Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 21:35:55 +0100
<http://www.madote.com/2014/03/national-union-of-eritrean-women.html> Luul
Gebreab statement during the UN commission on the Status of Women
Mar 12, 2014 | 1:51 AM
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Statement by Honourable Ms. Luul Gebreab President of the National Union of
Eritrean Women during 58th session of the UN commission on the Status of
Women on "Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the
Millennium Development Goals for women and girls"
11 March 2014, New York
Mr. Chairperson,
My delegation is pleased to address the 58th session of the Commission on
the Status of Women and I wish to congratulate you and the other members of
the Bureau for your elections to steer the Work of this important
Commission, and rest assured of my delegation's support as you lead us to a
successful conclusion. Eritrea associates itself with the statements
delivered by Bolivia on behalf of the G-77 and China; and Guinea on behalf
of the African Group. Let me share some thoughts on the 2014 priority theme
which focuses on the "Challenges and achievements inthe development of the
Millennium Development Goals for women and girls".
Mr. Chairperson,
Understanding and addressing roots causes of gender inequality in our
respective countries are crucial in the achievement of the internationally
agreed development goals for Women and girls, including MDGs.Eritrea's
approach to gender equality emanates from its stand that gender equality is
a core pillar of development rather than an instrument of development. In
this regard, Eritrea repealed all the discriminatory provisions of the
colonial time right after its independence. Family laws that the equality
between male and female were introduced and other discriminatory practices
such as dowry, kidnapping or abduction for marriage, and parental forced
marriage were repealed and replaced by laws that ensure the rights of women
and girls. Women's equality, underpinned by social justice, is enshrined in
the Constitution and incorporated in various government proclamations and
documents. Many of the international legal instruments, including the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
and the Convention on the Rights of the Child have been harmonized with
national laws. The contents of the conventions have been translated into
local languages and widely disseminated. Gender policy has been adopted and
mainstreamed. In short the normative framework and government policies
towards women and girls are very favorable.
Mr. Chairperson,
The challenge are in the full implementation of all the policies and
programs that are intended for the advancement of women. Climatic factors
and issues related to human and institutional capacities as well as
resources all contribute to the challenges and constraints in the fight for
a better life and closing the gap between men and women, boys and girls. The
prevailing no-war no-peace situation continues to impede and infringe on the
full enjoyment of women's and girls' rights and on the development efforts
of the country. The unjustified sanctions regime imposed on my country is
another obstacle that aims to target revenues coming from the mining sector
and contributions from the Eritrean Diaspora. The scope of the sanctions
regime includes arm embargo and in the face of the prevailing regional
condition, this constitutes a denial of my people's right to peace and
security. The Eritrean experience is a vivid example that peace and security
which was not featured in the MDGs, highly affects the gender equality
issue. The African Summit has recognized peace and security as an important
pillar for the post-2015 development agenda which my delegation shares
fully. So the peace equation to the development agenda cannot be
underestimated. I mention this element as part ofthe women who dedicated
decades of their lives to attain peace and dignity for the people and the
country.
However, despite al1 these challenges and constraints mentioned, the country
remains focused on its efforts to improve the livelihoods of Women and
girls; and in this regard, I am humbled to report that Eritrea is on course
to achieving the three MDGs related to child mortality, maternal health and
HIV/AIDS. It is also on track on gender equality, universal education and
environmental millennium development goals. It has stepped up its
cooperation with respect to MDG 8, by widening partnerships that promote
trade and investment and by signing a strategic partnership cooperation
framework with United Nations with the purpose of "Driving towards MDGs". On
Poverty Eradication, Eritrea recognizes that more needs to be done and rest
assured that the ground Work for sustainable food security is laid down, as
several dams, terraces and roads have been built nationwide to address some
of the underlying infrastructural challenges; and due to this intervention,
Eritrea has survived the critical drought situation which hit our
sub-region. Yet, it is important that the unfinished business of the MDGs
ought to be carried forward in the post-2015 development agenda.
Mr. Chairperson,
The factors that have contributed to the relative success in my country in
moving forward the development agenda have been: resilience of the people,
in particular Women as they continue to shoulder equal responsibilities in
spite of all odds; community based approach; committed leadership; efficient
use of resources; focusing on the most needy; and building partnership. When
I am talking about the resilience of the people, I Wish to highlight the
enormous dedication and hard work made by the youth, both girls and boys,
under the national service program, as they continue to build and rebuild
society torn by War. Some detractors malign their valuable contributions,
yet the youth remain engaged to the development and Well being of the people
and to restoring the environmentally fragile country that is challenged by
land degradation and irregular rains, prompting the government to place food
security as the top priority of the country. For countries like mine that
are located in the Sahel belt, combating desertification, access to clean
Water and ensuring food security remain top priorities. The Government of
the State of Eritrea strongly believes that the firm commitment at all
levels will drive the post MDGs to its success. To remedy and close the
gender gap,'it is high time to ensure mainstreaming gender and having a
standalone programmes in all the MDGs.
Mr. Chairperson,
Let me conclude by stressing the importance of building on the gains made in
our efforts towards the achievements of the MDGs and let's aspire for
post-2015 development agenda that is concise, measurable and action
orientated that we can all agree for the benefit of our peoples.
Thank you for your attention.
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Ms. Luul Gebreab, President of the National Union of Eritrean Women (L) and
a member of her delegation
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