An alarming level of human rights abuses against members of the “Hal- pulaar” ethnic group is being reported from the south of Mauritania. The army, security forces and the Haratine militia appear to arrest, torture and kill unarmed villagers without any fear of disciplinary action or legal proceedings. Hundreds of black Mauritanians have been arrested, persecuted and often assassinated on a very wide range of pretexts. Many have been detained for long periods without charge or trial and the fate of dozens arrested by government forces or the militia is unknown. A curfew, whose timing varies from region to region and village to village, is in force.
