After more than 37 years of war, Angola has enjoyed peace since the ceasefire accords were signed in April 2002. The absence of armed conflict for the first time in the lives of most Angolans is, in itself, the most important indication of progress in human rights. Still, access to justice is limited, the judiciary is weak, and there are serious limits to press freedom and to civil society activities. Even with the country’s massive mineral wealth and economic growth, the most serious human rights challenge is abject poverty, with 68 per cent of the population living below the poverty line. Access to health, education, land, food and adequate housing,water and sanitation need to be improved, particularly for women. Maternal and child mortality rates are among the highest in the world.
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