Mauritania
Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from:
Political Prisoners and Detainees
There were no reports of political prisoners or detainees.
Section 2. Respect for Civil Liberties, Including:
Freedom of Association
The law provides for freedom of association, and the government generally, but not in every instance, respected this right. During the year authorities continued to prevent several NGOs, including prominent antislavery organizations, from registering and legally operating. The law requires that the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization grant authorization prior to an association operating in the country. On February 18, the government held workshops with NGOs and members of civil society to get feedback on a proposed law that would alter the registration process for associations and allow NGOs that have been denied registration a chance to operate more freely.