CONSTIFPP.DOC 1999] 2/7/01 10:40 PM CONSTITUTION OF ERITREA 527 sovereignty and independence and on promoting the interest of regional and international peace, cooperation, stability and development. CHAPTER III: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND DUTIES Article 14 - Equality under the Law 1. 2. 3. All persons are equal under the law. No person may be discriminated against on account of race, ethnic origin, language, colour, gender, religion, disability, age, political view, or social or economic status or any other improper factors. The National Assembly shall enact laws that can assist in eliminating inequalities existing in the Eritrean society. Article 15 - Right to Life and Liberty 1. 2. No person shall be deprived of life without due process of law. No person shall be deprived of liberty without due process of law. Article 16 - Right to Human Dignity 1. 2. 3. The dignity of all persons shall be inviolable. No person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. No person shall be held in slavery or servitude nor shall any person be required to perform forced labour not authorised by law. Article 17 - Arrest, Detention and Fair Trial 1. 2. No person may be arrested or detained save pursuant to due process of law. No person shall be tried or convicted for any act or omission which did not constitute a criminal offence at the time when it was committed.