Overview

Some bans on public assemblies disproportionately restricted the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. Whistle-blowers lacked effective protection. There was insufficient support for women survivors of gender-based violence. Afghan nationals continued to be deported to Afghanistan until shortly before the Taliban takeover of the country in August. The regular use of facial recognition technology was introduced in law enforcement operations in August 2020. Failures to effectively investigate allegations of ill-treatment by the police persisted. Social assistance benefits in some states were inadequate. The right to adequate housing was not protected.