Press Release
The 4the Annual Conference of the Network of Eritrean Civil Societies in Europe
(NECS-Europe) was held in Milan – Italy from 30 September to 1st October 2005.
The meeting was attended by ten member civil society organisations from eight
countries throughout Europe.
The outgoing co-ordinating committee presented its annual report and the assembly
critically analysed the performance of the NECS-Europe. Member organisations also
shared their own working experiences within the network and their activities in
their respective countries. Achievements and failures were critically evaluated
and concrete changes were agreed in working procedures and means of communication.
The Conference assessed the current uncertain situation in Eritrea in general
and the deteriorating situation of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in particular.
A report on the current situation with regard to Eritrean refugees in the Sudan
was presented by a member who recently returned from a trip to the region. The
presentation and discussion that followed allowed the assembly to appreciate the
enormity and complexity of the refugee problem and the resources it would require.
Based on these assessments the Conference put in place an action plan for the
coming year. It was agreed that a project based approach was the best way of
operation. It was also agreed to work with governmental and non governmental
organisations in Europe. Three sub committees were formed to work in the area
of the refugee problem, lobbying as well as mass media related activities.
They were all given a clear mandate and objective.
The Conference also noted that member organisations have in the past year gained
a valuable experience and networking with European organisations and planned to
enhance and consolidate it.
The Conference also discussed the relationship between the civil societies and the
various Eritrean political groupings and after a lengthy discussion underlined the
necessity of being autonomous from all political organisations and reaffirmed its
previous position of working with those advocating for the rule of law, democracy
and respect for human rights.
The Conference concluded by electing a new co-ordinating committee. Afterwards,
an open meeting was conducted with the Eritrean Refugees Association in Italy
and other Italian organisations followed by a press conference and interviews
of member organisations with journalists.
NECS-Europe would like to thank all Eritreans and friends of Eritrea who helped us
to organise a successful Conference.
Network of Eritrean Civil Societies in Europe (NECS-Europe)
1st October 2005
LOCANDINA
DEL CONVEGNO
INVITO
ALLA TAVOLA ROTONDA
