A/HRC/13/2 Page 10 45. Chile welcomed the information provided on the measures adopted by the authorities in different areas with a view to improving the protection and promotion of human rights in a particularly complex context. Chile made a number of recommendations. 46. The delegation of Eritrea indicated that it had listened with great interest to the comments and recommendations made. It underlined that Eritrea’s participation in the universal periodic review is a testimony to its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights everywhere, including in Eritrea. Eritrea is interested in engaging in a constructive dialogue in order to advance all the rights of its people. It was important to stress the context under which Eritrea is functioning. As a post-war society, Eritrea has been facing several challenges. Before independence, almost all of Eritrea’s youth were engaged in the war. They were denied the opportunity to go to school, to further their education and develop their skills, and therefore the country has little by way of finances, infrastructure and investment in the social sector. 47. The delegation replied to questions raised. Eritrea was very open to considering visits by organizations interested in human rights as long as it those visits were based on dialogue, partnership and respect for relationships. 48. On the issue of the 11 Government officials who are detained in Eritrea, they are treated humanely but visits are limited. This was a highly sensitive issue to Eritrea involving national security and the sovereignty of the country. 49. Concerning the issue of freedom of expression, the delegation stated that no one was imprisoned in Eritrea for merely expressing their views. Press freedom, on the other hand, was another matter. The Government with its principle of establishing a democratic and open society had originally given freedom of the press to privately owned businesses. Those newspapers started chipping away at the very fabric of the unity and harmony of Eritrean society and the country had to take corrective measures. Eritrea recognized that this was an outstanding issue which it was very much interested in looking at. 50. As regards national service, it is a legal requirement in Eritrea as in many other countries. Failure to perform national service renders offenders liable to punishment or financial penalty. 51. On the issue of allegations of sexual violence against female conscripts, the delegation stated that it was not a generalized problem in the country, although certain cases might exist. Sexual violence was not an issue in the country, despite indications to the contrary in some reports. The delegation did not believe that rape was a widespread problem either. Criminal provisions relating to rape and sexual abuse are severe. 52. Responding to the question of religious freedom, the delegation stated that there was religious tolerance in Eritrea, and there were no communal or faith problems in the country. Problems arose when religion was used for other purposes; otherwise there was no religious persecution. Religious intolerance was inconsistent with the principles and practice of Eritrea, as a pluralistic country. 53. Germany noted concerns expressed regarding the right to participate in public and political life, especially regarding severe restrictions on freedom of the press. Germany made reference to Internet censorship and to journalists at risk of arbitrary arrest and detention. Germany asked how Eritrea