Overview

Poverty increased and the government cut spending on health and education. Arbitrary detentions and human rights violations continued to arise due to the state of emergency. There were serious failings in the judicial system. Prison overcrowding persisted, with incarceration rates among the highest globally. Detention conditions were inhumane, with reports of torture and other ill-treatment, and the government failed to act to address the situation. Freedom of expression and the public’s right to information were eroded, and journalists were at risk of harassment and violence. Security forces restricted the freedom of movement of protesters challenging budget cuts, and public sector workers were dismissed for participating. Human rights defenders were at increased risk of attacks and harassment under the state of emergency.