EMDHR WORKSHOP 2014 Strategic Thinking on Political and Socioeconomic Crises in Eritrea: Implications, Scenarios and Responses 09-11 May 2014, Pretoria, South Africa Update Day 1 – 09.05.2014 The workshop opened with a minute of silence to remember the martyrs and war disabled who scarified their lives in the struggle for the independence and defense of Eritrea; and victims of dictatorship. The director of the program Dr. Adane Ghebremeskel reminded the participants that it is only by standing on the shoulders of many towering personalities, both men and women, of intellectual and professional, workers and peasant background, young and not so young that we Eritreans are able now to consider ourselves as a nation among nations and people among the peoples. It is also due to their infectious dream and aspiration for which they have sacrificed their youth and lives that we are gathered here to re-envision and recommit ourselves for creating a better future for our people. Moreover, as Eritreans who happen to be among the privileged, we have the responsibility towards our people, our country and ourselves to play our part with diligence, commitment, honour, integrity and honesty in the popular struggle for positive change. What we are doing is in recognition of our citizenry and patriotism. If it is not us, then who? If it is not now, then when? If it is not here, then where? He also said that the workshop was taking place in the right time not only because of the critical juncture at which our country finds itself, but also the phase that the popular struggle of our people for democracy and social justice has reached. The workshop was thus yet another space for Eritreans to converse and dialogue with one another about the desired future and the route that must be taken; and identify and agree on shared and common understanding on the same. In his welcome speech, Mr. Kuluberhan Abraham, the Chairperson of EMDHR, welcomed the participants for their time and commitment for the cause that is demonstrated by travelling from across the four corners of the world. He extended his special welcome to those who come from Europe, North America and Australia as well as from other parts of the African continent representing themselves and their progressive organizations. Mr. Kulubrehan Abraham further talked about historical background of the EMDHR which was founded by Eritrean students and refugees in South Africa in 2003 and 2004. He also indicated that EMDHR was among the first Eritrean youth movement that started to challenge the dictator regime and which also inspired many youth who followed its foot step. Mr. kulubrehan also gave brief account on the EMDHR activities since its inception such as the Bodoho Antshar Atahasasban (Challenge against our Mindset), Radio broadcast Radio Messelna , different seminar and demonstration to call for respect of human rights and constitution. He also gave brief account to participants about the EMDHR challenges and the existing projects. Mr. Kulubrehan also talked about the socio-economic and socio-political crises in Eritrea. He highlighted and underlined core values and principles of EMDHR which are respect, tolerance, engagement and self-reliance. Finally he express his wish the workshop to be a successful workshop that pave the way to democratic change in Eritrea and give a living hope. Mr. Tesfaalem Araia, the Head of External Relations of EMDHR, introduced the objectives and the expected outcome of the workshop. He then introduced the Guest of Honor, Dr. Essop Pahad, former Minister in the Presidency and Member of the the National Executive Committee of African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SAPC). In his keynote speech, Dr. Pahad took the participants through the journey that South Africans travelled to arrived at the democratic dispensation. He reminded the participants that South Africans voted for the fifth time since the advent of democracy in 1994. He went in length to share the experience of South Africans, especially the ANC, in the negotiation process with then the Apartheid Government led by the National Party. He emphasized that it was the existence of a mutually hurting situation and willingness to compromise from both sides that led to negotiation. He mentioned three four lessons or imperatives for progressive forces to defeat dictatorship. Firstly, the integrity and cohesion of the opposition forces. This is build through institutionalization of a strong culture of debate to come up with policies and manage differences. Secondly, developing policies and programs that advance the interest of the people. Thirdly, the creation of mass democratic movement that facilitate and serve as the vehicle to mobilize the wider population against dictatorship. Fourth, building a strong solidarity internationally in order to isolate the dictatorial regime. Prof. Bereket Habteselase, a distinguished Professor of African Studies and Law at University of North Carolina and former Chairperson of Eritrean Constitution Commission, spoke on Challenges of Constitution Making: An African Experience with Special Focus on Eritrea. In his deliberation he shared with participants three approaches to constitutional making. He underlined that there is a dialectic relationship between process of consitutional making and the content of a consitution. In respect to content Prof. Bereket mentioned five core values that a constitution has to have. These were: democracy, stability and national unity, human rights and rule of law, sustainable development and social justice. With regard to the later Article 21 of the Eritrean Constitution stipulates the social justice rights of a citizen. Ambassador Andebrehan Woldegiorgis, former Eritrean Ambassador to the EU and member of the Central Committee of EPLF and co-founder of the Forum of National Dialogue (FND), spoke on The Eritrean Diaspora as a Constructive National Actor. In his introductory remarks, Amb. Andeberhan shared with participants the objectives of the FND as a bridge to build strong relationship between the struggles within Eritrea and outside. He went further to mention the various programs that FND has crafted and started rolling out to the effect of building cohesion among Eritreans and strengthening the struggle against dictatorship. Amb. Andebrehan spoke also on the role of diasporas in the economic development, democratization process, social development and diplomacy of their home country. Within the global context, Eritrean diaspora have also made tremendous contribution to the liberation of their country, during the national reconstruction phase in the immediate post-independence period and the 1998-2000 border war. However, after the border war and the ill-advised political journey that the regime took things stared to shift. Consequently, three groups emerged in terms of the relationship with the regime: those who silently laments; those who openly criticise and oppose; and those who blindly support the regime. In conclusion he made seven recommendations: 1. Distinguish between the interest of the nation and the people on one side and that of the regime on the otherside; 2. Cherish Eritrean history and Eritrean liberation struggle; 3. Uphold national unity and be owners of our solution to our problems; 4. Value and harness our diversity; 5. Build credibility with our people; 6. Be action-oriented ; 7. Cherish and empower our youth to take leadership. After the two presentations, the floor was open for discussion during which a lively and vibrant debate took place. The first day was filled with high positive spirit, openness and strong sense of commitment among the participant. The workshop adjourned for the day at 08h30 pm.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 16:30:37 +0000
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