TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 185

SEYCHELLES

Report by British High Commission, Victoria

General Observations

1.

Seychelles became Independent on 29 June 1976. This assess- ment is therefore based on a very brief history. The provisions in the Constitution safeguarding human rights have not been altered and may be enforced through the Supreme Court of Seychelles.

2. Over the next twelve months we expect little change; there is indeed commendably little room for improvement. In a small vul- nerable community like Seychelles there are fairly obvious con- straints on the actions of individual persons and of those in authority, which counteract any tendency to excess. There may be some small deterioration, however, in respect of freedom of speech and trade union freedom.

Right No.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

The right to personal liberty is safeguarded by Article 14 of the Constitution; Article 25 provides for the protection of persons detained under emergency laws.

Torture is not used. Article 16 of the Constitution provides for protection from inhuman treatment.

There is no slavery. Article 15 of the Constitution provides for protection from slavery and forced labour.

Article 21 of the Constitution pro- vides for protection of freedom of expression. There is no television. The only internal radio and the main newspaper are government owned and closely controlled.

Rating suggested by Post

O

O

0

1

(v)

The judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President, but may be removed only after investigation by a tribunal with appropriate medical or legal qualifications.

0

(vi)

Article 22 of the Constitution provides for protection of freedom of assembly and association. In practice the unions are

0

connected with the two political parties which are now in coalition.

(vii)

Article 23 of the Constitution provides for protection of freedom of movement.