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{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
[[File:Mozambique’s President Armando Guebuza and RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama.jpg|thumb|'''Mozambique’s President Armando Guebuza and opposition RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama''' ratifying a peace deal that ends two-years of low level conflict throughout the country.|alt=|297x297px]]'''Mozambique''' is an African country, officially named the [[Mozambique|Republic of Mozambique]]. For more than four centuries, Mozambique was ruled by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]]. Following Mozambique’s independence from Portugal came 17 years of civil war, between [[RENAMO]] and [[FRELIMO]], until 1992, when peace was finally reached.<ref name=":1" /> [[Armando Guebuza]] was then elected president in 2004 and re-elected in 2009, despite criticisms that he lacks honesty, transparency, and impartiality.<ref name=":2" /> This sparked a series of human rights incidents including unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, inhumane prison conditions, and unfair trials. There were also many issues regarding freedom in relation to speech and media, internet freedom, freedom of peaceful assembly, and discrimination and abuse of women, children and people with disabilities. Many of these issues are ongoing and have become current human rights violations for Mozambique.<ref name=":2" />{{Politics of Mozambique}}
{{POV|date=December 2022}}

[[File:Mozambique’s President Armando Guebuza and RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama.jpg|thumb|Mozambique’s President Armando Guebuza and opposition RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama ratifying a peace deal that ends two-years of low level conflict throughout the country.|alt=|297x297px]]
{{Politics of Mozambique}}
The concept of '''human rights in Mozambique''' is an ongoing issue for the African country, officially named the [[Mozambique|Republic of Mozambique]]. For more than four centuries, Mozambique was ruled by the [[Portugal|Portuguese]]. Following Mozambique’s independence from Portugal came 17 years of [[Mozambican Civil War|civil war]], between [[RENAMO]] and [[FRELIMO]], until 1992, when peace was finally reached.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Mozambique : the tortuous road to democracy.|last=Cabrita, J.|date=2014|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-1349424320|location=[Place of publication not identified]|oclc=951517580}}</ref> [[Armando Guebuza]] was then elected president in 2004 and re-elected in 2009, despite criticisms that he lacked honesty, transparency, and impartiality.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/mozambique/|title=Mozambique|website=Amnesty International USA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-02}}</ref> This sparked a series of human rights incidents including unlawful killing, [[arbitary arrest and detention|arbitrary arrests]], inhumane prison conditions, and unfair trials. There were also many issues regarding freedom in relation to speech and media, internet freedom, freedom of peaceful assembly, and discrimination and abuse of women, children and people with disabilities. Many of these issues are ongoing and have become current human rights violation is for Mozambique.<ref name=":1" /><br />
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== History ==
== History ==
=== Independence War ===
=== Independence War ===
{{main article|Mozambican War of Independence}}
{{template:main article|Mozambican War of Independence}}In September 1964, [[FRELIMO]] sought an attack against the Portuguese to gain independence. Attempts at peaceful negotiation by [[FRELIMO]] were abandoned and, on September 25, [[Eduardo Mondlane]], who was the founding President of [[FRELIMO]], began to launch guerrilla attacks on targets in northern Mozambique from his base in [[Tanzania]].<ref name=":1" /> The war continued sporadically for 10 years, and finally in 1975, the Portuguese fled Mozambique, [[FRELIMO]] took control of the country, and Mozambique became independent from Portugal.<ref name=":2" />
In September 1964, [[FRELIMO]] sought an attack against the Portuguese to gain independence. Attempts at peaceful negotiation by [[FRELIMO]] were abandoned and, on September 25, [[Eduardo Mondlane]], who was the founding president of [[FRELIMO]], began to launch guerrilla attacks on targets in northern Mozambique from his base in [[Tanzania]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|title=A history of Mozambique|last=Newitt, M. D. D.|date=1995|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=0253340063|location=Bloomington|oclc=27812463}}</ref> The war continued sporadically for 10 years, and finally in 1975, the Portuguese fled Mozambique, [[FRELIMO]] took control of the country, and Mozambique became independent from Portugal.<ref name=":0" />


Mozambique was successful in the war, however, under the reign of the Portuguese, the country was educated and had abundant resources such as professionals and tradesmen.<ref name=":1" /> Without the Portuguese, they lacked this educated workforce, causing conflict within the country. [[RENAMO]] revolutionaries caused the start of another war within Mozambique, protesting the reign of [[FRELIMO]].<ref name=":2" />{{Infobox military conflict
Mozambique was successful in the war, however, under the reign of the Portuguese, the country was educated and had abundant resources such as professionals and tradesmen.<ref name=":2" /> Without the Portuguese, they lacked this educated workforce, causing conflict within the country. [[RENAMO]] revolutionaries caused the start of another war within Mozambique, protesting the reign of [[FRELIMO]].<ref name=":0" />
|image= LocationMozambique.svg
|caption=Mozambique within modern-day Africa.
|conflict= Mozambican War of Independence
|partof=the [[Portuguese Colonial War]], [[Decolonisation of Africa]], and the [[Cold War]]
|date=25 September 1964–8 September 1974<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=09|day1=25|year1=1964|month2=09|day2=08|year2=1974}})<br/>June 25, 1975 (independence)
|place= [[Mozambique (Portugal)|Mozambique]]
|result= FRELIMO political victory
*[[Ceasefire]] and independence of [[People's Republic of Mozambique|Mozambique]] after the [[Carnation Revolution]] in Lisbon
*[[Mozambican Civil War]] begins
|casus= Rise of independence movements in nearby colonies, Portuguese mistreatments of the colony.
|combatant1={{flagicon|Mozambique|1974|size=22px}} [[FRELIMO]]
|combatant1a={{Collapsible list
| bullets = yes
| title = Support:
|{{flag|Soviet Union|1955|size=22px}}<ref>Frontiersmen: Warfare In Africa Since 1950, 2002. Page 49.</ref>
|{{flag|China}}<ref>China Into Africa: Trade, Aid, and Influence, 2009. Page 156.</ref>
|{{flag|Cuba|size=22px}}<ref>Fidel Castro: My Life: A Spoken Autobiography, 2008. Page 315</ref><ref>The Cuban Military Under Castro, 1989. Page 45</ref><ref>Translations on Sub-Saharan Africa 607–623, 1967. Page 65.</ref><ref>Underdevelopment and the Transition to Socialism: Mozambique and Tanzania, 2013. Page 38.</ref>
|{{flag|Yugoslavia|size=22px}}<ref>Southern Africa The Escalation of a Conflict : a Politico-military Study, 1976. Page 99.</ref><ref>Tito in the world press on the occasion of the 80th birthday, 1973. Page 33.</ref><ref>Mozambique, Resistance and Freedom: A Case for Reassessment, 1994. Page 64.</ref>
|{{flagicon|Somalia|1972}} [[Somali Democratic Republic|Somalia]]<ref>[http://www.rhodesia.nl/moss4.htm MOSCOW’S NEXT TARGET IN AFRICA by Robert Moss]</ref><ref>FRELIMO. Departamento de Informação e Propaganda, Mozambique revolution, Page 10</ref> <br>
|{{flagicon|Bulgaria|1971|size=22px}} [[People's Republic of Bulgaria|Bulgaria]]<ref name=shichor>Liberalism, Black Power, and the Making of American Politics, 1965–1980. 2009. Page 83</ref><ref>United Front against imperialism:
China's foreign policy in Africa, 1986. Page 174</ref><ref>Portuguese Africa: a handbook, 1969. Page 423.</ref>
|{{flag|Tanzania|size=22px}}<ref>[http://www.sardc.net/en/southern-african-news-features/frelimo-candidate-filipe-nyusi-leading-mozambique-presidential-election/ Frelimo candidate Filipe Nyusi leading Mozambique presidential election]</ref><ref>Mozambique in the twentieth century: from colonialism to independence, 1979. Page 271</ref><ref>A History of FRELIMO, 1982. Page 13</ref><ref>Encyclopedia Americana: Sumatra to Trampoline, 2005. Page 275</ref><ref>Nyerere and Africa: End of an Era, 2007. Page 226</ref>
|{{flag|Zambia|1964|size=22px}}<ref>Culture And Customs of Mozambique, 2007. Page 16</ref>
|{{flag|Egypt|1972|size=22px}}<ref>Intercontinental Press, 1974. Page 857.</ref><ref>The Last Bunker: A Report on White South Africa Today, 1976. Page 122</ref><ref>Vectors of Foreign Policy of the Mozambique Front (1962–1975): A Contribution to the Study of the Foreign Policy of the People's Republic of Mozambique, 1988. Page 8</ref>
|{{flag|Algeria|size=22px}}<ref>Africa's Armies: From Honor to Infamy, 2009. Page 76</ref> <br>
|{{flagicon|Libya|1969}} [[Libyan Arab Republic|Libya]]<ref>Imagery and Ideology in U.S. Policy Toward Libya 1969–1982, 1988. Page 70</ref><ref>Qaddafi: his ideology in theory and practice, 1986. Page 140.</ref>
|{{flag|Brazil|1968|size=22px}}
}}


|combatant2={{flagicon|Portugal|size=22px}} [[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Portugal]]
|combatant2a={{Collapsible list
| bullets = yes
| title = Support:
|{{flag|South Africa|1928}}<ref>South Africa in Africa: A Study in Ideology and Foreign Policy, 1975. Page 173.</ref><ref>The dictionary of contemporary politics of Southern Africa, 1988. Page 250.</ref>
|{{flag|Rhodesia|1968}}<ref>Terror on the Tracks: A Rhodesian Story, 2011. Page 5.</ref>
|{{flag|Malawi}}<ref name="njas.helsinki.fi">{{cite journal|url=http://www.njas.helsinki.fi/pdf-files/vol13num2/chirambo.pdf|title='Operation Bwezani': The Army, Political Change, and Dr. Banda's Hegemony in Malawi|last=Chirambo|first=Reuben|journal=Nordic Journal of African Studies|volume=13|issue=2|pages=146–163|date=2004|accessdate=May 12, 2011}}</ref><ref>Salazar: A Political Biography, 2009. Page 530.</ref><ref>Prominent African Leaders Since Independence, 2012. Page 383.</ref>
|{{flag|United States|size=22px}}<ref name="Hallahmi">Beit-Hallahmi, Benjamin. ''The Israeli connection: Whom Israel arms and why'', pp. 64. IB Tauris, 1987.</ref>
|{{flag|United Kingdom|size=22px}}<ref name="Hallahmi" />
|{{flag|Israel|size=22px}}<ref name="Hallahmi" />
}}
|commander1= {{flagicon|Mozambique|1974}} [[Eduardo Mondlane]] (1962–69),<br /> {{flagicon|Mozambique|1974}} [[Joaquim Chissano]] (1962–75),<br />{{flagicon|Mozambique|1974}} [[Filipe Samuel Magaia]] (1964–66), <br /> {{flagicon|Mozambique|1974}} [[Samora Machel]] (1969–75)
|commander2={{flagicon|Portugal}} [[António Augusto dos Santos]] (1964–69),<br /> {{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Kaúlza de Arriaga]] (1969–74)
|strength1=15,000–20,000<ref name=Westfall>Westfall, William C., Jr., Major, [[United States Marine Corps]], ''Mozambique-Insurgency Against Portugal, 1963–1975'', 1984. Retrieved on March 10, 2007
</ref><ref>Walter C. Opello, Jr.
''Issue: A Journal of Opinion, Vol. 4, No. 2'', 1974, p. 29</ref>
|strength2=50,000 (May 17, 1970)<ref name="Leonard38"/>
|casualties1=10,000 killed<ref name=stats>[http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat4.htm ''Mid-Range Wars and Atrocities of the Twentieth Century''] retrieved December 4, 2007</ref>
|casualties2=3,500 killed<ref name=stats/>
|casualties3='''Civilian casualties''':<br>50,000 killed<ref name=stats/>
}}
In September 1964, [[FRELIMO]] sought an attack against the Portuguese to gain independence. Attempts at peaceful negotiation by FRELIMO were abandoned and, on September 25, [[Eduardo Mondlane]], who was the founding President of FRELIMO, began to launch guerrilla attacks on targets in northern Mozambique from his base in [[Tanzania]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/27812463|title=A history of Mozambique|last=Newitt, M. D. D.|date=1995|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=0253340063|location=Bloomington|oclc=27812463}}</ref> The war continued sporadically for 10 years, and finally in 1975, the Portuguese fled Mozambique, [[FRELIMO]] took control of the country, and Mozambique became independent from Portugal. <ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Mozambique: The Tortuous Road to Democracy.|last=Cabrita|first=João|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|year=2000|isbn=978-0-333-97738-5|location=New York|pages=29-37}}</ref>

Mozambique was successful in the war, however, under the reign of the Portuguese, the country was educated and had abundant resources such as professionals and tradesmen.<ref name=":4" /> Without the Portuguese, they lacked this educated workforce, causing conflict within the country. [[RENAMO]] revolutionaries caused the start of another war within Mozambique, protesting the reign of FRELIMO.<ref name=":1" />
{| class="wikitable"
|+Portuguese Armed Forces Personnel Killed in Mozambique (1964-1974)
!Year
!In Action
!Other Causes
!Total
|-
|1964
|3
|50
|53
|-
|1965
|3
|53
|136
|-
|1966
|121
|108
|229
|-
|1967
|92
|86
|178
|-
|1968
|111
|137
|248
|-
|1969
|147
|207
|354
|-
|1970
|188
|106
|294
|-
|1971
|199
|121
|320
|-
|1972
|218
|144
|362
|-
|1973
|202
|197
|399
|-
|1974
|117
|203
|320
|-
| colspan="4" |Grand Total: 2,893
|}
<br />
=== Civil War ===
=== Civil War ===
{{main article|Mozambican Civil War}}Immediately following [[Mozambican War of Independence|Mozambique’s independence]], the country descended into [[Mozambican Civil War|Civil War]] for 15 years. It was fought in Mozambique from 1977 to 1992. The war was between the countries two key political parties, [[RENAMO|Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO)]] and [[FRELIMO|Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO)]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
{{template:main article|Mozambican Civil War}}
Immediately following [[Mozambican War of Independence|Mozambique’s independence]], the country descended into [[Mozambican Civil War|civil war]] for 15 years. It was fought in Mozambique from 1977 to 1992. The war was between the country’s two key political parties, [[RENAMO|Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO)]] and [[FRELIMO|Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO).]] <ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" />


The war caused the deaths of over one million Mozambicans due to either combat or starvation, as food supplies were interrupted.<ref name=":1" /> The Civil War destroyed most of the country’s critical rural infrastructure such as schools, roads, rail line sand hospitals.<ref name=":1" /> The two [[Belligerent|belligerents]] involved in the war conducted countless acts against human rights and crimes against war and humanity.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/36988325|title=Still killing : landmines in Southern Africa|last=Vines, Alex,|date=1997|publisher=Human Rights Watch|others=Arms Project (Human Rights Watch),, Human Rights Watch (Organization),|isbn=1564322068|location=New York|oclc=36988325}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> They were responsible for killing many innocent people, forcing [[conscription]] to join their party, forcing child soldiers to fight, and indiscriminately covering the countryside with [[Land mine|land mines]]. <ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3" />
The war caused the deaths of over 1 million Mozambicans due to either combat or starvation, as food supplies were interrupted.<ref name=":0" /> The Civil War destroyed most of the country's critical rural infrastructure, such as schools, roads, rail lines, and hospitals.<ref name=":0" /> The two [[belligerent]]s involved in the war committed countless atrocities, many of which amount to crimes against humanity.<ref name=":2" /> Both sides killed many innocent people, used child soldiers, and indiscriminately covered the countryside with [[land mine]]s.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" />


FRELIMO won the war, and a new constitution was drafted in July 1989, and adopted in November 1990. It made Mozambique a multiparty state, with recurring elections, and confirmed democratic rights.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />
[[FRELIMO]] won the war and a new constitution was drafted in July 1989, after which it was formally adopted in November 1990. It made Mozambique a multiparty state, with recurring elections and democratic rights.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />


==== RENAMO ====
==== RENAMO ====
{{template:main article|RENAMO}}
{{main article|RENAMO}}
[[File:Afonso Dhlakama, 1993 in Maringue.jpg|thumb|Afonso Dhlakama, RENAMO leader, 1993 in Maringue, Mozambique]]
[[File:Afonso Dhlakama, 1993 in Maringue.jpg|thumb|Afonso Dhlakama, RENAMO leader, 1993 in Maringue, Mozambique|244x244px]]
The [[RENAMO|Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO)]] is a political movement, led by Afonso Dhlakama, in 1975 to oppose Mozambique’s ruling [[FRELIMO]] political party. RENAMO was built from former FRELIMO politicians, who opposed the ruling party’s principles. The assembly of RENAMO perpetrated the [[Mozambican Civil War|Civil War]], and the party was supported heavily by South African anti-communist governments. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/871191794|title=The battle for Mozambique : the Frelimo-Renamo struggle, 1977-1992|last=Emerson, Stephen A.,|isbn=9781909384927|location=Solihull, West Midlands|oclc=871191794}}</ref>
The [[RENAMO|Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO)]] is a political movement, led by Afonso Dhlakama, to oppose Mozambique‘s ruling [[FRELIMO]] political party. [[RENAMO]] was built from former [[FRELIMO]] politicians, who oppose the ruling party’s principles. The assembly of [[RENAMO]] perpetrated the [[Mozambican Civil War|Civil War]], and the party was supported heavily by South African anti-Communist governments.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite book|title=The battle for Mozambique : the Frelimo-Renamo struggle, 1977-1992|last=Emerson, Stephen A.|isbn=9781909384927|location=Solihull, West Midlands|oclc=871191794|date = 2014-02-19}}</ref>


During the Civil War, crimes against humanity and human rights were severe. Part of RENAMO’s war strategy was to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity in order to weaken the opposing party.<ref name=":1" /> These crimes included mass killings, rape and mutilation of civilians, forcing children and civilians into employment as soldiers.<ref name=":3" /> The public resented RENAMO for the brutal crimes they committed, they named them “Armed Bandits”, and promoted their hate for the party by encouraging beatings against them.<ref name=":3" />
During the [[Mozambican Civil War|Civil War]], crimes against humanity and human rights were severe. Part of [[RENAMO|RENAMO’s]] war strategy was to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity in order to weaken the opposing party.<ref name=":0" /> These crimes included mass killings, rape and mutilation of civilians, forcing children and civilians into employment as soldiers.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The public resented [[RENAMO]] for the brutal crimes they committed, they named them “Armed Bandit’s”, and promoted their hate for the party by encouraging beatings against them.<ref name=":3" />


==== FRELIMO ====
==== FRELIMO ====
{{template:main article|FRELIMO}}
{{main article|FRELIMO}}
The [[FRELIMO|Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO)]], is the dominant political party in Mozambique. It was founded in 1962, as a national movement against the Portuguese, in order for Mozambique to achieve independence. Since Independence was achieved, FRELIMO has been the reigning political party.<ref name=":1" />
The [[FRELIMO|Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO)]], is the dominant political party in Mozambique. It was founded in 1962, as a national movement against the Portuguese, in order for Mozambique to achieve independence. Since independence was achieved, [[FRELIMO]] has been the reigning political party.<ref name=":0" />


FRELIMO was also responsible for many crimes against war and humanity. People were forced into employment, and times of [[conscription]] were often illegally extended.<ref name=":3" /> While the FRELIMO crimes against humanity were less violent and less frequent than that of RENAMO, sexual violence such as rape was widespread amongst the soldiers. The party was also accused of detaining petty criminals, political opponents and prostitutes without trial in “re-education camps”.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1980/05/07/mozambican-reeducation-camps-raise-rights-questions/47283dab-18a2-44f3-bac1-0ca0064102ea/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.04c9627d316e|title=Mozambican Reeducation Camps Raise Rights Questions|last=Ross|first=Jay|date=May 7, 1980|work=The Washington Post|access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref>
[[FRELIMO]] was also responsible for many crimes against war and humanity. People were forced into employment, and times of [[conscription]] were often illegally extended.<ref name=":3" /> While the [[FRELIMO]] crimes against humanity were less violent and less frequent than that of [[RENAMO]], sexual violence such as rape was widespread amongst the soldiers. The party was also accused of detaining petty criminals, political appointments and prostitutes without trial in “re-education camps”.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1980/05/07/mozambican-reeducation-camps-raise-rights-questions/47283dab-18a2-44f3-bac1-0ca0064102ea/?noredirect=on|title=Mozambican Reeducation Camps Raise Rights Questions|last=Ross|first=Jay|date=May 7, 1980|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 30, 2019}}</ref>


== Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life ==
== Arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of life ==
Mozambique has had numerous reports that included descriptions of the government and Mozambican police committing unlawful and arbitrary killings.
Mozambique has had numerous reports that included descriptions of the government and Mozambican police committing unlawful and arbitrary killings.


=== Unlawful Killings by Police ===
=== Unlawful killings by police ===
Mozambique security forces such as the [https://www.interpol.int/en/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Africa/MOZAMBIQUE Mozambique Republic Police (PRM)], have been indicated in various reports as key culprits of unlawful and arbitrary killings. They have been reported throughout the country for killing unarmed citizens for negligible breaches of the law, and sometimes for no violation at all.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://mz.usembassy.gov/mozambique-2018-human-rights-report/|title=MOZAMBIQUE 2018 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT|date=2019-03-29|website=U.S. Embassy in Mozambique|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref>
Mozambique security forces such as the [https://www.interpol.int/en/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Africa/MOZAMBIQUE Mozambique Republic Police (PRM)], have been indicated in various reports as key culprits of unlawful and arbitrary killings. They have been reported throughout the country for killing unarmed citizens for negligible breaches of the law, and sometimes for no violation at all.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://mz.usembassy.gov/mozambique-2018-human-rights-report/|title=MOZAMBIQUE 2018 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT|date=2019-03-29|website=U.S. Embassy in Mozambique|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-02}}</ref>


For example, in 2010, a riot occurred in Mozambique regarding a 30% rise in the price of bread in the country. Demonstrators burnt tires, blocking roads, and stole from shops in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo. According to the police officials, real bullets were used to shoot the rioters once they ran out of rubber bullets. Hospital and police sources identified the death toll at 6 people, including 2 children. It was said that the police were heavily armed and arbitrarily firing live bullets at anyone they thought were involved, causing the deaths of innocent bystanders.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/02/mozambique-bread-riots-looters-dead|title=Mozambique bread riots spread as police shoot protesters dead|last=Reuters|date=2010-09-02|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-05-19|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
In 2010, a riot occurred in Mozambique in response to a 30% rise in the price of bread in the country. Demonstrators burnt tires, blocking roads, and stole from shops in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo. According to the police officials, real bullets were used to shoot the rioters once they run out of rubber bullets. Hospital and police sources identified the death toll at six people, including two children. An unknown citizen stated that the police were heavily armed and arbitrarily firing live bullets at anyone they thought were involved, causing the death of innocent bystanders.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/02/mozambique-bread-riots-looters-dead|title=Mozambique bread riots spread as police shoot protesters dead|agency=Reuters|date=2010-09-02|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-06-02|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>


=== Inhumane Prison Conditions ===
=== Inhumane prison conditions ===
Prison conditions in Mozambique are inhumane and life threatening due to multiple unsanitary conditions. The physical conditions of Mozambique prisons include overcrowding, limited medical care and hygiene, and inadequate sanitary conditions.<ref name=":0" /> Overcrowding has been identified as the main issue, resulting in further problems of insufficient hygiene, medical care, and food. It also means that prisoners cannot be separated appropriately, and often juvenile convicts are lumped together in adult facilities, there is little differentiation regarding the level of crime committed by the inmates, and those with contagious illnesses are unable to be isolated. <ref name=":0" />
Prison conditions in Mozambique are inhumane and life-threatening due to multiple unsanitary conditions. The physical conditions of Mozambique prisons include overcrowding, limited medical care and hygiene, and inadequate sanitary conditions.<ref name=":4" /> Overcrowding has been identified as the main issue, resulting in further problems of insufficient hygiene, medical care, and food. It also means that prisoners cannot be separated appropriately, and often juvenile convicts are forced to live in adult facilities, there is little differentiation regarding the level of crime committed by the inmates, and those with contagious illnesses are unable to be isolated.<ref name=":4" />


According to the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the overcrowding issue of prisons meant that in a space built for 8,188 people, there were 18,185 prisoners. This is an example of severe overpopulation, as the prison is at 222% capacity, which results in little to no human rights for the prisoners.<ref name=":0" />
According to the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the overcrowding issue of prisons meant that in a space built for 8,188 people, there were 18,185 prisoners. This is an example of severe overpopulation, as the prison is at 222% capacity, which results in little to no human rights for the prisoners.<ref name=":4" />


=== Arbitrary Arrests ===
=== Arbitrary arrests ===
An arrest is arbitrary when there is insufficient evidence to condemn an individual, and when there is no legal basis to the arrest. The law states that anyone that is detained without legal basis or on the foundation of insufficient evidence should be released, however the authorities of Mozambique have that responsibility, and have been found to not follow this law strictly.<ref name=":2" />
An arrest is arbitrary when there is insufficient evidence to condemn an individual, and when there is no legal basis to the arrest. The law states that anyone that is detained without legal basis or on the foundation of insufficient evidence should be released, however the authorities of Mozambique have that responsibility, and have been found to not follow this law strictly.<ref name=":1" />


According to [https://www.refworld.org/topic,50ffbce582,50ffbce58e,481f0a152,0,AMNESTY,,MOZ.html Amnesty International], the Mozambican police have been found to arrest citizens without sufficient reason or evidence to do so. Many detainees in detention centres are being held while their case is still being investigated. They were arrested on the suspicion of theft, and some are held in these pre-trial facilities for almost a year, while police investigate the case, providing the assumption that the arrests were arbitrary and on suspicious grounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/481f0a152.html|title=Refworld {{!}} Mozambique: Licence to kill: Police accountability in Mozambique|last=Refugees|first=United Nations High Commissioner for|website=Refworld|language=en|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref>
According to [https://www.refworld.org/topic,50ffbce582,50ffbce58e,481f0a152,0,AMNESTY,,MOZ.html Amnesty International], the Mozambican police have been found to arrest citizens without sufficient reason or evidence to do so. Many detainees in detention centres are being held while their case is still being investigated. They were arrested on the suspicion of theft, and some are held in these pre-trial facilities for almost a year, while police investigate the case, providing the assumption that the arrests were arbitrary and on suspicious grounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/481f0a152.html|title=Refworld {{!}} Mozambique: Licence to kill: Police accountability in Mozambique|last=Refugees|first=United Nations High Commissioner for|website=Refworld|language=en|access-date=2019-06-02}}</ref>


The Mozambican law also states that an arrest is arbitrary if it does not comply with the procedures for arrest set out in the [https://acjr.org.za/resource-centre/Constitutionality%20project%20-%20Mozambique%20FINAL.pdf Criminal Procedure Code].<ref>https://acjr.org.za/resource-centre/Constitutionality%20project%20-%20Mozambique%20FINAL.pdf</ref> [https://www.refworld.org/topic,50ffbce582,50ffbce58e,481f0a152,0,AMNESTY,,MOZ.html Amnesty International] has documented arrests that do not comply with these procedures due to failing to inform those being arrested and detaining their rights.<ref name=":2" /> Violating a detainee’s rights can include not allowing them to see a lawyer; forcing detainees to sign documents, or beating or ill-treating detainees to force them to confess.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" />
The Mozambican law also states that an arrest is arbitrary if it does not comply with the procedures for arrest set out in the [https://acjr.org.za/where-we-work/mozambique Criminal Procedure Code] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121111244/https://acjr.org.za/where-we-work/mozambique |date=2022-01-21 }}.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Locking up my rights : arbitrary arrest, detention and treatment of detainees in Mozambique.|last=Amnesty International.|date=2012|publisher=Amnesty International|oclc=819639830}}</ref> [https://www.refworld.org/topic,50ffbce582,50ffbce58e,481f0a152,0,AMNESTY,,MOZ.html Amnesty International] has documented arrests that do not comply with these procedures due to failing to inform those being arrested and detaining their rights.<ref name=":1" /> Violating a detainee’s rights can include not allowing them to see a lawyer, forcing detainees to sign documents, or beating or ill-treating detainees to force them to confess.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />


=== Denial of Fair Public Trial ===
=== Denial of fair public trial ===
The ruling government party, [[FRELIMO]], was accused of providing understaffed and poorly trained [[judiciary]]. It was also believed that the judiciary was politically influenced during trials.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" />
The ruling government party, [[FRELIMO]], was accused of providing understaffed and poorly trained [[judiciary]]. It was also believed that the judiciary was politically influenced during trials.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />


Detention without trial also became an issue throughout Mozambique, particularly in prisons in [[Maputo]] and [[Nampula]], where hundreds of people were held without trial for illegal amounts of time.<ref name=":2" /> Some were held without charge. For example, a man named [https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/50af33a82.pdf José Capitine Cossa] was detained for over 12 years in a maximum-security prison without charge or trial. When questioned, the authorities claimed to be unaware that he was even there. He was released after they held an investigation, yet he was awarded no compensation, and nobody was held responsible for unlawfully arresting and detaining him.<ref name=":2" />  
Detention without trial also became an issue throughout Mozambique, particularly in prisons in [[Maputo]] and [[Nampula]], where hundreds of people were held without trial for illegal amounts of time.<ref name=":1" /> Some were held without charge. For example, a man named [https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/50af33a82.pdf José Capitine Cossa] was detained for over 12 years in a maximum-security prison without charge or trial. When questioned, the authorities claimed to be unaware that he was even there. He was released after they held an investigation, yet he was awarded no compensation, and nobody was held responsible for unlawfully arresting and detaining him.<ref name=":1" />

=== Violence by armed group ===
In November 2020, armed groups in [[Mozambique]]’s [[Cabo Delgado Province]] beheaded dozens of people in the escalated violence. [[United Nations]] Secretary General, [[António Guterres]] urged the Mozambican authorities to investigate the escalating violence in the province that was long being ignored by the international community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/11/mozambique-united-nations-must-act-to-address-human-rights-violations-in-cabo-delgado/|title= Mozambique: United Nations must act to address human rights violations in Cabo Delgado|access-date=11 November 2020|website=Amnesty International}}</ref>


== Freedom ==
== Freedom ==
=== Speech and Media ===
=== Speech and media ===
In the [https://humanrightsmeasurement.org/threats-to-free-speech-in-mozambique/ 2018 Human Rights Measurement Initiative], Mozambique’s protection of freedom of expression received a result of 5.3 out of 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://humanrightsmeasurement.org/threats-to-free-speech-in-mozambique/|title=Threats to free speech in Mozambique|date=2018-09-26|website=Human Rights Measurement Initiative|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref>  There were restrictions on free speech, forced by the Mozambican police, although there were no government official constraints. The restraint of free speech was primarily in regard to any criticism of the government. During [[Armando Guebuza]]’s reign as president, in 2012, [[RENAMO]] became accusatory of the government, influencing violence between the ruling and opposition parties.<ref name=":0" />
In the [https://humanrightsmeasurement.org/threats-to-free-speech-in-mozambique/ 2018 Human Rights Measurement Initiative], Mozambique‘s protection of freedom of expression received a result of 5.3 out of 10.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://humanrightsmeasurement.org/threats-to-free-speech-in-mozambique/|title=Threats to free speech in Mozambique|date=2018-09-26|website=Human Rights Measurement Initiative|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-02}}</ref> There were restrictions on free speech, forced by the Mozambican police, although there were no government official constraints. The restraint of free speech was primarily in regard to any criticism of the government. During [[Armando Guebuza]]’s reign as president, [[RENAMO]] became accusatory of the government, influencing violence between the ruling and opposition parties.<ref name=":4" />

In 1991 Mozambique introduced the [https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2015/mozambique Press Law] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602102015/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2015/mozambique |date=2019-06-02 }}, which classified any slander, criticism or offence about the president or government as illegal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2015/mozambique|title=Mozambique|date=2015-04-22|website=freedomhouse.org|language=en|access-date=2019-06-02|archive-date=2019-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602102015/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2015/mozambique|url-status=dead}}</ref> This limited journalists’ ability to write freely, and also closely impacted the people’s ability to fairly choose their government. The public wouldn’t know the accurate truth about the government, and therefore couldn’t make an informed decision at elections. Ericino de Salema was a well-known journalist and human rights lawyer. Anonymous armed man abducted and beat him due to his reporting.<ref name=":4" />

Armando Nenane was another journalist and human rights activist. He expressed his views on a group called G40, who slandered [[RENAMO]], the governments opposition, and was allegedly created by the ruling government. Armando Nenane also received anonymous death threats for his ostracised views, and nobody was convicted or held responsible for the attack on him.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|title=AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2017/2018 : the state of the world's human rights.|last=INTERNATIONAL, AMNESTY.|date=2018|publisher=AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK|isbn=978-0862104993|location=[Place of publication not identified]|oclc=1028229010}}</ref>


In 1991, Mozambique introduced the [https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2015/mozambique Press Law], which classified any slander, criticism or offence about the president or government as illegal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2015/mozambique|title=Mozambique|date=2015-04-22|website=freedomhouse.org|language=en|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref> This limited journalists’ ability to write freely, and also closely impacted the people’s ability to fairly choose their government. The public wouldn’t know the accurate truth about the government, and therefore couldn’t make an informed decision at elections. Ericino de Salema was a well-known journalist and human rights lawyer. Anonymous armed men abducted and beat him due to his reporting.<ref name=":0" />
=== Assembly ===
=== Assembly ===
Again, the laws did not explicitly abolish the freedom of peaceful assembly, however, the right of peaceful assembly wasn’t respected by the government. If a group of people were to peacefully assemble in protest, they were required to provide the local authorities with a written notification of the protest at least 4 business days prior to the event. The government had the authority to disapprove the request for protest, indistinctly impeding the right of peaceful assembly.<ref name=":0" />
Again, the laws did not explicitly abolish the freedom of peaceful assembly, however, the right of peaceful assembly wasn’t respected by the government. If a group of people were to peacefully assemble and protest, they were required to provide the local authorities with a written notification of the protest at least four business days prior to the event. The government had the authority to disapprove the request for protest, indistinctly impeding the right of peaceful assembly.<ref name=":4" />


== Societal Discrimination and Abuse ==
== Societal discrimination and abuse ==
=== Women ===
=== Women ===
Rape and domestic violence is illegal and can result in imprisonment. However, in 2014, a [[Marry-your-rapist law|draft law]] was considered by Mozambique’s National Assembly that would allow rapists to marry their victims in order to avoid detention.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/mozambique/|title=Mozambique|website=Amnesty International USA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-20}}</ref> The law was not ratified in Mozambique, however even that it was considered proves how little women and children were respected, even in 2014.
Rape and domestic violence is illegal and can result in imprisonment. However, in 2014, a [[Marry-your-rapist law|draft law]] was considered by Mozambique’s National Assembly that would allow rapists to marry their victims in order to avoid detention.<ref name=":1" /> The law was thoroughly considered, however it was not ratified in Mozambique.


While domestic violence is punishable by law, these laws were not enforced heavily by the government, and more than 20,000 domestic violence cases were reported in one year. <ref name=":0" />
While domestic violence is punishable by law, these laws were not enforced heavily by the government, and more than 20,000 domestic violence cases were reported in one year.<ref name=":4" />


Sexual harassment remains a prominent issue in the country, as there are no laws incriminating sexual assault in public places.
Sexual harassment remains a prominent issue in the country, as there are no laws incriminating sexual assault in public places.<ref name=":4" />

[https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/POL1067002018ENGLISH.PDF Amnesty International] have reported countless cases of women murdered by men, many of whom were known or related to one another.<ref name=":5" /> For example, a man stabbed his wife to death with a kitchen knife in Inhagoia neighbourhood on the outskirts of [[Maputo]]. In Vanduzi district, a 27-year-old man decapitated his mother with a machete saying she had refused to serve him food. In many cases the culprit justified their actions by claiming the female used witchcraft against them. In both these cases and many more, the perpetrators admitted their crime, however, the authorities failed to develop, resource and implement an effective strategy to combat violence against women.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />

On 15 September 2020, Amnesty International called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the extrajudicial execution of an unarmed and naked woman by some men wearing army uniforms. The armed men appeared to be members of the FADM or Mozambique Armed Defense Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/16/africa/amnesty-mozambique-video-killing-investigation-intl/index.html|title=Amnesty International calls for investigation into video showing execution of woman in Mozambique|access-date=16 August 2020|website=CNN}}</ref>


=== Children ===
=== Children ===
Sexual and physical abuse towards children remains a key issue, particularly for orphans and vulnerable children. The law prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children was partially enforced, and therefore, unsuccessful in eliminating the problem. In multiple cities and towns, child prostitution was customary.<ref name=":0" />
Sexual and physical abuse towards children remains a key issue, particularly for orphans and vulnerable children. The law prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children was partially enforced, and therefore, unsuccessful in eliminating the problem. In multiple cities and towns, child prostitution is customary.<ref name=":4" />


=== Persons with Disabilities ===
=== Persons with disabilities ===
Discrimination against persons with disabilities is illegal by law, however, these laws have failed to be enforced effectively. Access to buildings is overlooked, and discrimination in basic services like health care was common. Education and employment opportunities were very unequal, and there were no government initiatives implemented to improve this inequality or strive to improve persons with disabilities accessibility to information.<ref name=":0" />


Discrimination against persons with disabilities is illegal by law, however these laws have failed to be enforced effectively. Access to buildings is overlooked, and discrimination in basic services like health care was common. Education and employment opportunities were very unequal, and there were no government initiatives implemented to improve this inequality or strive to improve persons with disabilities accessibility to information.<ref name=":4" />


==References==
{{reflist}}


{{Africa in topic|Human rights in}}
{{Africa in topic| Human rights in}}{{Human rights}}
{{World topic| prefix= Extrajudicial killings in | title= [[Extrajudicial killings]] in the world |noredlinks=yes}}
{{Mozambique topics}}
{{Mozambique topics}}

{{Human rights}}
[[Category:Human rights in Mozambique| ]]
<references />

Revision as of 01:45, 25 August 2024

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The concept of human rights in Mozambique is an ongoing issue for the African country, officially named the Republic of Mozambique. For more than four centuries, Mozambique was ruled by the Portuguese. Following Mozambique’s independence from Portugal came 17 years of civil war, between RENAMO and FRELIMO, until 1992, when peace was finally reached.[1] Armando Guebuza was then elected president in 2004 and re-elected in 2009, despite criticisms that he lacked honesty, transparency, and impartiality.[2] This sparked a series of human rights incidents including unlawful killing, arbitrary arrests, inhumane prison conditions, and unfair trials. There were also many issues regarding freedom in relation to speech and media, internet freedom, freedom of peaceful assembly, and discrimination and abuse of women, children and people with disabilities. Many of these issues are ongoing and have become current human rights violation is for Mozambique.[2]

History

Independence War

Main article: Mozambican War of Independence

In September 1964, FRELIMO sought an attack against the Portuguese to gain independence. Attempts at peaceful negotiation by FRELIMO were abandoned and, on September 25, Eduardo Mondlane, who was the founding president of FRELIMO, began to launch guerrilla attacks on targets in northern Mozambique from his base in Tanzania.[3] The war continued sporadically for 10 years, and finally in 1975, the Portuguese fled Mozambique, FRELIMO took control of the country, and Mozambique became independent from Portugal.[1]

Mozambique was successful in the war, however, under the reign of the Portuguese, the country was educated and had abundant resources such as professionals and tradesmen.[3] Without the Portuguese, they lacked this educated workforce, causing conflict within the country. RENAMO revolutionaries caused the start of another war within Mozambique, protesting the reign of FRELIMO.[1]

Civil War

Main article: Mozambican Civil War

Immediately following Mozambique’s independence, the country descended into Civil War for 15 years. It was fought in Mozambique from 1977 to 1992. The war was between the countries two key political parties, Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) and Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO).[1][2]

The war caused the deaths of over 1 million Mozambicans due to either combat or starvation, as food supplies were interrupted.[1] The Civil War destroyed most of the country's critical rural infrastructure, such as schools, roads, rail lines, and hospitals.[1] The two belligerents involved in the war committed countless atrocities, many of which amount to crimes against humanity.[3] Both sides killed many innocent people, used child soldiers, and indiscriminately covered the countryside with land mines.[3][2]

FRELIMO won the war and a new constitution was drafted in July 1989, after which it was formally adopted in November 1990. It made Mozambique a multiparty state, with recurring elections and democratic rights.[1][3]

RENAMO

Main article: RENAMO
Afonso Dhlakama, RENAMO leader, 1993 in Maringue, Mozambique

The Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) is a political movement, led by Afonso Dhlakama, to oppose Mozambique‘s ruling FRELIMO political party. RENAMO was built from former FRELIMO politicians, who oppose the ruling party’s principles. The assembly of RENAMO perpetrated the Civil War, and the party was supported heavily by South African anti-Communist governments.[1][3][4]

During the Civil War, crimes against humanity and human rights were severe. Part of RENAMO’s war strategy was to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity in order to weaken the opposing party.[1] These crimes included mass killings, rape and mutilation of civilians, forcing children and civilians into employment as soldiers.[3][4] The public resented RENAMO for the brutal crimes they committed, they named them “Armed Bandit’s”, and promoted their hate for the party by encouraging beatings against them.[4]

FRELIMO

Main article: FRELIMO

The Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), is the dominant political party in Mozambique. It was founded in 1962, as a national movement against the Portuguese, in order for Mozambique to achieve independence. Since independence was achieved, FRELIMO has been the reigning political party.[1]

FRELIMO was also responsible for many crimes against war and humanity. People were forced into employment, and times of conscription were often illegally extended.[4] While the FRELIMO crimes against humanity were less violent and less frequent than that of RENAMO, sexual violence such as rape was widespread amongst the soldiers. The party was also accused of detaining petty criminals, political appointments and prostitutes without trial in “re-education camps”.[5]

Arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of life

Mozambique has had numerous reports that included descriptions of the government and Mozambican police committing unlawful and arbitrary killings.

Unlawful killings by police

Mozambique security forces such as the Mozambique Republic Police (PRM), have been indicated in various reports as key culprits of unlawful and arbitrary killings. They have been reported throughout the country for killing unarmed citizens for negligible breaches of the law, and sometimes for no violation at all.[6]

In 2010, a riot occurred in Mozambique in response to a 30% rise in the price of bread in the country. Demonstrators burnt tires, blocking roads, and stole from shops in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo. According to the police officials, real bullets were used to shoot the rioters once they run out of rubber bullets. Hospital and police sources identified the death toll at six people, including two children. An unknown citizen stated that the police were heavily armed and arbitrarily firing live bullets at anyone they thought were involved, causing the death of innocent bystanders.[7]

Inhumane prison conditions

Prison conditions in Mozambique are inhumane and life-threatening due to multiple unsanitary conditions. The physical conditions of Mozambique prisons include overcrowding, limited medical care and hygiene, and inadequate sanitary conditions.[6] Overcrowding has been identified as the main issue, resulting in further problems of insufficient hygiene, medical care, and food. It also means that prisoners cannot be separated appropriately, and often juvenile convicts are forced to live in adult facilities, there is little differentiation regarding the level of crime committed by the inmates, and those with contagious illnesses are unable to be isolated.[6]

According to the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the overcrowding issue of prisons meant that in a space built for 8,188 people, there were 18,185 prisoners. This is an example of severe overpopulation, as the prison is at 222% capacity, which results in little to no human rights for the prisoners.[6]

Arbitrary arrests

An arrest is arbitrary when there is insufficient evidence to condemn an individual, and when there is no legal basis to the arrest. The law states that anyone that is detained without legal basis or on the foundation of insufficient evidence should be released, however the authorities of Mozambique have that responsibility, and have been found to not follow this law strictly.[2]

According to Amnesty International, the Mozambican police have been found to arrest citizens without sufficient reason or evidence to do so. Many detainees in detention centres are being held while their case is still being investigated. They were arrested on the suspicion of theft, and some are held in these pre-trial facilities for almost a year, while police investigate the case, providing the assumption that the arrests were arbitrary and on suspicious grounds.[8]

The Mozambican law also states that an arrest is arbitrary if it does not comply with the procedures for arrest set out in the Criminal Procedure Code Archived 2022-01-21 at the Wayback Machine.[9] Amnesty International has documented arrests that do not comply with these procedures due to failing to inform those being arrested and detaining their rights.[2] Violating a detainee’s rights can include not allowing them to see a lawyer, forcing detainees to sign documents, or beating or ill-treating detainees to force them to confess.[2][6]

Denial of fair public trial

The ruling government party, FRELIMO, was accused of providing understaffed and poorly trained judiciary. It was also believed that the judiciary was politically influenced during trials.[2][6]

Detention without trial also became an issue throughout Mozambique, particularly in prisons in Maputo and Nampula, where hundreds of people were held without trial for illegal amounts of time.[2] Some were held without charge. For example, a man named José Capitine Cossa was detained for over 12 years in a maximum-security prison without charge or trial. When questioned, the authorities claimed to be unaware that he was even there. He was released after they held an investigation, yet he was awarded no compensation, and nobody was held responsible for unlawfully arresting and detaining him.[2]

Violence by armed group

In November 2020, armed groups in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province beheaded dozens of people in the escalated violence. United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres urged the Mozambican authorities to investigate the escalating violence in the province that was long being ignored by the international community.[10]

Freedom

Speech and media

In the 2018 Human Rights Measurement Initiative, Mozambique‘s protection of freedom of expression received a result of 5.3 out of 10.[11] There were restrictions on free speech, forced by the Mozambican police, although there were no government official constraints. The restraint of free speech was primarily in regard to any criticism of the government. During Armando Guebuza’s reign as president, RENAMO became accusatory of the government, influencing violence between the ruling and opposition parties.[6]

In 1991 Mozambique introduced the Press Law Archived 2019-06-02 at the Wayback Machine, which classified any slander, criticism or offence about the president or government as illegal.[12] This limited journalists’ ability to write freely, and also closely impacted the people’s ability to fairly choose their government. The public wouldn’t know the accurate truth about the government, and therefore couldn’t make an informed decision at elections. Ericino de Salema was a well-known journalist and human rights lawyer. Anonymous armed man abducted and beat him due to his reporting.[6]

Armando Nenane was another journalist and human rights activist. He expressed his views on a group called G40, who slandered RENAMO, the governments opposition, and was allegedly created by the ruling government. Armando Nenane also received anonymous death threats for his ostracised views, and nobody was convicted or held responsible for the attack on him.[13]

Assembly

Again, the laws did not explicitly abolish the freedom of peaceful assembly, however, the right of peaceful assembly wasn’t respected by the government. If a group of people were to peacefully assemble and protest, they were required to provide the local authorities with a written notification of the protest at least four business days prior to the event. The government had the authority to disapprove the request for protest, indistinctly impeding the right of peaceful assembly.[6]

Societal discrimination and abuse

Women

Rape and domestic violence is illegal and can result in imprisonment. However, in 2014, a draft law was considered by Mozambique’s National Assembly that would allow rapists to marry their victims in order to avoid detention.[2] The law was thoroughly considered, however it was not ratified in Mozambique.

While domestic violence is punishable by law, these laws were not enforced heavily by the government, and more than 20,000 domestic violence cases were reported in one year.[6]

Sexual harassment remains a prominent issue in the country, as there are no laws incriminating sexual assault in public places.[6]

Amnesty International have reported countless cases of women murdered by men, many of whom were known or related to one another.[13] For example, a man stabbed his wife to death with a kitchen knife in Inhagoia neighbourhood on the outskirts of Maputo. In Vanduzi district, a 27-year-old man decapitated his mother with a machete saying she had refused to serve him food. In many cases the culprit justified their actions by claiming the female used witchcraft against them. In both these cases and many more, the perpetrators admitted their crime, however, the authorities failed to develop, resource and implement an effective strategy to combat violence against women.[2][6]

On 15 September 2020, Amnesty International called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the extrajudicial execution of an unarmed and naked woman by some men wearing army uniforms. The armed men appeared to be members of the FADM or Mozambique Armed Defense Force.[14]

Children

Sexual and physical abuse towards children remains a key issue, particularly for orphans and vulnerable children. The law prohibiting the sexual exploitation of children was partially enforced, and therefore, unsuccessful in eliminating the problem. In multiple cities and towns, child prostitution is customary.[6]

Persons with disabilities

Discrimination against persons with disabilities is illegal by law, however these laws have failed to be enforced effectively. Access to buildings is overlooked, and discrimination in basic services like health care was common. Education and employment opportunities were very unequal, and there were no government initiatives implemented to improve this inequality or strive to improve persons with disabilities accessibility to information.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Cabrita, J. (2014). Mozambique : the tortuous road to democracy. [Place of publication not identified]: Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-1349424320. OCLC 951517580.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Mozambique". Amnesty International USA. Retrieved 2019-06-02.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Newitt, M. D. D. (1995). A history of Mozambique. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. ISBN 0253340063. OCLC 27812463.
  4. ^ a b c d Emerson, Stephen A. (2014-02-19). The battle for Mozambique : the Frelimo-Renamo struggle, 1977-1992. Solihull, West Midlands. ISBN 9781909384927. OCLC 871191794.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ Ross, Jay (May 7, 1980). "Mozambican Reeducation Camps Raise Rights Questions". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "MOZAMBIQUE 2018 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT". U.S. Embassy in Mozambique. 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2019-06-02.
  7. ^ "Mozambique bread riots spread as police shoot protesters dead". The Guardian. Reuters. 2010-09-02. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2019-06-02.
  8. ^ Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. "Refworld | Mozambique: Licence to kill: Police accountability in Mozambique". Refworld. Retrieved 2019-06-02.
  9. ^ Amnesty International. (2012). Locking up my rights : arbitrary arrest, detention and treatment of detainees in Mozambique. Amnesty International. OCLC 819639830.
  10. ^ "Mozambique: United Nations must act to address human rights violations in Cabo Delgado". Amnesty International. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  11. ^ "Threats to free speech in Mozambique". Human Rights Measurement Initiative. 2018-09-26. Retrieved 2019-06-02.
  12. ^ "Mozambique". freedomhouse.org. 2015-04-22. Archived from the original on 2019-06-02. Retrieved 2019-06-02.
  13. ^ a b INTERNATIONAL, AMNESTY. (2018). AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT 2017/2018 : the state of the world's human rights. [Place of publication not identified]: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK. ISBN 978-0862104993. OCLC 1028229010.
  14. ^ "Amnesty International calls for investigation into video showing execution of woman in Mozambique". CNN. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
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