: !) theside which addresses a range of logistics functions including fore-casting. procurement, storage, inventory control and LM!S; 2) quality of care issues such as good service provision, a range of quality contraceptives [choice]. skilled and motivated human resources; and, 3) access and demand issues that encompass method use, market segmentation smdics, social marketing, cost recovery, and “total market approaches that effectively reach the most marginalized populations [such as poor, indigenous groups, women and youth]”.

II. Rationale/Objectives of the SurveyThe implementation of the GPRHCS will be assessed through indicators outlined in

the Monitoring antl Evaluation Framework of UNFPA. Three Outcome indicators in the framework will be assessed through a special survey to be conducted in 255 health care facilities of the country. Three indicators will be tlsed to assess the availability of contraceptives and lifesaving maternal health dmgs. These indicators are:

I. Number of Service Delivery Points (SOPs) offering at least three modern methods of contraceptives

11. Number of Service Delivery Points (SDPs) offering at least 3-Siife-saving rnatcrnal/RH medicines

Ill. Number of Service Delivery Points with ‘no stock outs’ of contraceptives within last 6 months;

The specific objectives arc to:• Examine the modern contraceptives offered by the facilities;• discuss the reasons why three modem methods of contraceptives are not

provided in some facilities;• discuss the availability of maternal RH medicines bringing out the

national and sub nationaldimensions;• capture the key essence of the indicator (availability of the 5

medicines) in the varioustypes/categories of SDPs in the country;• discuss the incidence of ‘no stock out’ of modern contraceptives

!II. Methodology

Study design

TI1e survey will consider the following broad categories of Service Delivery Points (SDPs) that provide

modern methods of contraceptives and maternaVRH services as stratums:a) Primary Level Care SDPslfacillties (Health posrs and health centres)b) Secondary level care SOPs/facilities/hospitals (Zonal and district Hospitals)c) Tertiary levd care SDPs/facilltieslhospitals (Regional and Referral Hospitals)

Data Assessment PeriodThe tentative data assessment period is two months (September- October 2015).

IV. RequirementsThe survey will require one coordinator, one supervisor and data collectors with the

following specific qualifications.

Coordinator tasks:l. Develop a tentative routing of visits to facilities in each region. This should be re-

vised with each ream during the training sessions. This will require an updated list of all hospitals, health centers as well as the private cUnics that do deliveries;

2. Ensure that logistics for field work are taken care of and each team has a sufficient number of

clean questionnaires, clipboards, pencils, per diems, letters of introduction, etc. Ensure that the

MOH has sent letters to all the £acUities urging their collaboration.3. Ensure quaUty of the data - that envelopes are complete before delivering the

completed questionnaires for data entry. The envelope will decrease wear and tear and loss. The envelope should be labeled with Zoba, sub zoba and facility name at all times.

4. Contact team supervisors on a regular basis to monitor progress and help resolve technical or

logistical issues.5. Track completion rate of facilities in each region and work with UNFPA point

persons shouldsome teams fall behind or others fiuish more quickly than expected.6. Liaison with the point persons at UNF’PA CO.7. Make some field visits to supervise, especially if weak teams are identified.8. Compile a report of supervisors’ logs regarding challenges they faced, problems

resolved, incidents or facility stories that would be of interest to the survey and its orga-nizers.

9. In collaboration with MOHand UNFPA CO recruit data collectors.

The coordinawr should have good people-management skills and that slhe will be well organized. In addition to being an LMIS or medical C.”qJert, slhe should have an experi-ence with large surveys as

coordinator’s role with primarily involvement on leadership, organization, and under-standing of surveys with a lot of field work.

The CoorcHnator should have educational qualifications at the Master’s level, prefer-ably in public health, sociology or demography. S/he should have a minimum of 10 years of work experience

Supervisor tasks:

l. $/he will accompany the team at all times; slhe should coordinate daily data collec-tion and the interviewers at each facility, Assist also with data collection.

2. Assist the other data collectors with any technical issues.3. Assist with logistics in the field with regards to lodging, travel, clean questionnaires,

pencils, etc.4. Review all the forms for each facility for their completeness, making observations

as necessary on the forms or the form envelope as to any deviations.5. Organize the envelopes with their respective forms ensuring that each form is

in its proper. envelope.6. Deliver the envelopes to the survey coordinator as they are completed or as is fea-

sible in terms of travel and logistics.7. Contact the survey coordinator on a regular basis to report problems and

progress. Each supervisor should have a mobile phone with SIM cards provided by the coordinator.

8. S/he will likely be the person to introduce the team to the facility director and explain the objectives of the assessment and gain his/her permission. Each supervisor should have a letter of introduction, but the facility directors should be contacted prior to the team arrival to inform them of the team’s mission.

9. Prepare a short report for the coordinator about any incidents of interest, prob-lems encountered, facility stories or observations that might be of interest to the survey and its organizers. lt would be interesting also to !<now how long it took for the team to arrive from point A to point B and how long it took to complete all the modules <lt a given facility.

Data coilector tasl<s

The data collectors should be familiar with clinical settings and have a good under-standing Supply chain Management Systems and RH services. Their background could be nursing, pharmacists or they could be physicians or health officers. Previous data collection experience would be extremely beneficial. Also. strong English language skills are required.

V. Documents

Detailed Request for proposal along with detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) can be found in the UNFPA

country office within the UN compound around the Expo.For further information you may call the office:

Administration and FinanceTel: 151852 or 15ll66 ext 282Fax: 151648P. 0. Box 5366Asmara, Eritrea

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Billion Temesghen

Artists Fisahaye, Bruno and Filmon during the Beijing International Art Biennale

Bruno’s ‘Rest’

Fisahaye’s ‘Let’s Fire the music Bullets’

Filmon’s ‘orphaned Beauty’

About their latest trip to China…

Bruno: “We were amongst the few young artists that presented their works in the biennale. Most of the artists there were older, and thus more matured, more experienced and with more skills. So it was a bit frightening at first, but when we started noticing our artistic works were being broadly admired I began feeling proud.

Beijing International Art Biennale is a massive artistic manifestation beyond any kind of comparisons in which countless artists from all over the world exhibit their mind’s works. Personally, it has been a wonderful eye-opener and an inspiring podium.”

Tsehaye: “Ever since a child, I’ve always wanted to be an artist whose works would be accepted and admired. So the Beijing International Art Biennale definitely made that dream come true. Being among the youngest and being able to just connect with fellow artists like me was an experience I will never be able to forget. I believe cultural exchange contributes to mutual understanding between different societies. It helps understand other cultures and their history. So it was a great experience. Plus, it enriched our points of view as artists by inspiring new forms of artistic expression. Being surrounded by artistic works of countless nature and forms provided us with new insights.”

Filmon: “When we received the invitations to take part in an event of such importance trough the Chinese Embassy in Eritrea, I was stunned to say the least. I was more than happy to just be there and be immersed in the measureless immensity of the occasion.

Through arts we can understand history, social trends and cultures.

Eritrean Artists Shine in Beijing Biennale

So it was great to take record of the patterns of international cultural changes, as well as broadening our artistic horizons.”

Truth and inspiration within an artistic context prevail to be the most important, like a mandate of validity, not only for the creators of the art but also the spectators. When inspirations are translated in to tangible form of arts, they carry out meanings of great weight to all, while setting a path of relationships between the artist and the spectators, a lot of time having the work of art doing all of the speaking for the artist his/her self. Well, that is at least how Bruno thinks.

The artistic works they presented in the Beijing International Art Biennale were broadly acknowledged and admired for their contemporary in-focus. They each presented a work with depth and great significance, each of them carried a massage that involves the Eritrean community. This how they explain…

Filmon: “My painting is a monochrome entitled ‘The Orphaned Beauty’. I used charcoal to express the beauty of an Eritrean woman. The theme suggests ‘dreams and memories’ so the woman in my painting radiates to the spectator a feeling that puts forward such emotions.”

Bruno: “‘Rest’ has been around since 2006, which is when it acquired local awards. I can’t really say much but I wanted to imply a feeling of tranquility, a sense of relaxation after toiling.”

Tsehaye: “I presented a sculpture. The title was ‘Let’s Fire the Music Bullets’. I simply turned an AK-47 into a saxophone.

My idea is quite clear and understandable, especially for the Eritrean community. We have gained our independence and secured our sovereignty with

small military equipments but great will of being independent. We want peace.

That is why I was inspired to change the war equipment to a musical instruments, as to indicate our wishes, desires –and actually what we are as we have always been doing– we work for peace and independence.”

Before we parted, Bruno, Tsehaye and Filmon agreed to share some of the ideas they gained during their last experience in China.

Bruno: “I noticed that we can do. I mean, Eritrean artists are a power house of talents. The social context we live in is in its own an inspirational framework.

The art schools that are here, yes they do give basic knowledge about art but what we need is institutions that strengthen the little knowledge we got on our own.

You know, during the biennale it occurred to me that we do things and we do them good but we are not doing a great job in transferring the talent/expertise to others. Artists just get to where they are instinctively. So what we want is higher education so as to have artists capable of transmitting their knowhow’s to younger generations. On the 8th of October we will be holding a conference in which we will share our experiences, and we will most definitely stress on the notion of higher artistic education.”

Moreover, Filmon and Tsehaye reminded the need of an association that responds to the needs of Eritrean artists, and to furthermore strengthen the artistic talents in Eritrea. They are convinced that if opportunities are worked on, Eritrea will secure an important place in the world of arts.

Three Eritrean artists Berhane Tsigehannes, best known by his nick name Bruno, Tsehaye Hadish and Filmon Kifle, recently returned home after a glorious trip to the 6th Beijing International Art Biennale. Just like the previous 5 ones, the Beijing International Art Biennale has proved to be a podium for versatile global cultural exchanges trough contemporary artistic exhibitions.

The theme of the latest Beijing Biennale was “Memory and Dream” and our young Eritrean artists exhibited their paintings and a sculpture, earning the admiration of many. All of their worked ranked amongst the top 50. Actually Bruno’s painting finished among the top 15 and is now splendidly residing in the National Art Museum of China. Today’s Q&A Section has presented these artists’ impressions…

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