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* Human Rights Watch tiers are dependent upon on how each country’s domestic efforts meet minimum standards. Tier 3 countries are deemed to be not in compliance with the minimum standards and not making significant efforts; Tier 2 countries are not in compliance, but making significant efforts; and Tier 1 countries are in compliance.

ALGERIA

The notorious Department for Information and Security (DRS), have operatives who have been accused of-but never held accountable for-abuses such as beatings, electric shock torture, suspending prisoners from the ceiling, and forcing them to ingest chemicals. In its May 2008 review of Algeria, the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) expressed serious concern about reports of secret detention centers operated by the DRS, numerous cases of torture and ill-treatment reportedly at the hands of the DRS, and the lack of prompt and impartial investigations into allegations of such abuse.

ANGOLA

Human rights in Angola are poor with widespread documentation of arbitrary arrest and detention and torture. The United Nations recently interviewed more than 400 detainees for ten days. The detainees "showed visible signs of torture," a tactic used to obtain confessions from suspects at two prisons in Luanda; Cacuaco Prison and Viana Prison. The UN concluded the Angolan government has imprisoned civilians in Cabinda military prison and Viana Immigration Detention Centre inCabinda province, denying them access to a judge or legal representation, although the government denied the UN access to such facilities.

ARGENTINA

This country still suffers large repercussions from the “Dirty War” of the 1980’s. Thousands of children whose parents were murdered so the ch8ildren could be adopted by military and political figures are know trying to find out who their parents were and how they were killed.

CAMBODIA

The most serious human rights abuse in the country is land seizures that lead to evictions and homelessness. The courts are politicized and corrupt, and human rights violations are the norm. Land is being seized for logging, agriculture, mining, tourism and fisheries, and in Phnom Penh, soaring land prices have touched off a frenzy of land grabs by the rich and powerful. Sometimes, shanty neighborhoods burn down, apparently victims of arson.

CHAD

Human rights in Chad have been described as "poor"; for example, Freedom House has designated the country as "Not Free." Chad received a score of 6 for both political rights and civil liberties (with 1 being the most free, 7 being the least free).According to the United States State Department. "The government's poor human rights record deteriorated further during the year; security forces committed numerous serious human rights abuses." Among the abuses listed were extrajudicial killings, beatings, torture, and rape by security forces; limits on freedom of speech and the press and freedom of assembly; arbitrary arrest and detention; and widespread corruption.Security forces commit these and other abuses with "near total" impunity.

CHINA

The Chinese constitution guarantees Human Rights. Unfortunately, the Chinese government does not. China’s people are not allowed freedom of religion, the freedom to strike, protest or meet in large groups. The courts are state run and the police are free to arrest anyone they want, regardless of the truth. China also regulates press freedom and monitors the internet and email traffic of its citizens and regularly disrupts internet, cell phone and testing whenever it feels the need to do so. Lastly, because so many people die and suffer from the state induced pollution, China’s destruction of the environment can be considered a Human Rights violation.

CONGO

Congo is rated tier two. The most serious human rights abuse in the country is the illicit trafficking of women for prostitution and young boys as child soldiers. In a 2008 report, the UN concluded that "due to political interference and corruption, perpetrators, especially those who belong to the State security forces, go unpunished."

COSTA RICA

The most serious human rights abuse in the country is illicit traffic in women for prostitution and other segments of the sex trade. Costa Rica also suffers from random police brutality which the courts are reluctant to rule against.

COTE D'IVOIRE

The most serious human rights abuse in the country is illicit traffic in women for prostitution and other segments of the sex trade. Children are also sold into labor markets.

CUBA

Cuba remains the one country in Latin American that represses nearly all forms of political dissent The most serious human rights abuse in the country is illicit traffic in women for prostitution. Additionally, protesters of all stripes are routinely jailed without trial and held for indeterminate sentences. The general population is spied upon by government agents and the rule of law is entirely subject to the whims and needs of the government. Torture is routinely used to secure “confessions.” Additionally, Cuba often allows adults to voyage outside the state only if the children remain behind as hostages

EGYPT

Egypt represses its population with sever and largely unregulated police activity which includes the regular use of torture. The political spectrum is tightly controlled as well. Egypt is a tier two transit country for women trafficked from Eastern European countries to Israel for sexual exploitation, and is a source for children trafficked within the country for commercial sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.

ECUADOR

UNHCR estimates as many as 250,000 Columbians are seeking asylum in Ecuador, many of whom do not register as refugees for fear of deportation. Additionally, Ecuador allows oil exploration using extremely obsolete methods which are severely harming its rain forest, environment and indigenous people.

EL SALVADOR

During the year the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights (PDDH) stated that the National Civilian Police (PNC) was responsible for 559 cases of abuse of human integrity, which included unlawful killings, attempted unlawful killings, assaults, and other offenses causing bodily harm. The PDDH received 11 complaints of alleged unlawful killings. As of August 2008, the Office of the PNC Inspector General reported that security forces killed 10 persons

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

The most serious human rights abuse in the country is political repression. The courts are politicized and corrupt, and human rights violations are the norm. There is also trafficking of children for sexual and labor exploitation.

ERITREA

The most serious human rights abuse in the country is political repression. The courts are corrupt and human rights violations are the norm. There is also trafficking of children for sexual and labor exploitation.

GAMBIA

According to Human Rights Watch, Gambia is a tier two source and trans-shipment point for children used in forced labor and the sex trade industry. The US also alleges there is torture,  including allegations of electrocution, cigarette burns, plastic bags held over people’s heads, knife wounds, cold water treatments and threat s of being shot.

GEORGIA

Georgia was recently invaded by Russia and as a consequence there are numerous instances of Human Rights abuse in the country, most of which are under-reported at this time but need international scrutiny. There is also extreme political unrest which has led to internal repression.

GUATEMALA

The Human Rights Defenders Protection Unit of the National Movement for Human Rights, a Guatemalan non-governmental organization, reported almost 200 attacks against human rights defenders. The number of attacks against human rights defenders has increased dramatically, largely due to the failure to effectively prosecute such crimes. Defenders at particular risk are those upholding economic, social and cultural rights and those seeking accountability for past human rights crimes. Guatemala is also a Human Rights Watch, tier two source of children for sexual exploitation.

GUINEA

Guinea suffers from large scale repression of voting rights, used to keep President Conte in power. There are widespread allegations of illegal detention and torture.

HAITI

According to its constitution and written laws,Haiti meets most international human rights standards. In practice, however, many provisions are not respected. The government’s human rights record is poor. Political killings, kidnapping, torture, and unlawful incarceration are common unofficial practices, especially during periods of coups or attempted coups. Although the constitution mandates an independent judiciary and the right to a fair trial, prolonged pretrial detention remains a serious problem. Because the court system and its records are poorly organized, it is impossible to determine the percentage of prisoners being held without trial.

HUNGARY

In Hungary, certain elements of the population associate Jews with historic, political upheaval. In the current political breakdown, an anti Semitism movement in Hungary is growing and should be brought to account.

INDIA

Human rights in India center on the caste system in which entire populations are relegated to poverty and bottom end jobs based solely on their parent’s lineage. While the Brahmins are treated to a life of privilege, the Dalit remain uneducated and their children often become victims of the national and international sex trade. According to a report byHuman Rights Watch, "Dalits and indigenous peoples (known as Scheduled Tribes or adivasis) continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and acts of communal violence. Laws and policies adopted by the Indian government provide a strong basis for protection, but are not being faithfully implemented by local authorities."

IRAN

According to Human Rights Watch, Iran is a tier two center of trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, labor and the settlement of inter-family debt. Iran also suffers from a political system that is extremely corrupt in which citizens are subject to extra judicial activities on the part of roving gangs representing the ultra conservative, governing leadership. Iran also is purported to support terrorism worldwide.

IRAQ

Iraq is a tier two center of trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, labor and forced marriage for the settlement of debts. There is continued civil strife between Shiite and Shia, leading to extra judicial killings on both sides as well as torture and political repression.

JORDAN

According to Human Rights Watch, Jordan tier two transportation hub for women from Africa and the Middle East to be used in illegal labor and prostitution.

KOSOVO

Kosovo has over 80% Albanians and 7% Serbians. Their history is complex and violent. There is a strong likelihood that there will be further ethnic cleansing.

KUWAIT

According to Human Rights Watch, Kuwait a tier two transit and destination point for workers around the Middle East and Far East, many of whom are misled as to the work conditions and final destination. Paperwork and passports are often withheld from these workers in order to control them and keep them from organizing protests and strikes.

NORTH KOREA

North Korea remains a dictatorship. The vast majority of North Korea’s people are seriously subjugated and often in danger of starvation. There is no access to economic advancement. Laws are draconian with the state overseeing all elements of daily life. Torture and jail without trial are commonplace

LAOS

There are continuing Human Rights issues with the Hmong population. These indigenous people supported the US during its war in Vietnam and were severely punished later. Many fled to the US and recently, 8000 of them living in Thailand were forcibly repatriated to Laos where they will be abused again. Laos also traffics in young girls for the sex trade.

LEBANON

Lebanon has nearly half a million Palestinian refugees mostly in long term camps that are breeding grounds for radical action. In addition, relations between the Christian and Muslim communities continue remain volatile and murderous.

LIBYA

According to Human Rights Watch, Libya is a transit and destination country for men and women from sub-Saharan Africa and Asia trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. Libya also holds a significant number of political prisoners without trial. The use of torture is consistently alleged.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia has a draconian system of repression which has largely been legalized by various laws permitting jailing for almost any form of dissent. According to Human Rights Watch, Malaysia is also a tier 2 reception and transfer point for men and women used for illegal labor and sexual exploitation.

MEXICO

Mexico’s justice system is notorious for corruption and the result is many thousands who are held in jail without having received fair trials or sentencing. The power generated by the narco economy has led to a wide range of human rights abuse both by the drug lords and the government.

MOROCCO

In the 1970’s, Morocco annexed the Southern Sahara region, an area whose sovereignty is still undecided. There are hundreds of political prisoners and allegations of torture are widespread and ongoing.

NAMIBIA

Diamonds provide a large source of income for the country. Poor working conditions and exploitation are the norm. The courts are corrupt and extra judicial murders and imprisonment take place on a regular basis.

NEPAL

The current transfer of power and a change to a democratic state leaves much room for abuse. . Until the transition is clear, a huge source of national income – tourism – will remain extremely low. There are many thousands of people who have disappeared and the repression continues today with the jailing of numerous reporters held without legal trial

PAKISTAN

The government is ineffective and corrupt .Lack of education is also a huge issue in Pakistan but especially for women who are regularly married off before the age of 14. “Honor” killings continue in spite of laws forbidding them and women continue to be treated as cattle and currency. There is a growing threat of extremism and suicide bombings now take place on a regular basis.

PANAMA

According to Human Rights Watch, Panama is a tier 2 Humans Rights offender. Panamanian women and children are forcibly inducted into the sex trade.  Children are forcibly impounded into the labor market as well.

PARAGUAY

Prison conditions in Paraguay are abysmal. Asuncion's largest prison holds three times the number of prisoners for which it was designed. Moreover, it has only 120 guards for more than 2,500 prisoners. Prisoners are malnourished and often kept in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The constitution guarantees the right of privacy and the protection of private property. However, the National Police have been accused of violating these rights. Additionally, the police have been accused of using torture to solicit information from suspects. Demonstrations of protest are permitted but are restricted to certain places and times in Asunción. Paraguayan workers have the right to unionize, protest, and strike. Nevertheless, the International Labour Organization has criticized Paraguay’s workers' rights for various deficiencies, including required registration of unions, the 300-worker minimum to form a union, and the lack of measures to prevent anti-union discrimination. Union members in Paraguay have complained of their leaders being fired or suffering discrimination.

PERU

Allegations of abuse most often arose immediately following an arrest, when families were prohibited from visiting suspects and when attorneys had limited access to detainees. In some cases police and security forces allegedly threatened or harassed victims, their relatives, and witnesses to prevent them from filing charges of human rights violations. According to the NGO Human Rights Commission (COMISEDH), some victims were reluctant to pursue judicial proceedings for fear that abusers would be released without being charged.

QATAR

Qatar is a destination country for men and women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation. The most common offense was forcing workers to accept worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited; other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay, restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse.

RUSSIA

Russia routinely jails opponents of its regime, using trumped up charges. Russia has had over 50 journalists murdered by forces which are in many cases, aligned with the government. Russian woman are increasingly forced into the global prostitution and sex trade. Russia also stands accused of Human Rights violations in it’s occupation of Chechnya.

SAUDI ARABIA

According to Human Rights Watch, Saudi Arabia is a tier 3 violator in which foreign immigrants are held in houses and forced to work without pay or with reduced pay and in circumstances vastly different from those promised by employers. Saudi Arabia is also a transit point for children going into forced labor and some sexual exploitation. Women are also oppressed through male dominated societal prerogatives and religious dogma.

SIERRA LEONE

Genital mutilation remains prevalent in the country, rape and domestic violence cases need more aggressive prosecution, and women need better access to justice. The overall administration of justice remains severely compromised by inadequate training, resources, and infrastructure as well as the prevalence of corruption throughout the system. Sierra Leoneans face grinding poverty while economic justice eludes them.

SOMALIA

Famine is a huge problem in this country which is in anarchy and inhabited by various terrorist groups. Illegal executions and jailings are common as well.

SOUTH AFRICA

According to Human Rights Watch, South Africa is a tier 2 source of transit, and destination for men, women, and children trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation; women and girls are trafficked internally - and occasionally to European and Asian countries - for sexual exploitation; women from other African countries are trafficked to South Africa and, less frequently, onward to Europe for sexual exploitation; men and boys are trafficked from neighboring countries for forced agricultural labor; Asian and Eastern European women are trafficked to South Africa for debt-bonded sexual exploitation.

SRI LANKA

While there is currently an official cease fire as the Tamil appear ready to sue for peace, major human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch as well as the United States Department of State and the European Union, have expressed concern about the state of human rights in Sri Lanka. Both the government of Sri Lanka and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) stand accused of violating human rights. Amnesty International stated that continued "political killings, child recruitment and abductions. Also outlined were concerns with violence against women, the death penalty and "numerous reports of torture in police custody". Although Sri Lanka has not officially practiced the death penalty since 1976, well-documented cases of state-sponsored 'disappearances' and murders by non-partisan humanitarian organizations, notably Human Rights Watch, contradict official statements.

SYRIA

There are many political prisoners in Syria with little hope of being freed. According to Human Rights Watch, Syria is a tier 3 destination and transit country for women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; a significant number of women and children in the large and expanding Iraqi refugee community in Syria are reportedly forced into commercial sexual exploitation by Iraqi gangs or, in some cases, their families; women from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone are recruited for work in Syria as domestic servants, but some face conditions of involuntary servitude, including long hours, non-payment of wages, withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, threats, and physical or sexual abuse.

TANZANIA

There were a number of continuing human rights problems. Police and prison guards used excessive force against inmates and suspects, at times resulting in death, and police impunity was a problem; prison conditions were harsh and life threatening, There was widespread police corruption and violation of legal procedures and the judiciary suffered from corruption and inefficiency in the lower courts. Freedom of speech and press were partly limited and governmental corruption remained a problem; authorities restricted the movement of refugees, societal violence against women persisted and trafficking in persons and child labor remains an intractable problem.

TUNISIA

Tunisia suffers from groups of radical terrorists who have bombed public spaces a killed many innocent victims. In response, the military has arrested thousands of people and jailed and tortured them without legal process.

TAJIKISTAN

According to Human Rights Watch, Tajikistan is a tier 2 source country for women trafficked through Kyrgyzstan and Russia to the UAE, Turkey, and Russia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Russia and Kazakhstan for the purpose of forced labor, primarily in the construction and agricultural industries; boys and girls are trafficked internally for various purposes, including forced labor and forced begging.

THAILAND

Thailand suffers from Muslim separatist groups in the south who have attacked public places and killed innocent victims. Bangkok is a center of prostitution and the use of children for sexual trafficking. Thailand’s court system is corrupt and justice is delivered to only those that can pay for it.

TURKEY

Turkey has over 1million displaced persons, mostly Kurds as a result of the long warfare between these two peoples. Extremism between traditionally secular groups and the rising tide of conservative Muslim theology is raising tension in the country. There have been several high profile bombings and murders in the last three years.

TURKMENISTAN

Turkmenistan has a rigid system of secret police which subjugate its people with ferocity. This is a completely repressive regime which allows no dissent whatsoever.

UNITED KINGDOM

England continues to struggle with a huge influx of immigrant populations; Muslim, African and Indian. There is much to do in this country in terms or ameliorating the struggle between the original population and the new one.

UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan has faced heavy criticism for arbitrary arrests, religious persecution, and torture employed by the government on a regional and national level. According to Human Rights Watch, Uzbekistan is a Tier 2 source country for women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, Middle East, and Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced labor in the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are also trafficked internally for the purposes of domestic servitude, forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and for commercial sexual exploitation.

VENEZUELA

Discrimination on political grounds has been a defining feature of the Chávez presidency. The Chávez government has engaged in wide-ranging acts of discrimination against political opponents and critics. At times, the president himself has openly endorsed acts of discrimination. More generally, he has encouraged the discriminatory actions of subordinates by routinely denouncing his critics as anti-democratic conspirators. The Chávez presidency has open disregard for the principle of separation of powers – the most damaging blow to the rule of law in Venezuela was the political takeover of the Supreme Court by Chávez and his supporters in 2004, which effectively neutralized the judiciary as an independent branch of government. The court has repeatedly failed to fulfill its role as a check on arbitrary state action and safeguard of fundamental rights.According to Human Rights Watch, Venezuela is a tier 2, source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; Venezuelan women and girls are trafficked within the country for sexual exploitation, lured from the nation's interior to urban and tourist areas.

VIETNAM

There are consistent protests in Vietnam from indigenous and religious groups such as the Hmong Mountain people and various Buddhist groups. More generally, the government has imposed restrictions on freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of association. Citizens are denied the right to change their government. The government continues to hold political prisoners who have expressed views at odds with government policy. Vietnam has no independent judiciary, and there is no right to a fair and speedy trial. Human rights organizations are not permitted to operate. Discrimination against women and ethnic minorities, child labor, and prostitution are serious problems.

YEMEN

Yemen has suppressed indigenous movements for freedom and continues to repress all opposition. The human rights situation in Yemen has deteriorated markedly over the past several years. There have been hundreds of arbitrary arrests and several dozen enforced disappearances, mainly in the context of armed clashes in the north, but also relating to the government's domestic counterterrorism efforts and crackdown on social and political unrest in the south of the country. Yemen is one of only five countries known since January 2005 to have executed persons for crimes committed while under age 18.

ZAMBIA

According to Human Rights Watch, Zambia is a tier two, source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation.; Zambian women, lured by false employment or marriage offers abroad, are trafficked to South Africa via Zimbabwe and to Europe via Malawi for sexual exploitation; Zambia is a transit point for regional trafficking of women and children, particularly from Angola to Namibia and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa for agricultural labor.

ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe’s political regime has engaged in systematic killing and intimidation of its political opposition. Zimbabwe is currently Africa’s most economically destitute country with inflation projected at millions of percent per year, As a result, there is no food in the country, no goods on the shelves and the population is starving and threatened with large scale famine. According to Human Rights Watch, Zimbabwe is a tier two, source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; large scale migration of Zimbabweans to surrounding countries - as they flee a progressively more desperate situation at home - has increased. Young men and boys are trafficked to South Africa for farm work, often laboring for months in South Africa without pay before "employers" have them arrested and deported as illegal immigrants.