Human rights in Uruguay

The Republic of Uruguay is located in South America, between Argentina, Brazil and the South Atlantic Ocean, with a population of 3,332,972.[1] Uruguay gained independence and sovereignty from Spain in 1828[2] and has full control over its internal and external affairs.[3] From 1973 to 1985 Uruguay was governed by a civil-military dictatorship which committed numerous human rights abuses.[4][5]

Uruguay is generally committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and ranks as the most rights conscious nation in South America.[6] However areas of concern remain, including inhumane prison facilities, access to justice for crimes committed as a result of the dictatorship and discrimination towards women.

  1. ^ "Population". CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 14 April 2015.
  2. ^ Lewis, James R.; Skutsch, Carl (2001). The Human Rights Encyclopedia. New York: Sharpe Reference. p. 563. ISBN 0765680238.
  3. ^ "Constitution of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Art. 4". Refworld. United Nations Refugee Agency. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  4. ^ Lutz, Ellen L.; Sikkink, Kathryn (2000). "International Human Rights Law and Practice in Latin America". International Organization. 54 (3): 633–659. doi:10.1162/002081800551235. ISSN 1531-5088. S2CID 154796412.
  5. ^ Laber, Jeri (1976-03-10). "Torture and Death in Uruguay". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  6. ^ "Freedom in the World: Uruguay". Freedom House. Archived from the original on 13 May 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2015.