Eritrean youth face most harrowing atrocities: activist

May 19, 2013 (KHARTOUM) - Renowned Eritrean activist Meron Estefanos has told an international conference in Oslo that of all the atrocities taking place in the repressive Red Sea nation, the plight of its youth is the most harrowing.

In an eloquent and quietly emotive speech at the fifth annual Oslo Freedom Forum in the Norwegian capital earlier this week, Estefanos said the aspirations of an entire generation following the country’s 1991 liberation had been squashed by the dictatorial Asmara regime.

“Betrayed and bewildered, this generation of Eritreans is scattered right across the globe and with every year the tragedy of this reality reaches new and untold levels that the world simply fails to grasp”, she said during her speech, adding that “fear is now the most common emotion in Eritrea”.

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The Plight of Eritrean refugees presented at the Oslo Freedom Forum

Swedish-Eritrean activist Meron Estefanos presented the horrendous human rights abuses of Eritrean refugees during the fifth annual Oslo Freedom Forum on 14 May.

Hundreds of the world's most influential dissidents, innovators, journalists, philanthropists, and policymakers united in the Norwegian capital for a three-day summit exploring how best to challenge authoritarianism and promote free and open societies.

The presentation of Ms Estefanos can be aseesed throught he following link (it starts from 1hr and 45 minutes) http://new.livestream.com/accounts/594907/events/2084657

Independent UN expert stresses need to improve human rights situation in Eritrea

The international community must keep Eritrea under “close scrutiny”, an independent United Nations expert said today, stressing the need to fundamentally transform the East African nation’s “current culture of rights denial.”

“Blatant disrespect for human rights in Eritrea is unacceptable,” said Sheila Keetharuth, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea, after a 10-day mission to Ethiopia and Djibouti to collect first-hand information directly from Eritrean refugees on the human rights situation in their country.

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Professor Mirjam van Reisen appointed to Advisory Council on International Affairs

Press Release 14 May 2013 - Tilburg University

The Cabinet of the Netherlands has appointed Professor Mirjam van Reisen, holder of the Marga Klompé chair, as a member of the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) as of January 1. She will also be the Chair of the AIV’s Development Cooperation Committee. The Advisory Council on International Affairs is an independent advisory body that advises the government and the States-General on foreign policy, in particular human rights, peace and security, development cooperation and European integration. Professor Van Reisen is affiliated with the Tilburg School of Humanities.

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The EU's development work in Somalia

Somalia has suffered two decades of conflict, worsening droughts and heavy flooding.

Militia groups control significant parts of the country, which makes it difficult for aid workers to bring help in these areas.

Whilst a humanitarian response continues to be vital in order to save lives, long term, sustainable solutions are key to addressing Somalia’s endemic political, security and socio-economic challenges.

The EU is the world biggest donor to Somalia. Its aim is to fight poverty and promote sustainable development. Over the past decade, the EU has helped to improve security, peace and governance in the country. There is still a long way to go but the EU's continuous efforts have already benefited many Somali people.

European development aid is designed to put in place the minimum conditions for a functioning state, peace and security, as well as to provide basic services to the population. Support to the Somali people covers agriculture, livestock, basic infrastructure, vocational training, health and the private sector. Poverty and 50% unemployment are of primary concern in Somalia, with the average life expectancy at 45 years, support to the education sector and vocational training play an important role; not only in poverty alleviation, but also in fighting piracy by giving the young Somalis alternative means of income through jobs.

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