Africa

--UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, speaking in Abuja,
Nigeria about the Millennium Development Goals

Across sub-Saharan Africa, the United States promotes initiatives that increase participation in the democratic process, nurture good governance and encourage democratic institutions such as an independent press. In terms of advocacy, the United States places democracy and human rights in the forefront of its engagements with African governments. The United States also encourages nations with good human rights and democracy records to set examples of leadership, both in the region and in international settings such as the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a centerpiece of the U.S. policy in Africa and includes strong emphasis on democracy and human rights. AGOA encourages democratic rule by granting trade benefits to countries that make sustained efforts in addressing democracy, good governance, human rights and labor issues. The Millennium Challenge Account, President Bush’s landmark initiative to prioritize accountability in foreign assistance, stands to benefit Africa with unprecedented assistance programs. Through this comprehensive and holistic approach, the United States is confident that those countries still ruled by governments that do not respect human rights will soon feel the tide of freedom spreading throughout the world.

The series of elections in Ghana, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Mali send a signal that the people of Africa are prepared to cast their ballots in favor of governments that are accountable to the governed and respectful of human rights.

In December 2004, the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement/Army moved toward peace by negotiating and then signing an agreement ending over two decades of civil war in Sudan. However, in Darfur, the Department of State between July and August 2004 dispatched a documentation team to conduct interviews with Sudanese refugees who fled the violence in Darfur and sought shelter in camps along the Chad/Sudan border. Based in part on the information gleaned by the documentation team, Secretary of State Colin Powell in September 2004, labeled the violence in Darfur as "genocide," and stated that the "Government of Sudan and Jinjaweed bear responsibility." The United States has committed many resources to improve the humanitarian and security situation in Darfur.

In Zimbabwe, members of civil society, the media and the political opposition continue to press for democratic reforms and respect for basic human rights. In Cote d’Ivoire, the African Union and the international community continue to press the Government to adhere to the framework for peace and democracy agreed to by the Government of Cote d’Ivoire and the New Forces in the Linas-Marcoussis/Accra III framework.

The United States continues to work closely with the nations of sub-Saharan Africa to overcome these difficulties. The people of Africa have already benefited from institutional reform and sustainable development. Sustained African commitment and U.S. support will strengthen the foundation to further promote democracy and human rights.

Darfur Documentation Project

In 2004, reports of violence continued to come from Darfur but due to lack of direct access to the region, the international community was left unaware of the frequency and type of atrocities taking place. The United States Department of State, through the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), assembled and dispatched a team to conduct interviews with Sudanese refugees living along the Chad/Sudan border who had been displaced by the violence in Darfur.

The team included members of DRL, the Bureau of Intelligence of Research, USAID and experts from two non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Between July and August 2004, the team conducted interviews in some of the most remote and inhospitable territory.

The documentation team achieved its twin objectives of producing an initial assessment of atrocities committed in Darfur based on 200 interviews and a more detailed assessment based on approximately 1,136 interviews. The team coordinated its efforts with the UN High Commission for Refugees and established its base of operations in Abeche, Chad. Each team was comprised of four to five interviewers, interpreters and drivers. Members of the team camped near refugee camps for three to four days at a time before moving to another location in order to reach a broad population of refugees.

On September 9, 2004, Secretary Powell, based on information gathered in the field and other information available to him, concluded, "Genocide has been committed in Darfur and that the Government of Sudan and Jinjaweed bear responsibility and that genocide may still be occurring."

Angola

The Republic of Angola is a country in transition following its 27-year civil war that ended in 2002. The legacy of a colonial war and protracted civil war characterized by poor governance, corruption and the need for greater technical capability and capacity within government ministries, has limited the capacity of the Government to provide basic services to most citizens. Government reconstruction efforts increased in 2004, but limited institutional capability and capacity have adversely affected the sustainability of many projects and raised the concern of opposition political parties and the international community. Although there were improvements noted in a few areas during 2004, serious concerns remained regarding the Government's overall human rights record, such as allegations of unexplained disappearances and restricted freedom of the media to broadcast outside the capital. Elections have been scheduled for 2006.

The United States strategy for improving human rights and democratic governance in Angola has four main goals: strengthen civil society, prepare for upcoming elections, support independent media, and support the rule of law. To reach these goals in 2004 the Embassy partnered with several international and local non-governmental organizations to foster Angolan civil society input on human and civil rights issues, worked with World Learning to build advocacy capacity and information dissemination of civil society, worked with the International Republican Institute (IRI) to train political parties on democratic political strategies, worked with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to help civil society understand their role in the upcoming elections, advanced the dissemination of independent information through the training of local journalists, and utilized the United States Department of Commerce's Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) to improve judicial administrative capacity and respect for due process.

The establishment of strong democratic norms and institutions is a critical component of United States policy in Angola. Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos confirmed the commitment of the Angolan Government to hold elections in 2006 during a May 2004 meeting with President Bush.

Due to continued commitment by the Angolan Government to developing democratic processes, the Mission allocated a significant portion of its Economic Support Funds (ESF) to support NDI and IRI in efforts to establish a strong political and electoral environment. In FY04, NDI and IRI continued to prepare civil society organizations and political parties for national elections. NDI supported the expansion of a civil society-coordinated national election network. This network, currently active in 8 of Angolan's 18 provinces, is critical for broadening citizen involvement in the election process. IRI held numerous training seminars that focused on strategic planning, message delivery, and constituency relations. All political parties that have seats in the National Assembly, including the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), participated in 2004 IRI events. Heavy media coverage of IRI training for the opposition party Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) provoked MPLA complaints and threats of reprisals against UNITA. The Embassy is working closely with IRI to emphasize the untapped opportunities for all Angolan political parties.

Civil society networks also focused on preparations for the upcoming elections. A local non-governmental organization (NGO) was a leader in these efforts. Separate conferences on the electoral process and national reconciliation and reconstruction brought together a number of civil society leaders to discuss these important issues. These events were crucial for starting the educational process necessary for elections. The continued development of these groups as viable political actors is critical for free and fair elections in 2006 and long-term democratic consolidation.

The Embassy continued its efforts to support independent media in 2004, including support of four training seminars for journalists. With almost 100 participants in four different provinces, these seminars focused on the challenges facing Angolan journalists, objectiveness necessary to educate the citizenry and how to best cover the upcoming elections. The Embassy also provided English language training to over 100 Angolan citizens, many of whom are journalists.

The Angolan Government's hesitation to permit nationwide FM broadcasts by its largest non-governmental radio network, Radio Ecclesia, has yet to be resolved and remains a continuing concern. The Embassy pursued high-level efforts to support Radio Ecclesia's expansion to the provinces, including discussions with President dos Santos, the Ministry of Social Communications, and the MPLA's Director of Information Policy. During a May 2004 Voice of America interview, President dos Santos stated that Radio Ecclesia could broadcast nationally. Nevertheless, Radio Ecclesia is still unable to broadcast nation-wide on FM. The United States Ambassador worked closely with a group of like-minded diplomatic counterparts to find a solution to outstanding issues, especially the amount of local content necessary for regional stations.

The Embassy also utilized the 2004 U.S. presidential elections as a training opportunity for Angolan journalists. The two individuals selected for this event used their visit to the United States to gain knowledge on media coverage of elections. The Embassy also continued its support of Voice of America's "Linha Directa" service. During the final portion of the year, this service was transferred to the local media outlet that had been working as Voice of America's implementing partner in Angola.

Efforts to improve the legal system are a critical factor in the political and economic development of Angola. The United States Government-sup-ported CLDP legal assistance project with the Ministry of Justice provided consultative services to Angolan lawmakers, regulators, and judges. Focusing on procedural issues, CLDP proposed and implemented new case management techniques, including random assignment of judges to make corruption less likely. CLDP facilitated a conversation between the Portuguese Government and the Angolan Government regarding sharing of technologies for future automation of case management of the Angolan judicial system. Numerous visits to Luanda by CLDP teams helped establish them as a strong partner for the Ministry of Justice. The Embassy plans to use this success to leverage complementary programming by other donors.

The focus on human rights throughout 2004 underscored the important connection between the protection of human rights and a strong relationship with the United States. The Embassy regularly discussed human rights issues with government officials at all levels and attended human rights events. The Ambassador attended a December 10 Human Rights Conference organized by the National Assembly, and made regular visits outside the capital during which human rights issues were discussed.

The Embassy continued to monitor the human rights situation in Cabinda province and to encourage civilian and military officials to further control troops stationed there. Church leaders – critics of the presence of troops in Cabinda and supporters of increased autonomy - commented to the Ambassador during her visit on January 19, 2005, that their careful record of human rights abuses continued to show a decline in incidents over the last year. This trend began with the installations of a new governor and military commander. In 2005, the Embassy plans to continue personal advocacy by the Ambassador and other Embassy personnel with Cabindan officials, continue its public-private partnership with Chevron-Texaco to improve public services in Cabinda and will propose military training on human rights.

The Embassy helped local NGOs implement awareness programs on human rights and promote government response to key human rights issues such as children rights to education, land rights and rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. These NGOs reached out to local citizens through town meetings, seminars, print media and local radio broadcasts. Some of the most successful of these initiatives were radio programs focused on topics such as the importance of accepting those with HIV/AIDs and a monthly publication of educational newsletters on various human rights issues to a circulation of 56,000.

Throughout FY04, civil society organizations (CSOs), with U.S. financial or logistic support, organized 190 debates, workshops, and community meetings that reached 19,579 Angolans. Through these programs and 1,333 formal meetings between CSOs leaders and government officials, coalitions made notable contributions to the Angolan public policy process in 2004. Presidential ratification of a land tenure law and National Assembly passage of an HIV/AIDS law highlighted the ability of CSOs to help shape national policy. Since civil society efforts to help shape the land law were not completely successful, continued efforts are underway to address disputed provisions of the legislation. The Angolan Government has increasingly recognized the relevance of these coalitions' activities and the contributions they make in developing policies.

During 2004, the Embassy also focused on children's issues, especially health and education. The Ministry of Education's recognition of the civil society coalition "Ensino Gratuito Ja" as a national development partner helped institutionalize the role of civil society in improving education. Health programs focused on the needs of children, including the prevention and treatment of malaria and continued to provide basic health care for those unable to access limited government resources.

Burkina Faso

The overall trend for human rights and democracy in Burkina Faso is guardedly positive, though there are numerous areas for concern and improvement. Political rights, particularly the right to change their government, are not fully exercised, the judiciary is subject to executive influence and individual members of security forces continue to commit human rights abuses. To address these issues, the U.S. Embassy in Burkina Faso initiated a number of program and advocacy support to draw attention to international human rights norms, to emphasize accountability and transparency in government, enhance capacity building of political parties and further ease political tensions. The focus for many of these efforts is the 2005 municipal and presidential elections. Several of the Embassy's regular interlocutors have noted that they see the American Embassy as the best and strongest advocate in the country for human rights and democracy.

The United States funded programs focused on enshrining democracy in Burkina Faso by stressing capacity building of political parties and promoting inter-party dialogue needed to maximize the competitiveness of the November 2005 presidential and municipal elections, a core focus of our strategy to promote democracy and human rights. The United States provided a grant to carry out these actions.

The present program is aimed at upgrading the political and organizational skills of opposition parties (103 in total, of which 14 are represented in the National Assembly), who captured 49 percent of the seats in the May 2002 parliamentary elections. This program has been a success, especially in generating good will from civil society and political parties while also garnering respect from the Government and the ruling Congress for Democracy and Progress (CDP). The program has involved participants from the entire political spectrum, including members of the ruling CDP party and members of the moderate and radical opposition. All have appreciated the current program of inter-party dialogue and training on party platform and message formation. U.S. funded programs played a key role in the success of the 2002 elections and are expected to do so again in the crucial 2005 Presidential and municipal elections.

As part of the International Visitors Program (IVP), in 2004 and 2005, the United States sent a number of professionals in the areas of democracy, good governance, conflict resolution, civic education and journalism to the United States.

United States funds have been used to sponsor programs on the rights of persons with disabilities, produce radio programs on human rights, democracy and the electoral process, support local associations that promote human rights, development of the judicial system and the rights of women and sponsor awards for journalists who have published articles involving investigative journalism.

The United States also used funds to help Burkinabe journalists create an alert system to notify each other and the public whenever a journalist is harassed. This system demonstrated its utility when the police briefly detained two editors. In response to a public outcry, they were released within a day of their arrests.

The United States has provided training to military personnel and civilians on maintaining civilian control over the military in a democracy.

Furthering the U.S. policy of promoting religious freedom, the United States has sponsored a number of workshops and discussions exploring different religions and the importance of tolerance. The United States also sent three participants on an IVP about Islam in a democracy, and participants reported that the visit positively influenced their attitudes. The Embassy's Public Affairs Section also regularly meets with Burkina Faso's Muslim community for discussions and exchanges. The United States recently provided scholarships to a number of Muslim secondary students to study English. During the recent month of Ramadan, the U.S. Embassy hosted an Iftaar dinner where an American-Muslim employee shared his experiences as a Muslim in America.

In addition, the United States funded several projects in the fight against trafficking in persons. A Burkinabe non-governmental organization (NGO) will rehabilitate and reintegrate 70 repatriated children in two U.S.-funded centers. The same NGO is also producing a documentary on local anti-trafficking laws. Additionally, the United States is midway through a multi-year project intended to reduce child trafficking by creating locally relevant curricula in rural schools. By providing children with skills that are of immediate benefit to rural families, the United States should be able to reduce the incentive to traffic in children.

Through the Democracy and Human Rights Fund, the U.S. Government provided funding for several notable projects. The United States funded the transmission of public service announcements to help educate Burkinabe women about their rights and how to seek help if they are abused, in addition to several workshops on children’s and women’s rights.

Burundi

The Government of Burundi, led by President Domitien Ndayizeye, continues to implement the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement of August 2000, as well as accords signed with rebel groups. The Arusha Agreement calls for a return to elected government, protection of minority rights, respect for individual rights, reform of the army and an accounting for the crimes of the past.

The Arusha Agreement specified that the transitional period would end on October 31, 2004, with an election of the first post-transition president by an elected Senate and National Assembly. On October 20, 2004, the Government of Burundi approved an interim Constitution that provided for the continuation of transitional institutions until a constitutional referendum could be held. Burundi's Independent Electoral Commission scheduled the referendum for February 28, 2005.

On December 31, 2004, President Ndayizeye signed laws establishing integrated army and police forces that incorporate the National Council for Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) and other former rebel groups. One rebel group – the PALIPEHUTU-FNL – continues armed opposition to the Government. The United States has called upon the PALIPEHUTU-FNL to renounce violence and to join the peace process.

Burundi's last democratically elected president was assassinated by army elements in 1993, an event that triggered mass violence, displacement of civilians and a decade-long crisis. Since 1993, the United States has advocated the return to democracy and constitutional rule while providing humanitarian assistance to Burundi.

The Transitional Government's human rights record remained poor, and the Transitional Government continued to commit numerous serious human rights abuses. Security forces continued to commit numerous arbitrary and unlawful killings. There were credible reports of disappearances, and the security forces continued to torture, beat, rape and otherwise abuse persons. Despite some improvements, prison conditions remained very poor in general and sometimes life threatening. Impunity and the continuing lack of accountability for those who committed past abuses remained serious problems. Arbitrary arrest and detention and lengthy pretrial detention were problems, and there were reports of incommunicado detention. The court system did not ensure due process or provide citizens with fair trials. The Transitional Government controlled the media and restricted the freedoms of speech, association and movement, and at times it restricted the freedoms of press and assembly. Violence and discrimination against women continued. The use of child soldiers was a problem, though considerable progress was made with the demobilization of 2,913 former government and rebel child soldiers. Discrimination against the indigenous Twa population and state discrimination against Hutus remained problems. Societal discrimination between the Hutus and Tutsis continued. Incidents of ethnically motivated property destruction and killing occurred throughout the country. Rebels also continued to commit numerous serious human rights abuses against civilians, including killings, kidnappings, rapes, theft, extortion, the forcible recruitment and employment of children as child soldiers, and forced labor.

The United States human rights and democracy goals in Burundi include helping to build a just and lasting peace based on democratic principles, protecting human rights and relieving human suffering. To protect individual rights during the ongoing conflict, the Embassy has regularly raised specific cases and broader patterns of abuses with leaders of both the Government and rebel groups. USAID Director Andrew Natsios visited Burundi in September and highlighted human rights and democracy concerns with Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye and Vice President Alphonse-Marie Kadege. Director for Central Africa in the Bureau of African Affairs Alan Eastham visited Burundi in the wake of the August 13 massacre of Congolese refugees at the Gatumba transit center. Mr. Eastham visited the site of the massacre, met with survivors and discussed the massacre and other human rights concerns with the president, vice president and leaders of the major political factions in Burundi.

United States programs in 2004 included a grant to Search for Common Ground and local human rights groups. This program provided for medical, legal and psychological support to victims of torture and rape, as well as for human rights monitoring and advocacy.

In addition, the United States provided funding to Search for Common Ground and Global Rights to fund democracy and human rights projects as well as support local civil society organizations. To support civil society and women's rights, Search for Common Ground funds the Women's Peace Center, a grouping of women's associations. Search for Common Ground also supports local radio stations which produce and broadcast radio shows on human rights, conflict resolution and democratic principles.

Global Rights has created networks of local civil society actors to lobby parliamentarians to support legislation that gives the force of law to provisions of the Arusha Agreement. For example, Global Rights supported local groups that advocated for a bill, signed into law in December 2004 that establishes a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The United States provided a grant to IFES to provide training, electoral materials and technical support to Burundi's Independent Election Commission for the holding of a constitutional referendum and subsequent local and national level elections.

In the provinces of Gitega, Ruyigi and Karuzi, the United States provided financial support to two non-governmental organizations to assist victims of war as well as former combatants returning to civilian life. Returning refugees and internally displaced persons were assisted in reintegrating into their communities. Former rebel and army soldiers, including child soldiers, were provided with vocational skills training as well as training on human rights and conflict resolution.

The United States also finances a variety of smaller projects that advance the interests of women, children and the Twa minority group while promoting democratic values, good governance, human rights, conflict resolution, acceptable prison conditions, peace and reconciliation.

Cameroon

Cameroon is a republic dominated by a strong presidency. Despite the country's multiparty system of government, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) has remained in power since the early years of independence and the president has ruled since 1982. The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary; however, the judiciary has been subject to significant executive influence and has suffered from corruption and inefficiency. Despite significant improvement, Cameroon's human rights record remained poor. Police continued to commit numerous abuses and to use arbitrary arrest and detention. Child labor and trafficking also remained problems in 2004. To strengthen Cameroon's democratic institutions and improve respect for human rights, the United States has actively engaged officials from all levels of the Cameroonian Government, local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) members of civil society and the media.

In preparation for the presidential elections, which took place in October 2004, the United States primary focus was on developing a more free, fair and transparent electoral process and preparing the media to effectively cover the elections. The United States sent the largest observer team and covered all ten provinces to observe during the days preceding the election and on election day itself. The United States and most international and domestic observers agreed that, despite some irregularities, the election results expressed the will of the people. The United States continued to take advantage of the opportunity to work with donors and the Government on ways to reform the electoral process, especially the registration of voters. Such work takes advantage of the period of several years until the next elections. Near the end of 2004, the Embassy’s overall priorities shifted from the promotion of democracy toward promoting good governance by highlighting the negative impact of corruption on all aspects of life in Cameroon.

United States personnel met repeatedly with high-level Cameroonian officials, including President Biya, to encourage that concrete action be taken to reach the Government's stated objective of holding a free and fair election. The Embassy attended a donors' working group initiated by the Embassy in 2003, to coordinate policy and assistance expenditures in support of the election. The Ambassador attended meetings on Cameroon's elections and successfully lobbied reluctant donors for additional funding for electoral reform. On the legislative side, the United States worked with members of the Government and the National Assembly to strengthen the National Elections Observatory (NEO), and to encourage it to take an active role in observing and overseeing the election. With the election over, the Embassy continued to work with donors, NEO and the Government on the changing role of the NEO and election reform in general.

In order to promote democracy and decentralization, the United States has worked to develop the capacity of local government leaders. The United States organized a one-day seminar for twenty-five mayors and other elected officials on public involvement in democracy. Additionally, the United States held several interactive dialogues on democracy and human rights with Washington and other African posts through the African Network Digital Video Conference (AFNET) program.

To complement the U.S. programs with local government leaders and the press, the United States organized two workshops to train leaders in civil society on political organizing and the local registration process for NGOs. The United States also awarded two grants to local NGOs for elections related projects. The United States awarded one NGO a grant to distribute an elections guide in seven local languages nationwide, provide training in approximately 250 villages on elections procedures, civic responsibility and the application of electoral law, and hold a seminar to train print and radio journalists on coverage of elections. The United States awarded another grant to distribute a series of educational posters in French, English and seven local languages related to election themes, such as encouraging people to vote and explaining voter's rights. The group plans to hold meetings in five provinces of Cameroon to train local authorities, opinion leaders and youth groups to participate in the elections education campaign. The United States conducted a series of civic education conferences throughout all ten provinces in the run up to Cameroon's presidential elections.

United States officials regularly worked together with Cameroonian government officials, the media, NGOs and other representatives of civil society to improve the democratic and human rights environment throughout the country. The United States has also been involved in a number of high profile public outreach efforts to help develop a free press, advance democratic reform and lower the effects of corruption on Cameroon's development.

The United States has been active in developing an independent and professional media in Cameroon. In the run up to Cameroon's presidential election the Embassy conducted numerous training seminars and workshops for journalists that focused on effective election reporting which were attended by more than 200 journalists, media unions and media owners. The Embassy also conducted several workshops on investigative journalism that were widely covered by the local media, increasing their impact.

Despite the 2000 law authorizing the creation of private radio and television stations, media licensing remains a problem in Cameroon. The Embassy has continued to work closely with the Ministry of Communications to make progress on this issue, which is expected to be resolved in 2005. One tangible result of the Embassy's collaboration with the Ministry of Communication was the establishment of a "Media House" that works as a liaison to Cameroon's many ministries for the local and international media.

The United States awarded a Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) grant to support local NGOs implementing projects on promoting a fair judicial system, democracy and civic responsibility, and the rights of disabled persons and ethnic minorities. One of the DHRF projects funded was to empower Pygmies to better resist exploitation by other tribes by educating them on their rights as citizens and help them obtain appropriate identification documents such as birth certificates and national identification cards. Since identification cards are required when registering to vote, aiding the Pygmies to obtain these documents also enabled them to actively participate in public affairs and elections. Another DHRF project involved designing a civic education program for primary and secondary school aged children. The objective of the program was to educate young people on their civic responsibilities and to help them become responsible citizens who will be more likely to participate in the economic, social and political life of their country. A third DHRF project sponsored a program to analyze the role of assessors (assistant judges) in the judicial system and build their capacity so that they will be better able to fulfill their responsibilities.

In order to increase respect for human rights, the United States worked closely with the military and police to curb abuses by law enforcement. In compliance with the Leahy Amendment, the Defense Attaché’s Office worked to foster more professional security forces by sending members of the Cameroonian Government to military schools in the United States. These professional education courses addressed civil military relations, military peacekeeping operations, military subordination to civilian authorities as well as a broad range of legal and human rights topics including the Law of Land Warfare. The United States used funds toward the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program for the Cameroonian military through the Expanded-IMET program.

In the area of religious freedom and tolerance, the Public Affairs Section organized a series of discussions and digital videoconferences on "Islam and Religious Tolerance" and a speaker on "Contemporary Islam in Africa," both of which received national media attention. The Ambassador also reached out to the Muslim community of Cameroon by hosting an Iftaar dinner during the holy month of Ramadan.

The United States worked to advance women's rights and the rights of disabled persons throughout the year. The United States organized a variety of seminars that included a workshop on "Women as Political and Economic Leaders" and a AFNET program on "Women Inspiring Hope and Possibilities" which involved approximately 300 women leaders. In conjunction with the Embassy's HIV/AIDS Task Force, the Public Affairs Office conducted a series of regional leadership workshops for young women. Through a DHRF grant, the United States helped a local organization of disabled persons to organize a six-day training seminar for 30 leaders of disabled persons' organizations in an effort to improve their management skills and allow them to more effectively defend the rights of the disabled. The goal of the project is to facilitate the social and economic integration of the disabled in Cameroon by building the operational capacity of organizations dedicated to their advancement.

In an effort to combat trafficking of women and children, the Embassy assisted the International Labor Organization in Cameroon in obtaining two grants from the United States to develop new anti-trafficking legislation and train local law enforcement and the judiciary on implementation of the new legislation.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic’s human rights record remains poor. On March 15, 2003, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Francois Bozize declared himself President, suspended the Constitution, and dissolved the National Assembly. During this period, pro-government and rebel forces engaged in widespread looting, beating, and assaults on civilians.

The country is now in a period of political transition, seeking to recapture democratic governance. Bozize has appointed cabinet members from across the political spectrum, including respected oppositionists, established the parliament-like National Transitional Council, completed a national dialogue, and published a roadmap for a return to constitutional government. In January 2004, Bozize followed through on recommendations stemming from the national dialogue, publishing an electoral calendar setting legislative and presidential elections for early 2005, and stating his intent to create an independent commission to oversee the process. The Independent Electoral Commission has since been created, and is working closely with the UN Development Program (UNDP) to ensure proper oversight and conduct of parliamentary and presidential elections in March 2005. In December 2004, a popular referendum overwhelmingly approved a new Constitution for the country.

Although the Bozize Government has made some positive progress, instances of extra-judicial killings, harsh prison conditions, arbitrary arrest, prolonged detention without trial, and infringements on privacy continue. Violence and discrimination against women, female genital mutilation, child prostitution, discrimination against indigenous people, trafficking in persons, and child labor also continue.

The United States also continues to investigate avenues for providing humanitarian aid and promoting democratic processes as permitted by U.S. law.

Suspended in 2003 due to the unstable security situation throughout the country, normal Embassy operations will resume in January 2005 with the arrival of a Chargé d’Affaires. In accordance with U.S. law, the Government remains largely ineligible for assistance from the United States. However, U.S. efforts to encourage the Government to improve its human rights and democracy records are diverse and ongoing. The 2004-2005 U.S. strategy for human rights and democracy in the Central African Republic focuses on supporting the Government’s stated intention to return to democratic governance, and calls for concrete, verifiable, and sustained improvement in human rights.

The United States is pursuing an ongoing dialogue with other donor countries to draw attention to the severity of the situation and to explore efforts to reduce the prevalence of human rights violations. Officials monitor closely instances of violations, and continue to investigate avenues for providing humanitarian aid and promoting democratic processes as permitted by U.S. law. Supporting the electoral process is arguably the most strategic support any partner can offer the people of the Central African Republic at this critical time in their history.

The United States will continue to encourage the Government to implement policies that lead to a decrease in human rights violations throughout the country.

Chad

The Government of Chad's human rights record remains poor. Security forces committed extrajudicial killings and continued to intimidate the public. The judiciary remained subject to executive interference. Corruption is a problem. Violence and societal discrimination against women is common. The Government restricted freedom of the press by harassing and detaining journalists. Landmines remain a key problem in northern Chad, where over one million mines are left over from the civil war. The lack of respect for women’s rights and trafficking in persons are problems.

President Idriss Deby has ruled Chad since taking power in a 1990 rebellion. He was reelected president in May 2001. Fraud, vote rigging and local irregularities marred the 2001 presidential election and the April legislative elections. Currently, the Government is proceeding with amendments to the Constitution to allow unlimited presidential terms. If the public referendum on the amendments passes, Deby would be able to stand for election again in the next presidential elections in 2006. Chad deserves credit for hosting over 200,000 refugees from Sudan fleeing the war and genocide in the Darfur region of that country.

The United States human rights objectives in Chad include strengthening respect for rule of law, professionalization of Chad's security forces, bolstering the judicial system and the independent media, the transparent management of the country's oil revenues, outreach to the Muslim community, advancing women's issues and support for efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis in eastern Chad. United States strategy for improving Chad's human rights situation focuses on engaging directly with key government officials and improving interaction between the Government and human rights groups. Efforts are also being made to strengthen the credibility and capacity of civil society groups and governmental institutions in addressing human rights abuses, including involving them in the visits of high-level U.S. Government officials. One goal of the United States is to help human rights groups and other civil society organizations become a resource for both the Government and Chadian people on human rights issues. In the absence of a USAID mission, the United States seeks funding from a number of sources to find ways to meet its goals. An example of a low or no cost way of facilitating dialogue is creating opportunities for activists and government officials to interact together in professional and social settings. A reception in honor of a Chadian human rights activist who won the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Prize was attended by government ministers, human rights activists, journalists and opposition politicians.

To strengthen the Chadian media's ability to promote human rights and good governance, Economic Support Funds are being used to provide equipment and training to print and broadcast journalists. A Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) grant funded the creation of a private radio station in the far north. A training workshop was held for Arabic media with a speaker from Voice of America. The Embassy interacts regularly with the Chadian media and facilitates coverage of U.S. Government events. The promotion of civil rights and civil liberties is being funded by the HRDF. The funding for a biweekly radio broadcast covering a wide range of human rights issues and civil liberties and civil rights education will be the first of its kind in Chad. The program "The Right To Know" will be shared with other radio stations and translated into several local languages to help increase public awareness of their basic rights. The talk show will be supported by town hall meetings in several cities to encourage discussion between citizens and their local government and security officials on their rights.

Human rights activists and government officials acknowledge that strengthening Chad’s weak judicial system is critical to addressing human rights violations in a systematic and meaningful way. To this end, the United States is using ESF to provide manual typewriters and copies of relevant legal codes to the courts as well as training for magistrates. The Public Affairs Section sponsored an International Visitors Program (IVP) on the U.S. judicial system. HRDF is being used to support legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses through a local non-governmental organization. Several government ministries expressed support for the program and offered their assistance if needed.

United States support for good governance and transparency also included an IVP on Grassroots Democracy for Young Leaders, a speaker program on the links between good governance, accountability and transparency, and a book program on how to fight corruption. In addition, the U.S. Treasury continues to provide technical assistance to the Oil Revenue Management College, the accountability mechanism that is reviewing the projects financed by Chadian oil revenues. The Ambassador hosted a U.S. election coverage event that was widely attended by government officials, Chadian political parties and journalists. At this event and in meetings between Chadian government officials, Embassy officers and visiting delegations emphasized the importance of the election process in sustaining democratic transitions.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan deeply affects Chad. Over 200,000 refugees have sought safety in eastern Chad and the United States is the largest donor to the ongoing humanitarian efforts. In July and August, the United States undertook a comprehensive survey of Sudanese refugees in Chad, which resulted in the Darfur Atrocities Report and Secretary Powell's finding that genocide is occurring in Sudan. In addition, the Embassy is an active participant in the implementation of the Darfur Humanitarian Cease-fire Agreement, which includes monthly meetings of a Joint Commission. The United States has contributed personnel to the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur and remains a key interlocutor with the Government of Chad, the rebel movements and the African Union on the Darfur peace process. The United States has also facilitated the work of human rights organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGO) working on protection issues for refugee women and children.

The Embassy has provided several grants for the purpose of eliminating the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Its support to a local NGO resulted in the drafting and enactment of a law that criminalizes FGM, and in FY 2004, it funded an education program to publicize and distribute copies of the law. The Public Diplomacy Section held a panel discussion on female genital mutilation and gender and development in an effort to promote women's rights. The visit of an American imam to eastern Chad also promoted a better understanding of women's rights and equality issues under Islam. In addition, Embassy officers engaged government and NGOs on trafficking in persons and began planning to facilitate a child protection network to bring together concerned government officials, police and NGOs on a range of issues affecting children. The promotion of girls' education has also been a focus of the United States efforts during the 2000-2004 period, using funds from the Ambassador's Girls Scholarship Program to encourage the education of girls. During the 2003/2004 school year, an estimated 5,000 elementary school girls and their families received support under this program, and the rate of female attendance at the 60 pilot schools where the program was implemented increased significantly. In addition, Embassy employees are funding school tuition for a group young girls. Congressional visitors have also met with key officials and non-governmental organizations on women's issues.

The United States is using direct contact with Chadian soldiers, including training and visits by U.S. officials, and the sharing of information on human rights violations with high-level Chadian government officials to emphasize the importance of working together on human rights. The annual human rights report is being used as a basis for collaboration. To date, government officials have been candid and responsive. Visiting Congressional delegations have supported the United States human rights agenda.

The professionalization of Chad’s security forces is a key component of the U.S. strategy for improving the country’s record. Department of Defense programs include the International Military Education and Training and Counter Terrorism Fellowship Programs at U.S. military facilities, where training on human rights is incorporated into the courses. United States Marines trained 170 members of the Republican Guard in June and July in Chad. In addition, 48 Chadian police officers and immigration officials received anti-terror-ism training in the United States and Chad. All training candidates were vetted through the Department of State’s screening system to ensure compliance with the Leahy Amendment. The Embassy’s Public Affairs Section held a public seminar on the role of the military in a democracy. The United States also funds de-mining activities in northern Chad.

The United States Muslim outreach programs continue. The United States supported a program promoting bilingualism with a respected local organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding. A week-long speaker program in Abeche, eastern Chad, with an American imam sparked a great deal of interest and exchange of information with Chadian Muslims. This visit advanced religious freedom through the promotion of dialogue between faiths and among Muslims on key human rights issues. The Embassy funded micro scholarships for 75 children as part of its efforts to reach out to underserved populations.

Congo, Democratic Republic of

The Democratic Republic of the Congo emerged in 2002 from a war that claimed more than three million lives. With the assistance of the international community, the former government, rebel groups, civil society, and the political opposition formed a transitional government in 2003. The Transitional Government is preparing for democratic elections in 2005, the first elections in more than 40 years. The Transitional Government has made some progress in unifying the country; however, the country remains effectively divided into two zones: territory under the control of the Government (areas that remained under the nominal control of the Kinshasa-based Government throughout the conflict) and most of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is territory under marginal government control (areas controlled by various rebel groups during the conflict). Echoes of the war still haunt Congolese civilians, especially in the east, where they continue to be chased from their homes, attacked by various armed groups and government soldiers, and subjected to widespread human rights violations. A prominent U.S. non-governmental organization (NGO) estimates that more than 31,000 people die each month in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, making it the deadliest humanitarian crisis in the world. The UN estimates that 2.2 million Congolese are internally displaced, and 360,000 are refugees.

In western parts of the country, the human rights record remained poor, and numerous serious abuses occurred; in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, conditions were even worse. Armed groups and government soldiers continue to commit numerous, serious abuses, particularly in North and South Kivu, Maniema, Equateur, northern Katanga, and the Ituri District of Orientale Province. Armed men committed massacres, summary executions, practiced cannibalism, mutilation, kidnapping, and torture. These men also burned and looted villages, extorted money and belongings from impoverished rural communities, and held civilians, NGO workers and the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) peacekeepers for ransom. Particularly violent and widespread rape, forced labor - including sexual slavery - and the recruitment of child soldiers were severe problems. Armed groups attacked local and international NGOs and killed MONUC peacekeepers, usually with impunity.

The United States is responding to the human rights and democracy crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo via a multi-faceted approach that includes the provision of support to the Transitional Government and its efforts to organize elections. The approach also includes assistance to victims of human rights violations, training and education programs to support a change in the prevailing social climate, efforts to restore the crippled justice system, and military education programs through the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program to begin the long process of unifying and professionalizing the Congolese military.

In 2004, Secretary of State Powell and then-National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice spoke to President Joseph Kabila by phone several times emphasizing U.S. support for the Transitional Government and the need for continued progress on political reform, security sector reform and human rights concerns. Additionally, President Kabila and other Congolese leaders met on numerous occasions with senior State Department officials who stressed the importance of adhering to the election schedule established by existing peace accords.

The United States is one of 14 members that comprise the International Committee to Accompany the Transition, a unique body that advises and assists the Transitional Government. The Embassy also works closely with MONUC and the Congolese Independent Electoral Commission to develop the most transparent and effective system possible for conducting elections. The United States is working with appropriate international agencies, as well as Congolese ministries and commissions to implement the national Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) plan.

Mission staff visited all 11 provinces during the year and used discussions with local officials, student groups, NGOs, church organizations and members of the local media to underscore the importance of democratic elections, basic human rights, religious tolerance and inter-community reconciliation.

The United States sponsored a program to create stability in war-torn areas; the program includes training for 16,800 people in 280 communities on tolerance, the promotion of the rights of women and people of other ethnicities and religions, and democracy and governance. This program supported independent media by funding Radio Okapi (a nation-wide network) and five community radio stations. The United States allocated funds to two international NGOs to reintegrate former combatants into their communities and provided a staff member and extensive technical support to the national DDR program.

The United States used funding to meet key benchmarks in the transition process such as improving local security and stability, including human rights; drafting key legislation, such as the constitution; and strengthening the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), political parties and key parliamentary subcommittees.

The United States provided expert technical and logistical support through IFES and the National Democratic Institute to support the development of a sound electoral system and improved political party capacity. As a result, the IEC became operational at the national level, and the groundwork was laid for the Elections Law itself. Five Democracy Resource Centers are now operating in Kinshasa and four important provincial locations, providing vital information and training on the transition process, particularly on elections, to thousands of Congolese citizens in provincial capitals and isolated areas. Global Rights (GR), with support from the United States, helped organize a series of national seminars bringing together Congolese politicians and civil society - especially women and youth - to ensure that popular input was included in key electoral, human rights, and justice-related legislation. Global Rights also created Strategic Rights Groups in five of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's provinces; these groups are intended to serve as permanent mechanisms for advocating human rights and justice sector reform with government authorities at the local and national levels.

In addition, GR increased pressure for access to justice at the provincial level and reduced criminal impunity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by focusing on the rights of vulnerable groups and by selecting cases of appalling violence against women and children to be submitted to appropriate regional bodies, such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.

The United States supported a community stabilization and conflict management program that has engaged thousands of participants, including ex-combatants, in community rehabilitation projects. The U.S. Government is assisting communities in former conflict zones to productively reintegrate ex-combatants and resolve local conflicts occurring during the transition. Through the International Foundation for Education and Self Help, 2,000 ex-combatants are being reintegrated in 50 communities, 4,000 jobs were created, and local capacity to mediate conflict was strengthened in 75 communities, producing a positive impact on over 60,000 residents of these communities. As of February 2005, more than 900 ex-combatants had been registered and 400 were engaged in reintegration projects.

The United States has been actively working to combat sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2001. In January 2004, the Embassy conducted an assessment mission, published an extensive report entitled "Sexual Terrorism: Rape as a Weapon of War in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo," and developed a broad gender-based anti-violence strategy. The United States Agency for International Development provides funding to experienced international organizations that work with local NGOs, health structures, and community-based organizations to provide support to survivors. The International Rescue Committee supported 12 local NGOs in North and South Kivu, which provided health, psychosocial, socio-economic reintegration, and judicial services to rape victims. Since mid-2002, the project has assisted over 10,000 victims of rape, their families, and their communities, and it aims to assist another 7,000 over the next 18 months. Over the past year and a half, with U.S. support, a local organization called Action for Rights' Education (AED) won 57 of the 60 rape cases it brought to court, including eight convictions against members of the military. In late 2004, AED received a grant to expand its services in South Kivu.

Cooperazione Internationale (COOPI), with support from the United States, provides psychosocial and socio-economic reinsertion activities for rape victims in Maniema and the Ituri District of Orientale Province. As of February 2005, it had assisted over 3,000 rape survivors, ranging in age from 3 to 84. Cooperazione Internationale planned to assist another 5,000 survivors over the next 18 months. CARE recently started a new project in Maniema to provide health clinics with medicines and improve doctor and nurses' treatment and counseling skills. Global Rights is working to improve rape victims' access to the judicial system.

World Vision and Save the Children received a Displaced Children's and Orphans' Fund grant to help street children, many of whom have been accused of sorcery.

The United States provided IMET funding for military education programs. For example, in 2004, the U.S. Department of Defense began the process of re-establishing an English language lab in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sent officers to military training in the United States, and conducted on-site surveys to develop seminars on civil-military relations and the role of the military in a democracy.

The Embassy sent a number of International Visitors Program participants to the United States to participate in democracy and human rights-related programs; the focus of the programs included conflict resolution and human rights, the role of the media in the United States, and transparency and good governance. Through the Democracy and Human Rights Fund, the Embassy also provided technical assistance to local organizations that taught people about democracy, human rights and the national transitional government. Groups developed teaching materials and trained trainers in church groups and schools; produced radio broadcasts, books, and pamphlets; and developed programs to protect prisoners' rights. An excellent civic education module for high school students, which was developed by an Islamic human rights organization using democracy funds, is currently being distributed to schools in several provinces.

Embassy officials met with the Government several times to promote progress in trafficking-in-per-sons issues, especially the trafficking of children associated with armed groups. For example, embassy officials worked with UNICEF to encourage the Government to finalize official demobilization certificates for child soldiers. The United States also provided a grant to the International Labor Organization in four countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to help former child soldiers return to civilian life.

Congo, Republic of

The Republic of Congo is ruled by a government in which most of the decision-making authority is vested directly in the executive branch. Denis Sassou-Nguesso was elected president in March 2002, and in May and June of that year legislative elections were held for the Senate and the National Assembly in all jurisdictions except for the Pool region, where most of the 1997-2002 civil war was fought and instability occurred. Both the presidential and legislative elections were determined "not to contradict the will of the people" by independent monitors.

In March 2003, the Government signed a peace accord with the rebel forces known as Ninjas of Pasteur Ntumi, and the country has been relatively stable with a fragile calm since that time. Uncontrolled and unidentified armed elements have remained active in the Pool region, despite an ongoing demobilization and reintegration (DR) program.

For most of 2004, the Government’s human rights record improved, but major challenges and problems still remained. There were reports that security forces were responsible for extrajudicial killings as well as summary executions, rapes, beatings, physical abuse of detainees and citizens; arbitrary arrest and detention; looting; solicitation of bribes; and theft. Prison conditions were poor. The judiciary continued to be overburdened, under-funded, and subject to political influence, bribery and corruption.

Promoting respect for human rights served as the basis for U.S. Embassy programs with the Government, press, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations.

To promote good governance, the Embassy provided a grant to a local NGO to conduct seminars on anti-corruption education for regional government officials and administrators. It also organized a Public Diplomacy Speaker Program on anticorruption for 30 government and NGO officials.

Through demarches, discussions with the Government and cooperation with the international community, the Embassy continued to stress the need for the Government to increase transparency in accounting for oil revenues and other public funds. After initial difficulty, the Government met minimal requirements for a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF).

In order to build general awareness of human rights among the population, the Embassy focused its efforts on youth, women and minorities. The United States used the Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) to support programs on the rights of key minority groups, such as the Pygmies, and on prevention of trafficking in children. Other United States grants provided funds for educating the minority Pygmy population about their rights, and protecting their environment and traditional ways for the next generations. Other programs included anti-corruption seminars; sessions on refugee assistance; job training for women and orphans; food production, shelter and school supplies for internally displaced persons in the Pool region; and projects combating trafficking in persons.

Through civil-military dialogue and military training exchanges, the U.S. Government encouraged greater military discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights. A high commission was established in 2002 for the reinsertion of former rebel militia members into civil society and, for some, into the military. In 2004, reinsertion programs continued and a new disarmament program began to address the Ninja combatants from the March 2003 accords. The March 2003 peace accords included a commitment from President Sassou that former Ninja militia would receive amnesty if they laid down their arms. The Embassy continued to support an English-language training program for military officers intended to facilitate other types of training.

To promote worker rights, the United States funded a two-year regional initiative by the International Labor Organization’s International Program for the Elimination of Child Labor with the goal of demobilizing and rehabilitating child soldiers and reintegrating them into their former communities.

Cote d’Ivoire

The Ivorian political crisis deepened in November 2004 with the Government of Cote d’Ivoire’s decision to resume hostilities against rebel forces in the north. The bombing of a French garrison during these attacks and the retaliatory destruction of much of the Ivorian Air Force by French troops resulted in several days of anti-French rioting in the country’s commercial capital, Abidjan, and other locations around the country. The cease-fire line established after the 2002 coup attempt continues to divide the country geographically and politically. Both the Government of Cote d’Ivoire and the rebel New Forces (NF), who control the northern half of the country, have continued to commit serious human rights abuses in a climate of increasing impunity. There were credible reports of pro-government death squad activity, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Security forces frequently resorted to lethal force to combat widespread violent crime and sometimes beat detainees and prisoners. The Government generally failed to bring perpetrators of abuses to justice, and members of the security forces operated with relative impunity. Prison conditions improved but remained harsh and sometimes life threatening. Arbitrary arrests and detention were common; numerous persons, including opposition members, journalists and military officers, were detained for long periods without trial.

The judiciary system did not ensure due process. Police harassment and abuse of non-citizen African immigrants continued. Privacy rights continued to be restricted severely. The Government restricted freedom of speech, assembly, movement and the press. Discrimination and violence against women, abuse of children and female genital mutilation remained serious problems. There were incidents of violent ethnic confrontation; societal discrimination based on religion and ethnicity remained a problem. Child labor as well as some reports of forced child labor and trafficking in children and women also persisted.

The NF's human rights record was extremely poor. The rebels in the north summarily executed persons, killed numerous civilians, arbitrarily arrested and detained persons and conducted arbitrary ad hoc justice. The rebels severely limit freedom of movement within and from the territory they hold and forcibly conscripted persons, including child soldiers. Rebels and mercenaries committed particularly grave abuses in the western region of the country and in the north.

The promotion of human rights is one of the highest priorities for the United States in Cote d'Ivoire. The United States strategy to support human rights and democracy encompasses supporting the national reconciliation process, strengthening civil society and reducing the impunity that prevails throughout the country. The Ambassador and other senior U.S. officials frequently press these themes with interlocutors in the Government and the NF and throughout Ivorian society. The United States long-term objective is to help Cote d'Ivoire consolidate its democratic multiparty system in which all Ivorians have a voice and which is characterized by good governance, respect for fundamental human rights, an independent judiciary and a strong civil society.

To that end, the United States has focused on promoting implementation of the January 2003 Linas-Marcoussis Accords (LMA), which led to a ceasefire and set out the key actions that must be carried out in order to resolve Cote d'Ivoire's crisis peacefully.

To press for LMA implementation as the basis for reconciliation on which to build democracy and respect for human rights, U.S. officials have maintained an extensive dialogue with the Government and all political parties and factions. The Ambassador is a key member of the UN Monitoring Committee for LMA implementation and regularly presses the Ivorian President, the rebel NF and all other political parties to implement LMA as the way toward reconciliation and free and fair elections in 2005. United States officials frequently lobbied the Government, civil society representatives and others on the need for enhanced protection of human rights and encouraged efforts to build democratic institutions. The United States has issued strong public statements on human rights and condemned the Government’s November attacks on the NF-held northern region of the country, receiving widespread local press coverage.

The United States also continued its support of the Women Leaders' Caucus, numbering 156 ministers, parliamentarians, businesswomen, lawyers and teachers, which is working to strengthen the peace-making efforts of women's groups, increase the number of women elected to public office, enhance women's roles in civil society and play a role in negotiating an end to the country's crisis.

The local press has often worked to aggravate grievances and inflame tensions in Cote d'Ivoire, both before and after the outbreak of rebellion in September 2002. The United States is using a grant for a multi-layered media project focused on projects to professionalize the media to make media reporting more impartial and balanced.

The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary. However, in practice the judiciary is subject to executive branch, military, and other outside influences. Although the judiciary is independent in ordinary criminal cases, it follows the lead of the executive in national security or politically sensitive cases. There are credible reports that judges submit to political pressure and financial influence. The judiciary is slow and inefficient. To help foster greater understanding of the importance of an independent, impartial judiciary, the United States organized a roundtable discussion on "Justice and the State of Law." Participants in the discussion included the Minister of Internal Security, a Justice from the Supreme Court, Ministry of Justice officials, law professors, law students and others. The United States also organized a WorldNet dialogue on "Corruption in Public Administration" and a discussion on Marbury v. Madison to promote the rule of law.

At the UN, the United States played an instrumental role in the adoption of two UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) concerning Cote d'Ivoire: UNSCR 1528, in February 2004, which called on all parties to prevent further violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and established the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire to enhance UN support for the peace process, and UNSCR 1572, in November 2004, which condemned the Government's air strikes against rebel forces in the north, imposed an arms embargo on Cote d'Ivoire and called for sanctions on individuals in Cote d'Ivoire who undermine the peace process, are responsible for serious human rights violations, publicly incite hate and violence, or violate the arms embargo. Since the adoption of UNSCR 1572, the United States has played an active role in the process of identifying the individuals who should be subject to these sanctions.

To help build compromise and understanding in divided and crisis-ridden Côte d’Ivoire, in 2004 the United States organized a discussion to mark Martin Luther King’s birthday and to promote his philosophy of non-violence and a round table discussion on anti-terrorism for 88 senior security officers - gendarmerie and police commanders members of the National Assembly, government officials, leaders of Human rights organizations, leaders of religious bodies and journalists.

The United States used the International Visitors Program to broaden the experience of Ivoirians who can make a difference in democracy and human rights. The United States sent eleven Ivorian political figures to the United States to participate in a program on conflict resolution. Two Ivorian legal experts were sent to the United States for a workshop on human rights issues. Additionally, one Ivorian political figure participated in a session in the United States on transparency and another came to learn about the American political process. For the 2004-2005 cycle, the United States put forward prominent speakers for programs on "U.S. presidential elections – The Primaries," "Human Rights Issues," "Role of the Media in the United States," "Regional Stability and Conflict Resolution," and "U.S. Society and Political Process: A Project for Emerging Muslim Leaders."

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion and the Government generally respects that right. However, after 2002, the Government has targeted persons perceived to be perpetrators or supporters of the rebellion, who often were Muslim. Strong efforts by religious and civil society groups have helped prevent the crisis from becoming a religious conflict. To help support these efforts, the United States organized an Iftaar dinner for Ivoirian Muslim leaders, at which the Ambassador and other embassy officials discussed with the Ivoirian guests the different ways religious leaders can help resolve the conflict.

The United States continued to fund a multi-year International Labor Organization (ILO) program on Commercial Agriculture that targets Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry along with those of four other major West and Central African producers. The United States funded another ILO program targeting child trafficking for exploitive employment in nine West and Central African countries including Cote d’Ivoire.

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea nominally is a multiparty constitutional republic. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled since seizing power in a 1979 military coup d'etat. One-party rule formally ended with the 1991 introduction of a multiparty system. Nevertheless, Obiang's Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) remains overwhelmingly dominant in politics and the economy, as does the majority Fang ethnic group and Obiang's Mongomo sub-clan. Obiang was reelected in a December 2002 election marred by extensive fraud and intimidation. In the legislative and municipal elections of April 2004, the opposition Convergence for Democracy Party won only two seats in the national legislature. Of the other 98, 68 were retained by the ruling PDGE and 30 by a coalition of six "loyal" opposition groups.

The Government's human rights record remained poor, and the Government continued to commit serious abuses. United States intervention has resulted in positive developments, such as the release of a half dozen persons detained without charge. The position of "second vice prime minister over human rights and public administration" was created to improve and monitor the human rights situation in the country. Ricardo Mangue Obama Nfube was instrumental in drafting and securing support for the anti-trafficking legislation in parliament. He also established the Interministerial Commission on Human Rights and began to revitalize the Moribund Center for Human Rights and Democracy by appointing a young, new director whose goals include an automated database of reported human rights abuses and cases of trafficking in persons. Security forces continued to abuse their power, although in some cases, persons were relieved of duties when abuses came to international attention. Physical abuse of approximately 20 prisoners and suspects was reported directly to Embassy officials, and citizens claim that such abuse is a very common practice; there were also instances of arbitrary arrest, detention, and incommunicado detention, particularly following the attempted coup d'etat in March 2004. It was reported that approximately 300 non-Equatorial Guinea citizens of primarily West African and South African origin were detained or removed from homes during a sweep after the coup attempt. Hundreds reportedly took asylum in their embassies until arrangements were made for them to be repatriated. Most undocumented persons were incarcerated until they were deported.

Most abuses connected to the coup took place in a three week period following the failed attempt. Until the president gave an address demanding an end to the abuse of foreigners (which included the looting of homes, destruction of identity documents, abuse of women and demands for money), some security forces were out of control. Victims had little faith in the justice system, feared reprisals from government agents and many did not press charges.

The presidency continued to dominate all sectors of the Government. The judicial system remained subject to executive pressures and repeatedly failed to ensure due process; however, there were exceptions. For example, the Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that had reportedly favored a relative of the ruling family. In the trial of the mercenaries involved in the March 2004 coup attempt, none received the death penalty requested by the prosecution.

The Government continued to severely restrict press freedom; however, international journalists were finally permitted to fully cover the trial of the mercenaries involved in the March 2004 coup attempt. Local journalists work primarily for state-controlled media and practice self-censorship to keep their jobs.

There were no effective domestic human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but the United States has engaged actively with UN organizations promoting human rights and the Government's new Inter-Ministerial Commission on Human Rights. In 2004, a series of workshops began both on the island and mainland to educate official and civil leaders about responsibilities under the UN Conventions on Human Rights and Rights of the Child.

The Government continued to permit the International Committee of the Red Cross to access penal facilities in the country, including visits to the mercenaries held in the infamous Black Beach Prison. Prison conditions continue to be life-threatening: no meals are provided, many prisoners are kept in shackles and subjected to abuse, access to medical care is very limited (usually only available when a prisoner is near the point of death) and no rehabilitation for re-entry to society is provided. Despite laws to the contrary, persons are detained routinely without charges.

On July 15, an extensive investigation by the U.S. Senate revealed the misappropriation of at least $35 million of oil revenues from foreign oil companies by President Obiang, his family, and other senior government officials since the mid-1990s when the country started exporting oil. The report found that in many cases the money went straight into accounts controlled personally by the president and his close associates. The Government has refuted the allegations of oil revenue misappropriation. Oil companies have paved roads in Malabo, upgraded the island's electricity generating system, and funded a variety of health and environment projects designed to improve citizens' well being. However, there has been some concern regarding the use of irregular payments made by oil companies into bank accounts controlled personally by the president and the ruling elite. Most of the oil wealth remained in the control of the Government with little distributed to the majority of the population, which remained poor. There was some evidence, including several infrastructure projects, which the Government started to use the country's oil wealth for the public good.

The expansion of democracy and the promotion of human rights remain the United States primary objectives in Equatorial Guinea. Efforts to achieve these objectives were accomplished by active engagement with the Government, the opposition, the media and community representatives. To speed progress towards these objectives, the U.S. Embassy was reopened in Malabo in October 2003. In 2004, the United States funded and implemented public diplomacy programs aimed to further aid the development of Equatorial Guinea's historically weak civil society. United States officials established an amiable relationship with the new university in Malabo, and looked towards establishing an American Corner and partnership links with American universities. United States officials encouraged American companies' cooperative involvement to reinforce the U.S. message on the importance of transparency, rule of law and respect for human rights, and worked with international organizations to further reinforce the message.

The October 2003 re-inauguration of the small U.S. Embassy was a tangible symbol of U.S. commitment to concrete democratic development in Equatorial Guinea. A single officer, who acts as Chargé d'Affaires in the Ambassador's absence, staffs the Embassy. The U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon concurrently remains U.S. Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. Embassy Yaoundé personnel have continued to be actively engaged in all substantive and administrative areas, including on the human rights agenda.

The Embassy provides an outlet for more vigorous and continuous on-the-ground promotion of respect for human rights and democracy. The chargé immediately assumed an important, publicly visible role in regularly and directly communicating U.S. concerns to local government officials. In-country representation allowed Embassy officials to observe and report local activities directly and accurately. Subsequently, U.S. officials were able to address issues in Equatorial Guinea in a more precise and expedient manner.

United States personnel made regular visits to the island and mainland in 2004, including monthly visits by the Ambassador to both Malabo and Bata. The Ambassador and other officers have an ongoing dialogue with officials on the need for the development of true civil institutions and respect for justice and human rights. The Ambassador raised concerns with the president and high-level ministers over trafficking in persons, transparency, good governance and fair judicial practices. He also continued to condemn torture and harsh prison practices. The Ambassador and other U.S. officials also held public and private meetings with members of Equatorial Guinea's small opposition movement to address their concerns, and subsequently challenged national security officials over unlawful detention of political activists.

Equatorial Guinea suffers from an outdated media infrastructure and has no independent/private media. The United States coordinated a series of media training workshops designed to promote interest in and government support for independent media. United States officials met several times with senior officials, including the Minister of Information and the Director General of the National Radio and TV in an effort to facilitate an affiliation agreement between the Government and the Voice of America. In all of their meetings with government officials, U.S. personnel have reiterated the importance of enhancing the country's media profile to include independent/private media and finding ways to use the national/public media outlets for the broadcast of independent voices.

The United States continued efforts to actively encourage effective and transparent management of the country's oil wealth for equitable social and economic development. A serious engagement with the Government, international organizations, the diplomatic community, and civil society representatives began in 2004 on the use of government revenue to address identified humanitarian needs of the Equatoguinean poor and disenfranchised. This was initiated through a grant from the United States that developed a needs assessment and working relationship with stakeholders, including U.S. industries resident in Equatorial Guinea.

In meetings with high-level Government officials, U.S. officials pressed for improved transparency in public finance and the management of the oil sector. Results are forthcoming. Following high-level statements of commitment to transparency in the oil and gas sector, Equatorial Guinea has worked seriously (with technical assistance from the World Bank) to qualify to participate in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; the Government has also expressed interest in participating in the G-8 Transparency and Good Governance Initiative.

Last year, U.S. funds provided an NGO with a grant to excavate and install two high-quality, durable community wells in two villages. The wells save villagers from having to travel approximately three kilometers to obtain potable water. The United States also provided funds to a group of nuns, who were highly involved in girls' education, to provide books, uniforms, educational materials and room and board to needy girls. These programs - in an effort to promote civic participation and sustainable rural development provide real aid to grassroots communities that have been left behind in the country's recent oil boom.

Equatorial Guinea permits freedom of religion by law. The country is predominantly Catholic, with a number of traditional religions as well. Any new church that wants to establish itself must be approved first through the Ministry of Justice, Religion, and Penal Institutions. This process could prevent the entry of undesired religious groups, but no such cases have come to the Embassy’s attention. There are some mosques in the country, and Muslims generally are not discriminated against openly. Some government officials have made public statements to the effect that proselytizing is unwelcome in the country.

United States engagement with Equatorial Guinea resulted in the country developing and passing a strict law addressing trafficking in persons in that country. Through U.S. engagement, especially from the direct engagement of the U.S. Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, the country is more aware of trafficking issues and is taking measures to address them.

United States officials based in Yaoundé and Malabo maintained a positive working relationship with American oil companies in Equatorial Guinea and have encouraged cooperative efforts between the companies and the Government. Beyond promoting health, education and environmental assistance programs, these companies act as positive role models for transparent employer operations, with clear hiring policies and good labor relations. Furthermore, the companies have reinforced U.S. messages on transparency, rule of law and human rights. The companies all strongly reject allegations emanating from the Riggs Bank investigation that they have engaged in illegal or unethical practices in Equatorial Guinea.

Eritrea

Respect for human rights and democracy suffered a major setback in 2001 when the Government of the Eritrea arrested, without charges or due process, individuals who voiced their opposition to government policy. The Government also proceeded to shut down the nascent free press, arrested most of the country's independent journalists, and postponed national elections indefinitely. In October 2001, two Foreign Service National employees of the U.S. Embassy were also arrested and continue to be held without charge. The Government’s human rights record remains poor. Arbitrary arrests, lack of due process and poor prison conditions are also major concerns. The Government’s national military service program, for all males aged 18 to 40, was originally established to last 18 months but in most cases has been prolonged indefinitely. The military has also been found to use violent methods to round-up persons suspected of evading national service.

In 2002, the Government barred certain religious denominations from holding services and has arrested and imprisoned adherents of these groups sporadically since that time. Since 2002, the Government’s respect for religious freedom for religious minority groups has continued to decline. In 2004, Eritrea was designated by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Eritrea's Constitution, which contains safeguards of basic human rights, was ratified in 1997, but has not been implemented. The legislature has not met since 2002 and the courts, particularly "special courts" run by the military, remain under executive influence. Elections of judges to community courts were largely free and fair. However, elections for regional assemblies were held in 2004 but voting was not done by secret ballot and the Government did not allow campaigning beyond the posting of names and photographs.

The United States has maintained an active dialogue with government officials on human rights and democracy despite general suspicions with what the Government of Eritrea perceives as unacceptable meddling in its internal affairs by foreign powers. Government officials, most of whom participated in the successful 30-year fight for independence from Ethiopia, state that they have always envisioned a democratic Eritrea that fully respects its citizens' human rights. They point to their performance from 1993 - 1998, a period during which Eritrea enjoyed a flourishing free press, respect for religious liberty and fewer cases of arbitrary arrest.

In their conversations with Eritrean officials at all levels, the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission and Embassy officers make clear in the strongest terms that the United States sees national security and human rights as complementary, not issues in conflict with each other. Embassy officials continually make the point that addressing the Government's human rights violations – particularly ending the open-ended nature of national service and widespread arbitrary arrests - will be vital to improving Eritrea's disastrous economic and food security situation. In this connection, Embassy officers also consult regularly with European diplomats, who have undertaken a formal dialogue with the Government in the context of the EU-Africa, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Cotonou agreement.

The Government's inaction regarding concerns that the United States has raised about its commitment toward democracy and human rights has led to limits on some U.S. assistance. United States officials have made clear that demonstrated improvement with respect to democracy and human rights could lead to increased cooperation with the United States. The Embassy is cautiously optimistic about a renewed bilateral dialogue begun in early December 2004, which addressed human rights concerns, as well as possibilities for future cooperation.

The Embassy's strategy to promote respect for human rights and democracy also included efforts to extend access to information throughout the country. The Embassy provides free access to materials on U.S. values, policies and culture, as well as free access to the Internet (a rare commodity in Eritrea) at its Information Resource Center (The American Center) in Asmara and two Embassy-sponsored "American Corners" in libraries outside the country's capital. In 2004, the Embassy opened American Corners in the predominantly Muslim cities of Keren and Massawa.

The United States, which was instrumental in bringing the Internet to Eritrea, provides technical assistance to increase the capacity and reliability of Eritrea's telecommunications link to the rest of the world in order to expand the availability and efficiency of Internet access. The Embassy distributed materials regarding U.S. policy and daily press releases. In a country with no independent media, these tools have proven vital in promoting democracy and appreciation of human rights through greater access to information from the outside world.

In an effort to build support for democratic reform and human rights among Eritrea's opinion leaders, the Embassy holds regular functions for alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs to promote discussion of U.S. culture, democracy, human rights and other issues. The Embassy also arranges regular speaking engagements featuring U.S.-based speakers, and broadcasts of the "Africa Journal." In addition, the Embassy recruits Eritrean government officials and others for the International Visitors and Voluntary Visitors Program. The Embassy's Security Assistance Office offered courses for Eritrean military officers in democracy and human rights through the Expanded International Military Education and Training Program, although no officers took advantage of these courses in 2004.

In addition to this important dialogue, Embassy officials continue to engage a wide range of Eritrean officials and members of minority religious groups in an effort to promote greater respect for religious freedom. The U.S. Government’s designation of Eritrea as a CPC in 2004 provided an opportunity to reemphasize the importance of religious liberty for minority faiths and to engage Eritrean officials about the possibility of U.S. support for the creation of mechanisms promoting interfaith dialogue, as well as support for low-key visitors who can address legal and other aspects of respecting minority religious rights.

The Embassy's strategy is also designed to contribute to political and economic devolution so that citizens can exercise more control over their affairs. The Embassy has implemented programs that promote the devolution of political power and economic resources by providing resources and expertise to strengthen the development of community-based organizations. Three USG-funded non-governmental organizations continue to provide humanitarian assistance and community development programs that extended opportunities for grass roots participation by working with parent-teacher associations, water associations and local health committees.

Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Government continued and expanded its effort in 2004 to devolve authority to regional and district governments as part of its policy of ethnic federalism. Ethnic conflict, lack of human capacity, and unfamiliarity with democratic concepts complicated this process. Ethiopia saw some improvements in the area of human rights, but serious problems remained. Federal and local police forces lacked proper training, and continued to employ excessive force, resulting at times in numerous killings. Arbitrary arrest and detention were sometimes used. The judiciary remained overburdened and lacked capacity, resulting in lengthy pre-trial detentions. The Government continued to restrict freedom of the press and assembly. Trafficking in persons (TIP) remained a serious problem as well as societal discrimination and violence against women, although the Government has formed a task force and begun to address some TIP issues.

United States Embassy officials consulted with host government officials, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), opposition political party members and other embassies, to identify constructive means of intervention. A significant element of U.S. Government strategy in promoting human rights and democracy is building the capacity of host country government and community leaders. Workshops, seminars and other training sessions are important elements of this approach.

To promote democracy and political freedoms, the Embassy, working with other embassies, engaged local officials and the National Election Board (NEB) regarding complaints from opposition political parties about harassment of their members by ruling party members. The Ambassador also met with NEB senior officials to underscore U.S. interest in preparations for the May 2005 national elections. Embassy representatives traveled to eastern Ethiopia to observe local district-level referendums, which would determine the districts' state affiliation. Embassy officials met regularly with opposition party officials regarding allegations of illegal detentions, harassment and torture of opposition party supporters by local ruling party cadres, following up with police and others.

The 2004 U.S. elections provided an excellent opportunity for programming on democracy, which included a large-scale event for hundreds of secondary students from the capital area as well as programming targeted at the country's political and social elite. The Embassy has also been a strong voice for freedom of the press, providing training to journalists and participating in the international community's response to the country's draft press law.

The United States continued to fund a program conducted by the Federal Supreme Court to help build the capacity of Ethiopia's judicial system. In 2004, the Federal Supreme Court trained 1,157 Supreme Court, High Court and First Instance Court judges, as well as 15 Addis Ababa Municipal Court judges on the Ethiopian Civil Procedures Code. More than three thousand judges nationwide, including 226 women judges, have benefited from this training since the program's inception.

In 2004, the Embassy funded a total of 13 Democracy and Human Rights-related projects. For example, one project enabled the Addis Ababa Muslim Women's Association to hold a series of workshops and discussion groups to stimulate awareness of women's rights vis-à-vis Ethiopia's Constitution and Shari’a law in the Muslim-populated Afar region of eastern Ethiopia.

The Ambassador and other officers have been vigorous advocates for human rights by raising the issue in various speeches and public statements. The Ambassador engaged government officials, privately at times, to seek clarification on government actions that could infringe upon human rights.

Visiting senior U.S. officials, including, State Department Africa Affairs Bureau Assistant Secretary Constance Newman and USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios, have also raised human rights in their discussion with senior Ethiopian Government officials, including the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister, among others.

To call attention to problems of ethnic violence, the Embassy engaged the Ethiopian Government at several levels, including with the Minister of Federal Affairs, to ensure that proper investigations were conducted in the wake of December 2003 ethnic violence in Gambella. In addition to tracking the Gambella investigations during 2004, the Embassy, working with the federal and local government, initiated two conflict mitigation programs designed to reduce the risks of violence and improve human rights protection by building local and NGO capacity to prevent and mitigate conflict.

The Embassy provided funding to support training and technical assistance to the Ethiopian Federal Police. The funding is being used to establish and support projects designed to improve the capacity of the federal police to effectively train recruits in basic policing skills. The skills-based recruit-training project will include modules on human rights and police ethics. United States funding will also be used to assist the federal police with developing a community-oriented policing strategy designed to improve police-citizen relations. Ethiopian law enforcement officials also receive human rights training as part of their courses of study at the U.S. Government funded and supported International Law Enforcement Academy in Gaborone.

As part of U.S.-Ethiopia military-to-military cooperation, United States training programs provide Law of War and Human Rights training as part of the curriculum of peacekeeping instruction given to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). Under the U.S. African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program, U.S. contractors and military have trained four ENDF battalions, including battalions which are currently deployed on UN peacekeeping missions in Burundi and Liberia.

The U.S. Ambassador met regularly with religious leaders to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. The Embassy worked closely with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Mekane Yesus Church, the Ethiopian Kale Hiwot Church and the Missionaries of Charity Sisters to support HIV/AIDS programs.

To combat the trafficking of women and children from Ethiopia to the Middle East, the U.S. Government continued to oversee a grant to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to educate high-school students in Addis Ababa and other localities about the dangers of trafficking in persons. IOM experienced some delays in implementing this project. Major accomplishments in 2004 included establishment of a radio program to increase public awareness of illegal employment brokers, providing support to repatriated victims and making counseling available at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to those considering seeking employment outside of Ethiopia. A 24hour hotline was established in Addis Ababa to provide confidential counseling and support information.

The Embassy pressed the Government to lift its suspension on licensing adoption agencies. The efforts bore fruit when the Government issued licenses to two adoption agencies, thus discouraging efforts of illegal adoption brokers. The Embassy and the Government have an excellent working relationship regarding curbing illegal adoptions. Whenever the Embassy identifies a suspected illegal adoption broker, the Government, with its limited resources, investigates and, if necessary, shuts down the broker's operation.

The U.S. Government and the Centers for Disease Control collaborated with host government officials in curbing discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. To commemorate World Aids Day, the Embassy sponsored a number of activities in Addis Ababa to highlight the problem and encourage people to combat such discrimination.

Gabon

Gabon is a republic dominated by a strong presidency. The Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) has remained in power since 1968 and has circumscribed political choice. PDG leader El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, president since 1967, was reelected for a seven-year term in a 1998 election marred by irregularities. President Bongo is the longest serving head of state in Africa. In July of 2003, parliament passed a constitutional amendment removing the provision that had limited the president to two terms in office.

The Government of Gabon's human rights record remained poor. Although there were some improvements, serious problems remained. Security forces reportedly beat and tortured prisoners and detainees, arbitrary arrest and detention remained concerns, and the judiciary remained subject to government influence. Forced labor, child labor and trafficking - particularly in children - remained problems.

Gabonese opposition parties remain small, disunited, under funded, and marginalized. New parties are difficult to form, and many older parties have been co-opted to support the ruling party. The United States maintains contacts and consults regularly with all major opposition groups in Gabon, monitoring and reporting on their ability to participate freely within the Gabonese Political system, while encouraging the Gabonese leadership to increase efforts on democratization.

Gabonese media outlets have been subject to government control and censorship, with some private newspapers and television stations shut down or suspended by the Government. Embassy officials discussed the suspension of a TV and radio station for allegedly violating community decency standards with the Gabonese Government, which later reversed the suspension.

The Gabonese legal system is slow, inefficient, and subject to corruption. The United States has encouraged greater transparency and respect for human rights in contacts with Gabonese law enforcement agencies and also encouraged information sharing in weapons smuggling and child-trafficking.

Six mid-level law enforcement officers were sent to the United States for training that included human rights components. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted a training seminar for 30 Gabonese sailors on ship-boarding which included a block of instruction on respecting human rights while performing law enforcement activities.

Gabon had no known cases of restrictions placed on the free exercise of religion in 2004, but the Embassy maintains contact with all major religious groups in Gabon, including U.S. missionary groups, to support and reinforce the already tolerant environment in Gabon.

The U.S. human rights and democracy strategy in Gabon has made the problem of child trafficking a high priority. The Ambassador and Embassy personnel have continued to approach government officials at all levels, including parliamentary leaders, ministers, and the President, to persuade them of the need for concrete measures. The United States has also maintained close contacts with activists and the non-governmental organization (NGO) community concerned with this issue. The United States provided a vehicle for use in conjunction with a UN International Children's Emergency Fund-operated hot-line for the rescue of trafficking victims. A law prohibiting trafficking in persons was passed by the National Assembly in 2003; it was passed by the Senate and Cabinet, promulgated, and signed into law by the president late in 2004.

The United States made available a grant to a Gabonese NGO to conduct a seminar for community leaders, journalists, and public health officials in conjunction with the Minster of Health in the area of protecting the rights of HIV/AIDS victims and their family members.

The Gambia

The human rights situation in The Gambia improved significantly in recent years. United States engagement on human rights encouraged the more favorable environment. After President Yahya Jammeh took power in a non-violent coup in 1994, his military Government restricted freedoms, committed extrajudicial killings and harassed political opponents. There were credible allegations of torture and mistreatment at that time. Most foreign observers did not recognize the legitimacy of the 1996 presidential elections, which failed to meet democratic standards. However, in late 2001 and early 2002, The Gambia completed a full cycle of presidential, legislative and local elections, all of which were deemed by international observers to have been generally free and fair, despite some shortcomings. In March 2002, the United States determined that a democratically elected government had assumed office in The Gambia and thus lifted Section 508 of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act that had imposed sanctions as a result of the 1994 coup. Effective January 1, 2003, the United States also granted The Gambia eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) based on the criteria set forth in the law, including a commitment to democracy and human rights. AGOA eligibility was renewed in 2004 and again in 2005.

The Government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas. Security forces harassed or otherwise mistreated journalists, opposition members and detainees. Arbitrary arrest and detention were problems and there were reports of a case of incommunicado detention. Prolonged pre-trial detention was a problem. Detainees were denied fair and expeditious trials by a slow, inefficient and corrupt court system that was at times subject to executive branch pressure. The Government at times infringed on citizens' privacy rights. The Government limited freedom of speech and the press by intimidation and restrictive legislation. Some journalists practiced self-censorship. There was at least one attempt to restrict freedom of assembly in 2004. On December 22, organizers of a solidarity march by journalists to protest the shooting death of newspaper publisher Deyda Hydara were told that the procession would only take place on condition that no one outside the media fraternity was asked to join. The march took place with paramilitary police on the roadside to prevent other sympathizers from joining in. Violence and discrimination against women were problems. The practice of female genital mutilation remained widespread and entrenched. Child labor persisted, mainly on family farms, and there were some instances of child prostitution. There were reports of trafficking, and the Government took positive steps to eradicate the problem, including the establishment of a multi-agency taskforce to combat trafficking in persons.

The United States established a frank, constructive dialogue with the Government of The Gambia on human rights and other sensitive topics using the successful presidential election in October 2001 as well as the legislative and local elections in 2002 as a foundation,. The U.S. human rights and democracy strategy promotes three core values: democratic freedoms, the rule of law and human dignity. The United States emphasizes that the restoration of democratic rule and respect for human rights will bring the benefits of improved relations with the United States.

The United States uses all the opportunities at its disposal to promote the democratization process and respect for human rights in The Gambia. These include the public diplomacy program, various military assistance programs, Economic Support Funds, the Democracy and Human Rights Fund and the USAID regional programs for West Africa on HIV/AIDS, conflict resolution and business initiatives.

The United States continues to make strong efforts to promote and consolidate democracy in view of the upcoming 2006 presidential election and subsequent legislative elections. In 2004, the United States supported the Government decentralization program by providing training on good governance and the provisions of the new Local Government Act to about 100 newly elected ward council members. The United States helped the Independent Electoral Commission set up a web-site that will enable all Gambians, especially those outside the country, to participate in all national elections. The United States is developing a program to assist all political parties and the IEC in preparing for the elections.

Because the legislature remains a relatively weak branch of the Government, the United States used a grant to support democracy by providing the offices of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the clerk and the permanent staff with training, equipment, supplies and other improvements that will help increase the National Assembly's ability to play its full constitutional role.

United States engagement with the Government produced significant dividends in 2004 with the repealing of the controversial National Media Commission Act. While the Embassy public praised the Government for this move, it also expressed its concern at the passage of new laws that could negatively affect the country's independent media and urged the Government and the media to work together to ensure free and responsible news reporting.

United States officials have easy and frequent access to government officials at all levels. The United States also maintains contacts with the opposition, the media and civil society. It coordinates with other diplomatic missions, as appropriate, when addressing specific human rights concerns and issues of good governance.

United States advice on accountability and transparency in government likely contributed to the anti-corruption campaign begun in late 2003. This campaign has focused on the most egregious cases of corruption inside the Government and in business circles purportedly close to the Government. It has resulted in the dismissal and arrest of several allegedly corrupt officials, the conviction and imprisonment of a prominent political figure and the deportation of a highly influential business tycoon. The anti-corruption campaign, dubbed "Operation No Compromise" has continued with the setting up of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to probe the assets of all former and serving ministers and senior government officials. The Commission's hearings have already led to further investigations into corrupt activities. Moreover, the anti-corruption function has been added to the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman.

The United States funded a civic education campaign being carried out by the National Council for Civic Education and disseminated by City Limits Radio. The campaign has been explaining the Gambian Constitution to the general public using simplified language. The "All About the Constitution" programs have reached a large audience as they are broadcast in the two main local dialects.

The United States resumed non-lethal military assistance immediately after Section 508 sanctions were lifted in an effort to foster more professional security forces and reduce the tendency for human rights abuses. Military officers are educated on their proper role in a democracy through programs such as Expanded International Military Education and Training, which highlights civil-military relations.

Religious harmony is the norm in The Gambia. To bolster religious freedom and understanding, the Embassy hosted several Iftaar dinners during Ramadan that were attended by many Muslim spiritual leaders as well as members of the minority Christian clergy. The Embassy also hosted a forum for Muslim clerics to discuss the International Visitors Program tour of the United States made by a prominent imam.

United States efforts to end discrimination against certain disadvantaged groups include funding for a national women’s non-governmental organization (NGO) and the local chapter of the Special Olympics. The women’s NGO project is aimed at orienting council members on their role and responsibilities under the 1999-2009 National Policy for the Advancement of Gambian Women, which will enable them to participate more fully in national decision-making processes. The United States is supporting the introduction of the Special Olympics curriculum into schools at all levels as a way to encourage disabled children.

The United States has provided sorely needed assistance for workshops and training seminars, purchasing office furniture and equipment for an NGO that has been effective in creating awareness about sexual exploitation, which is one of the most serious challenges to children's health, education and general well being.

Guinea

The Republic of Guinea held presidential elections on December 21, 2003, reelecting President Lansana Conte to a third term. After all major opposition parties boycotted the elections because of concerns over the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, President Conte ran virtually unopposed. A few arbitrary detentions of politicians and military personnel occurred in the period prior to elections. The Government of Guinea's human r