Overview

The rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and movement were curtailed. Government critics and activists faced enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture and other ill-treatment. The National Security Service operated with impunity, defying a court order to release a detained government critic. The UN reported numerous human rights violations including extrajudicial executions, conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, and the recruitment and use of children by armed groups. Parliament passed two transitional justice bills to promote reconciliation and provide reparation to victims of the conflict that began in 2013. Food insecurity increased due to ongoing conflict, flooding, displacement and the rising cost of living. Three quarters of the population needed humanitarian assistance and protection. The government failed to introduce adequate preparedness and mitigation policies to address severe climate change-induced risks.