Overview of Human Rights in Mozambique

Recent elections in the Republic of Mozambique were judged to be generally free and fair despite the presence of some minor irregularities. That said, corruption, impunity, and high levels of poverty are all negative influences on the human rights situation.  As well, the judiciary is not entirely independent of the executive branch. Long-standing case backlogs, lengthy pretrial conditions, and sometimes the lack of a fair trial are all issues plaguing the system. The government restricts the freedoms of press, movement, and association when it deems it necessary. Police and security forces in Mozambique sometimes act outside of their realm of authority. Harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, as well as the use of excessive force (which has resulted in unlawful injuries and death) are all actions committed with impunity. Prison conditions in Mozambique are extremely harsh and life threatening. Overcrowding, and high levels of violence contributed to the deaths of several inmates in the last year. Child abuse, child labor, and child prostitution are all problems. Discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS and/or disabilities are also areas of concern.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

168th 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.