10 April 2003
Human Rights Progress Amid Conflicts in Africa
(Annual State Dept. report cites gains made on child labor, human
trafficking) (890)
By Kelly Machinchick
Washington File Staff Writer
Washington -- Though conflict and poverty continue to plague Africa,
undercutting respect for human rights, a recent U.S. government report
points to some solid gains in this area on which the region may be
able to build. Several countries have made progress in advancing
political freedoms, and the region as a whole is making a concerted
effort to halt child labor and human trafficking.
The State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices was
released on March 31 and rates 196 nations worldwide using criteria
that include: institutional change; political, press, and religious
freedom; worker rights; corporate/social responsibility; and human
trafficking.
In its introduction the report analyzed a number of human rights
trends, both negative and positive and in Africa cited several
examples of the political progress made on the continent:
In Kenya, the December 2002 free elections and a peaceful transfer of
power "signaled hope for the consolidation of democratic politics";
In Madagascar, legislative elections were held after a political
crisis that divided the island nation was resolved;
In Sierra Leone, the decade-long civil war was officially declared
over in January and the Revolutionary United Front was disarmed,
leading to "remarkably peaceful presidential elections in May,
although there were reports of election irregularities"; and
In Angola, peace was finally achieved after 27 years of fighting, in
large part aided by the death last year of UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi.
"The former UNITA rebel movement has disarmed and is transitioning
into an unarmed political party," according to the Report, "and the
government -- working with the opposition -- is beginning to move the
country toward new elections."
The "massive human rights violations" of the civil war in Angola "have
come to an end," the report notes. Although, "an increase of abuses in
Cabinda Province is worrisome. The primary focus will now be on the
civil and political rights necessary for the conduct of free and fair
elections as well as the establishment of the rule of law throughout
the country."
While violence in the Horn of Africa region remains subdued, the human
rights report says Eritrea's record "worsened through 2002." In
contrast, however, it added, "all recorded Ethiopian prisoners of war
(POWs) from the former conflict were released. Ethiopia also released
the last of the Eritrean POWs during 2002."
The lot of children in Africa seems to be slowly improving, the
report's introduction noted, as governments take measures to protect
the younger members of their respective societies. For example,
Burundi's government "stated that it would not recruit child soldiers
in its war against rebel forces. However, there are unconfirmed
reports that children continue to serve in armed forces performing
occasional tasks such as carrying weapons and supplies."
Awareness about trafficking in persons throughout Africa grew, the
U.S. Government document reported. "More African countries
participated in time-bound programs designed to eliminate the worst
forms of child labor. In addition, many of these cash-strapped
governments are increasingly working on creative programs to prevent
trafficking and protect trafficking victims."
At the same time, "Public awareness was raised at local government
levels in many African countries, particularly in West Africa, about
traditional practices that are being exploited by traffickers."
On the other side of the continent, in Tanzania, the report noted,
"Children were mobilized to help identify traffickers and other
children particularly vulnerable to being trafficked. In Southern
Africa, some governments began devoting more attention to the
differences between trafficking, smuggling and seasonal labor
migration."
On the negative side, in Côte d'Ivoire child labor remained an issue
of concern, and the recruitment of child soldiers in the armed civil
conflict was cause for concern. Rebel groups in particular used child
soldiers."
The report stated that unfortunately, some African nations regressed
in their ability to treat their citizens fairly and with respect.
Zimbabwe was held up as a prime example. Once a democratic model for
Africa, its 11 million citizens have become victims of oppression,
intimidation, and even torture at the hands of the government of
Robert Mugabe.
"Zimbabwe's government has used a systematic campaign of violence and
intimidation against stated and perceived supporters of the
opposition, even to the extent of routinely and publicly denying food
to these individuals. The Government manipulated the composition of
the courts and repeatedly refused to abide by judicial decisions,
which undermined the judiciary."
Western Africa continues to be wracked by conflict that has "continued
to fuel human rights abuses. In Côte d'Ivoire, a coup attempt and
ensuing civil unrest sparked violations by government and rebel
forces. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, major abuses
continued [although] Rwanda withdrew its troops by October, and Uganda
only had 1,000 troops left in the country at year's end."
Also, in Swaziland, said the report, "respect for rights and rule of
law took steps backward with a government declaration that it would
not abide by court decisions."
Although the broad canvas of human rights in Africa painted by the
individual country reports continues to present a grim picture, the
efforts of African citizens and governments to carve out democracy and
freedom have made progress -- however slow and halting -- toward that
ultimate goal.
(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International
Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site:
http://usinfo.state.gov)
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