Covering events from January-December 2001

Islamic Republic of Mauritania
Head of state: Maaouiya Ould Sid 'Ahmed Taya
Head of government: Cheikh El Avia Ould Mohamed Khouna
Capital: Nouakchott
Population: 2.7 million
Official language: Arabic
Death penalty: retentionist
2001 treaty ratifications/signatures: UN Women's Convention

Three members of an opposition party were convicted on politically motivated charges after an unfair trial. The government continued to deny the existence of slavery. Human rights organizations, including those campaigning against slavery, remained illegal, and freedom of expression remained limited. Female genital mutilation was reported to be widespread and no specific legislation was enacted prohibiting the practice. No steps were taken by the government to investigate massive human rights violations committed during the late 1980s and early 1990s. One death sentence was passed.

Background

Local and parliamentary elections were held in October, with the ruling party maintaining a large majority. Two political parties remained banned since 2000, following an increase in political tension and demonstrations. Political opponents continued to be harassed and freedom of expression was limited. Human rights organizations, including those campaigning against slavery, continued to operate without authorization, leaving human rights defenders liable to prosecution under law for "administer[ing] associations which are functioning without authorization".

Slavery and similar practices

Further evidence emerged to suggest that, despite official abolition in 1981, slavery or practices analogous to slavery and related practices, continued. Evidence also showed continued discrimination based on slave-related status. Although the government strenuously denied that slavery existed, few practical measures seemed to have been implemented to eradicate it. Precise data was not available on the extent of the practice.

Unfair trial of a political opponent

The arrest and detention of three members of the opposition Front populaire mauritanien (FPM), Popular Mauritanian Front, including its leader, Mohamed Lemine Chbih Ould Cheikh Melaïnine, was the latest example in a pattern of harassment of political opponents.

  • Mohamed Lemine Chbih Ould Cheikh Melaïnine, Mokhtar Ould Haïbetna and Bouba Ould Hassena, were convicted on 14 June by Aioun criminal court on charges of conspiracy to commit acts of sabotage and "terrorism". AI considered them to be prisoners of conscience.
Freedom of expression further attacked

The pattern of repression of freedom of expression and harassment of members of the press continued.
  • In April, Mohammed Lemine Ould Ba, the Mauritanian correspondent for Radio France Internationale, was banned by the government from working with a foreign media organization. The reason for the ban, which had not been lifted by the end of the year, was not clear.
Death penalty

One man was sentenced to death after being convicted of murder.

Intergovernmental organizations

In September, the European Parliament passed a resolution on Mauritania calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Mohamed Chibh and his two co-detainees, for the right of free expression to be guaranteed and for immediate steps to be taken to end slavery.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child considered the initial report of Mauritania in September. The Committee expressed concern that the report did not mention human rights issues such as female genital mutilation and slavery. It also said that insufficient resources were being used to tackle the effect of poverty on children, particularly in rural areas, and expressed concern at evidence of discrimination against minorities.

AI country reports/visits

Statement
  • Mauritania: Prisoners of conscience sentenced to five years in prison (AI Index: AFR 38/005/2001)
Visits

AI made several requests seeking authorization to visit Mauritania to discuss human rights issues, including slavery, with government authorities. Despite apparent initial openness, no firm reply was received and the organization was not able to visit the country.

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