Guinea-Bissau: Addressing Key Challenges

Corruption and Organized Crime

Corruption is a pervasive issue in Guinea-Bissau, with politicians often chosen based on corrupt practices and patronage networks. This has led to a weak response to organized crime, including cocaine trafficking and illicit logging. The government’s inability to address these crimes erodes public confidence and undermines the rule of law.

Challenges Facing the Judicial System

The judicial system in Guinea-Bissau faces numerous hurdles:

Corruption: Prosecutors and judges are hindered by corruption within the system.
Inadequate Resources: The system lacks sufficient human and physical resources, including funding for specialized units.
Training and Effectiveness: Law enforcement agencies are inadequately trained, and issues like low and irregular wages undermine their effectiveness.

Economic Challenges

Guinea-Bissau faces significant economic challenges, including:

Extreme Poverty: A substantial portion of the population lives below the extreme poverty line.
Vulnerability to Exploitation: The country is vulnerable to exploitation and forced labor.

There are concerns about the lack of systematic support for victims and witnesses, as well as the government’s failure to identify and refer trafficking victims. This highlights the need for a witness protection program and more effective measures to protect human rights.

Media Restrictions

The media sector in Guinea-Bissau faces restrictions and limited press freedom. Censorship, intimidation, and attacks on journalists are common occurrences, despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of the press.

Civil Society Challenges

Civil society organizations in Guinea-Bissau are described as weak, under-resourced, and fragmented. While NGOs generally have the freedom to operate, they face occasional intimidation and obstacles. Addressing these challenges will be crucial in building a stronger civil society that can effectively advocate for human rights and social justice.