African Countries Get Mixed Record on Human Rights

The U.S. State Department's annual human rights report, released Tuesday, says some African countries are making progress, while others are regressing or lagging behind.

The report praises Liberia, noting that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dismissed some corrupt officials, and that her government is investigating war crimes committed during the country's civil war.

But the U.S. report has harsh words for Zimbabwe, saying the Mugabe government continues "across-the-board" human rights violations.

The report is even harder on Eritrea's government, which it says continues to be one of the most repressive in sub-Saharan Africa.

There is especially strong criticism of Sudan. The report says the Sudanese government and government-backed Janjaweed militia bear responsibility for what the U.S. calls the genocide in Darfur. - VOA News