Human Rights Developments

Defending Human Rights

The Role of the International Community

Defending Human Rights

Local and international human rights organizations were generally able to perform their work, although some local organizations experienced harassment and in isolated cases, threats. The federation Ombudsmen continued their courageous work to demand respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The national Human Rights Commission contributed significantly to respect for human rights through its decisions on employment discrimination, housing issues, and the discriminatory effects of current laws. Unfortunately, cooperation by the authorities with these institutions remained limited, and prosecutors and judges committed to the rule of law continued to experience interference by politicians in carrying out their mandates.