Mauritania
Repressive laws on criminal defamation, spreading “false information,” cybercrime, and blasphemy have been used by authorities to prosecute and jail human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and bloggers. Parliament has adopted an overly broad law that stipulates fines and harsh prison sentences for the publication of “false news.” Security forces sometimes use excessive force to disperse peaceful protests. Parliament has yet to pass a draft law on violence against women and girls introduced in 2016. Slavery in certain forms has not been eliminated despite multiple laws banning it and specialized courts to prosecute those who enslave others.
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“They Told Me to Keep Quiet”
Obstacles to Justice and Remedy for Sexual Assault Survivors in Mauritania
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Mauritania: Administrative Obstacles Keep Kids from School
Daunting Civil Registration Process Depresses Enrollment
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Policy Paralysis
A Call for Action on HIV/AIDS-Related Human Rights Abuses Against Women and Girls in Africa
News
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Middle East/North Africa: End Violent Punishment of Children
Human Rights Watch Introduces Country Index Based on Laws, Policies
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Mauritania: Free Activists Held on Blasphemy Charges
Detained for 8 Months, Facing Possible Death Sentences
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Mauritania: President Should Lead Reform Process
Celebrate Year in Office with Pledge to End Repressive Laws, Protect Women’s Rights
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![Aminetou Mint Ely [center, holding phone], president of the Association of Women Heads of Family and staff of a support center for survivors of gender-based violence, run by the association, Rosso, Mauritania, February 7, 2018.](/sites/default/files/styles/square/public/multimedia_images_2018/201809mena_mauritania_photo4.jpg?itok=4UwBCZcC)