Since the coming to power in 1990 of General Idriss Deby, Amnesty International has repeatedly drawn to the attention of the Chadian authorities cases of arbitrary arrest, torture and ill-treatment including rape, deaths in detention, attacks on human rights defenders and the massacre of defenceless civilians. However, human rights violations are continuing with impunity. Torture in particular is widespread and systematic. This document highlights such cases of abuses and the failure of the authorities to protect human rights. The document examines the political, financial and above all military support given by certain other countries to successive governments of Chad without regard for the consequences for victims of human rights violations. It also reports on violations committed by armed opposition groups. The human rights situation in Chad demands urgent steps to be taken to establish the rule of law and this report contains detailed recommendations to the Chadian authorities, armed opposition groups and the international community.
