Overview

Baseless investigations, prosecutions and convictions of human rights defenders, journalists, opposition politicians and others persisted. Anti-terror and disinformation laws were used to curtail freedom of expression. Freedom of peaceful assembly was unlawfully restricted. Distribution of aid after the February earthquakes failed to adequately address the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Violence against women and girls remained widespread. Discriminatory and stigmatizing rhetoric against LGBTI people and refugees and migrants increased in the run-up to the May presidential and legislative elections. The country continued to host the world’s largest number of refugees; some remained at risk of being unlawfully returned. Victims of human rights violations by state officials continued to face a culture of impunity. There were serious and credible allegations of torture and other ill-treatment. A government support programme benefited millions of people living in poverty.