Eritrean Solidarity, a network of Eritrean civic organizations, held its founding conference in Alexandria, Virginia (USA) on Saturday, December 15, 2007. The purpose of the conference was to convert the working relationship of the organizations from a loose network to an umbrella group.   

The keynote speaker was Dr. Tricia Redeker Hepner, a scholar, human rights activist and a long-time friend of Eritrea.

Eritrean Solidarity is composed of Eritrean media outlets, foundations and advocacy groups.  At present, all member organizations are based in the United States.

At the end of the day-long session, the network agreed to institutionalize the umbrella structure by electing a board of directors composed of representatives of the member organizations and to set up a project-oriented mission to help empower Eritreans and bring about tangible results.  

The member organizations envision the creation of the umbrella group as a means to garner better efficiencies and harmonize their work.

Semere Tesfamariam, the co-coordinator of the founding conference, described the session as a great success and the formal launch of the umbrella group as empowering and uplifting.

Member Organizations

Asmarino.com
Awate.com
CiDRE:   Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea
CUHRE-SD:   Citizens United for Human Rights in Eritrea – San Diego
EAPF-Greater NY:   Eritrean American Public Forum of Greater New York
EC-HRRP:   Eritrean Community for Human Rights & Refugee Protection
EPDF-Boston:   Eritrean Democratic Public Forum – Boston
EPF-Dallas/Ft Worth: Eritrean Public Forum – Dallas/Ft Worth
EPF–Minnesota:   Eritrean Public Forum - Minnesota
EYR:   Eritrean Youth Renaissance
Qalna

Three additional organizations who are in various stages of incorporation and/or electing their leadership attended the conference as observers.

Eritrean Solidarity is expected to issue a report on its conference shortly.