New Research Report: Comparative study and findings on the impact of criminal, security and other exceptional laws and policies in select Francophone and Lusophone countries (Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire and Mozambique)

This report highlights the impact of criminal, security and other exceptional laws and policies that are deemed discriminatory, exclusionary, and incompatible with international human rights standards in select Francophone and Lusophone African countries, notably, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique. The countries were chosen due to their distinct legal traditions, each shaped by different colonial legacies, which adds depth to the comparative analysis. In each country, archaic laws remain embedded within their Penal Codes, many of which have little relevance in today’s context. In addition, newer laws have been introduced and are actively enforced by local and national governments, often with a discriminatory impact particularly on marginalised groups. In addition to examining criminal, security, and exceptional laws, the country reports also explore the historical and political context, constitutional and legislative reforms over the past 25 years, the broader legal framework, relevant regional and international human rights instruments, and the roles of oversight and monitoring bodies.