Eritrea’s Commitment to Development

As part of its efforts to achieve sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Eritrea has made several policy commitments to development.

Travel Ban and Asset Freeze

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1907 (2009) imposes a travel ban on individuals designated by the Committee, preventing them from entering or transiting through their territories. Additionally, all Member States are required to freeze without delay funds, other financial assets, and economic resources owned or controlled directly or indirectly by such individuals.

Key Indicators

Population: 6.3 million
Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: $1,147 in 2011
GDP growth rate: 2% in 2015
Life expectancy at birth: 63 years
Maternal mortality rates: 380 deaths per 100,000 live births
Infant mortality rates: 37 deaths per 1,000 live births

Policy Commitments

Eritrea’s National Indicative Development Plan (NDP) 2014-2018 aims to create a modern, private sector-led economy. However, the country faces several challenges, including:

Weak investment and business environment
UN sanctions since 2009
Macroeconomic instability

Development Challenges

Eritrea faces significant development challenges, including:

High proportion of children not registered at birth (40%)
Low levels of education (mean years of schooling: 3.4)
Limited access to healthcare (health expenditure as a percentage of GDP: 2.6%)
Large number of refugees (247,800) and internally displaced persons (10,000)

Human Development Index

According to the Human Development Index (HDI) 2014 report, Eritrea ranks 182 out of 187 countries, indicating significant development challenges. The country’s HDI score is low due to poor education, health, and income levels.

Conclusion

While Eritrea has made several policy commitments to development, it faces significant challenges that must be addressed to achieve sustainable economic growth, reduce poverty, and meet the MDGs.