Keynote Address of Minister Fawzia Hashim at the Dialogue on the Integration of Eritrean Values in the Legal Framework

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Distinguished Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

All Protocols observed,

It is with great pleasure and honour that I welcome you to this significant gathering. This gathering represents a unique opportunity for us to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas on the thematic areas that are pinned in the agenda. I extend my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for gracing us with your presence, and I am confident that our time together will yield fruitful outcome.

We have come together to this gathering at an opportune time when Eritrea, a nation born out of struggle for justice, will celebrate its 33^rd    Independence anniversary in less than a month, on May 24^th.  Eritrea’s Independence provides a stark reminder that the strong dominating the weak is not a way for humans to coexist. If the law of the jungle is imposed on human society, and the idea that “might makes right” prevails, the principle of sovereign equality will be fundamentally undermined, and world peace and stability will be severely compromised. That is the best lesson one can learn from Eritrea’s history and; that is where Eritrea’s value systems are anchored on.

Under the theme “Values and Justice”, this dialogue aims to delve into the profound realms of values and justice, two pillars that form the bedrock of a society. In a world where ideologies and perspectives often clash, it becomes crucial to explore the essence of these concepts and their intrinsic role in shaping our collective future. The focus will be on Eritrean values, while also taking into account the domestic, African and global experiences. Additionally, careful consideration will be given to the   seamless integration of these values into the legal framework, as part of the Ministry of Justice’s legal reform for sustainable development.

Ladies and gentlemen,

A few months back, during a discussion with colleagues and friends of Eritrea, H.E. President Isaias stressed the need to lay a ‘mechanism for dialogue’ to explore on the scenarios/options necessary to adjust to the new political dynamics that is unfolding at global and regional level; and look at options that promote long-lasting and successful approaches for achieving shared and just developmental objectives for all. His proposal lights the path forward as the world fumbles for solutions and represents Eritrea’s unwavering commitment in taking its share of responsibility for a fair and just international order.

This is an era when the world is undergoing rapid changes almost every day. The traditional approaches to international relations can no longer provide sufficient solutions to the complex global puzzles that we are facing. It has become increasingly evident that humanity is in great need of new approaches that generate positive developments that will lead to peaceful coexistence. In the age of globalization, all countries are interdependent and interconnected. Therefore, inclusive development for the benefit of all is the right path forward. Eritrea has consistently advocated for equality, equity, and justice, and remains committed to friendly cooperation with other countries, on the basis of mutual respect.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me to briefly expound upon the rich historical legacy of Eritrea, characterized by its longstanding fundamental laws. Eritrea’s fundamental laws reflect the value systems that the people have developed in its long years of coexistence. The Eritrean people have been able to preserve and fortify its core value systems during Eritrea’s long years of resistance and armed struggle for independence. In the aftermath of Eritrea’s independence, one of the formidable efforts taken was to integrate and embody Eritrea’s core value systems in its legal framework. It is by embracing these values that the Eritrean people has managed to foster unity, mutual respect, cooperation and peaceful coexistence. These value systems also continue to characterize Eritrea’s vision of engagement on regional and global peace and coexistence. The wisdom gained from Eritrea’s history of struggle for justice, freedom and self-determination stands as a reminder to the enduring importance of our values in shaping our laws and policies and stands as our core guide in standing the test of time.

Finally,

The relevance of this platform is too evident to merit further elaboration. The government of Eritrea deeply appreciates the convention of platforms of this nature that draws several experts with wide range of experiences to exchange views on the core values that inform our legal framework and that will hopefully make modest contribution in decolonizing ‘international law’ as we know it today. In order to maintain justice in the face of the challenges from the inequalities of a rapidly changing global order, we have to define and understand the shared values that will drive us all towards a desirable common future, a future that also redefines and decolonizes ‘international law’ in the emerging, and sometimes possibly chaotic, multi-polar world. This is also a platform for sharing experiences from different countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of developments coming together to promote shared interests, shared rights, and shared responsibilities in global affairs. That is the bigger picture that I expect we should all see during the discussions that we will have in the coming two days of our dialogue. I hope we all interact throughout the dialogue with honesty, balance, and constructive mindset.

Victory to the masses!

I Thank You!