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The EMDHR conducted its 3rd Annual Congress on the 12th of August 2007 under the motto - our emblem is justice; our weapon is consciousness; our reward is dignity - in the University of Pretoria, South Africa. During the event more than 60 of its members, who came from various cities of South Africa, participated.   
The Annual Congress was opened with a welcoming speech presented by former Speaker of the General Council, Mr. Kuluberhan Abraham, who also chaired the whole proceedings of the Congress. Following, Chairperson of the EMDHR, Mr. Samuel Bizen, presented an inspirational speech highlighting to that fact that “to struggle, to endure a legitimate suffering is a grace”. He commended all members of the EMDHR as well as fellow citizens, including members of the various media groups, civil society organizations and political parties, in every part of the world for their unrelenting and courageous efforts. In his concluding remark, Mr. Samuel called upon all members to take a much higher responsibility in the ongoing Eritrea’s legitimate struggle for constitutional government.   
On the previous day, 11 August 2007, members of the General Council held their 4th regular session in which they extensively and constructively discussed a number of issues, including the overall status of the organization, its draft strategic plan, organizational structure, ways of opening branches outside South Africa and etc. Former Deputy-Speaker, Mr. Minassie Teklay, on behalf of the General Council, presented these issues to the Congress for review and approval. Accordingly, the congress resolved to the following:- 1. The Congress approved the strategic plan of the organization; also agreed to empower the newly elected Executive Committee to prioritize the strategic goals and develop an operational action plans; 2. The Congress decided to establish a Supervisory Board from within itself that reinforces the implementation of the strategic goals of the organization; 3. The Congress decided to establish an ad hoc Members’ Club in an effort to boost its fundraising activities within South Africa; 4. The Congress agreed to strengthen its commitment to improve Voice of Meselna-Delina in all its aspects; 5. The Congress agreed to further expand its relations with fellow Eritreans, civil society organizations and political groups outside South Africa and open up branch offices if there is a capacity and need to do so. Thereafter, the Congress elected members of the Executive Committee, Advisory Council, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the General Council. Executive Committee (1) Mr. Samuel Bizen – Chairperson, (2) Miss Yodit Michael –Finance and Administration, (3) Mr. Dawit Maekele –Communication Management, (4) Mr. Yoel Alem –Fundraising and Project Management, (5) Mr. Fanuel Mesfin –Campaign and Membership Management Supervisory Board (1) Mr. Mesfin Yohannes, (2) Mr. Asmerom Fesehatsion, and (3) Mr. Bereket Seltene. General Council Speakers (1) Speaker Mr. Haileab Kidane (2) Deputy Speaker Mr. Kuluberhan Abraham Finally, letters of solidarity sent by friends of the EMDHR and Diaspora organizations was presented to the Congress. Executive Committee EMDHR 17 August 2007 |