CONFIDENTIAL
MOZAMBIQUE (continued)
Right No.
(v)
(vi)
Rating suggested
by Post
See (i) above. The Constitution provides for judicial 'independence' ว but the judicial system has still to be developed. It is likely to be based on a conception of 'revolutionary justice'; but time will tell.
Comment by Central and Southern African Department. In our view a rating of 5 is over-optimistic; we would suggest 7. The new judicial system is fine in theory, but we have doubts about its impartiality in practice.
The right of association is recognised in the Constitution. Scope for Trade Unions, in the present stage of development of Mozambique, is very limited. Such as exist are on the old Portuguese model but will be reformed, no doubt under strong party influence. Some of their functions are being taken over by officially sponsored 'production councils'. Strikes are not formally illegal, but are not permitted.
(vii) Some restrictions exist especially on
foreigners (mainly Portuguese) wishing to emigrate, eg stringent baggage limits. Many Mozambicans emigrate temporarily to work in the South African mines, and at present there are no restrictions on taking holidays abroad. Availability of pass- ports is however likely to be limited in 1977.
5
8
4
CONFIDENTIAL
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