TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 184

SENEGAL

CONFIDENTIAL

Report by HM Embassy, Dakar

General Observations

The rule of law is firmly established. An embryonic experiment in pluralism was recently launched. The general trend is towards liberalisation, eg the last political prisoners were amnestied last year. But the government (and the judiciary) are still apt, on occasions, to be arbitrary and harsh.

Right No.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Political prisoners were all amnestied last year.

But continuing police high-

handedness means that Senegal's record is not entirely unblemished.

Torture is not used (but conditions in prison are said to be grim).

Senegal was one of the major depots for the slave trade with America in former days, but slavery does not now exist.

Rating suggested

The Ministry of Information controls the newspaper (Le Soleil - quite informative) and broadcasting (ORTS). Some independence is allowed to both. Foreign papers can be freely bought.

by Post

2

5

(v)

The judiciary appears generally impartial, but there are stories of harsh justice.

3

(vi)

The trade unions are integrated with ruling party. Union freedoms (e.g. the right to strike) are severely curtailed.

5

(vii)

Freedom of emigration is not a serious issue at present. There appear to be no unreasonable restrictions.

1

CONFIDENTIAL