Overview of Human Rights in Madagascar

The Republic of Madagascar is a multiparty democracy. Widespread poverty, frequent political instability, as well as corruption, do not allow for a good human rights record.

Between January and June 2002, the nation was almost torn apart due to the power struggle between two political parties, the Tiako-I-Madagasikara (TIM) and the Arema party. After Marc Ravalomanana and his TIM party won political power, the situation in the nation slightly improved. Conflict between both sides, however, led to the deaths of some 100 people.  Since 2005, the opposition has increasingly expressed antagonism to the president, and in November 2006, an attempted coup ensued by an army general.  While that attempt was not successful, rumors about further attempts to unseat the government ahead of the 2006 elections were ongoing.

In recent years, there have been reports of brutality, abuse, and kidnappings by security forces recruited by the government. Police are known to abuse detainees and prisoners. Arbitrary arrest and detention of demonstrators and opposition politicians are also problems. Prison conditions are harsh and life threatening. Women in prison are susceptible to physical abuse, including rape. 

The government restricts the freedoms of speech, press, and religion. At times, the government limits freedom of assembly and movement as well. Child labor remains a problem.

The government continues its efforts to combat human trafficking and to curb widespread corruption in its own ranks.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

143rd out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.