Overview

Incidents of gender-based violence continued while perpetrators enjoyed impunity. The Department of Basic Education failed in its promise to eradicate pit latrines in schools. Illiteracy rates among Grade 4 pupils rose. There were concerns that the National Health Insurance Bill might have an adverse impact on access to quality healthcare. Access to quality and safe drinking water declined. Refugees and migrants continued to be denied access to primary healthcare. The murder rate remained high. Police continued to use excessive force in response to protests. Threats against human rights defenders, activists and whistle-blowers, and attempts to silence journalists continued. The government made no progress on the decommissioning of coal-fired power stations.