Niger Human Rights
Human Rights Concerns
Amnesty International has several concerns in Niger. More than 230 soldiers, arrested following a failed mutiny in 2002, and remained in detention without trial. Journalists continued to be targeted in an attempt to restrict freedom of expression. Hundreds of thousands of people reportedly remained in conditions of slavery despite the adoption of a new Penal Code in 2003 making slavery a punishable crime.
Niger was ranked at the bottom of UN’s 2005 Human Development Report. Last year, Niger drew some international attention when it suffered a significant famine stemming from years of drought. Niger is a participant in the United States’ War on Terror operations in the Sahara-Sahel Region, including the $500 million Trans-Saharan Counter Terrorism Initiative (TSCTI) that aims to make the region more secure. Critics charge that the TSCTI will do more harm than good.
Latest News
Niger – Mali: Amnesty International calls for the release of hostages reportedly held by Al Qa'ida in the Islamic MaghrebFebruary 19, 2009
Niger: Extrajudicial executions and population displacement in the north of the country
December 19, 2007
Niger: The people of Niger have the right to truth and justice
April 05, 2000
Niger: Impunity - as enshrined in the constitution
September 07, 1999
Niger: Impunity enshrined
September 07, 1999
Latest Reports
Vital UN human rights work under threatMay 09, 2007
Niger: The right to justice
April 05, 2000
Niger: Impunity enshrined in the constitution
September 07, 1999
Niger: Attacks on journalists threaten freedom of expression
December 31, 1998
