Mauritanian Authorities Continue to Block Registration of Human Rights Organizations

The Collective of Widows and Orphans of the Humanitarian Passive has been unsuccessfully seeking official recognition since 2010, despite three attempts over the past decade. The organization, which advocates for justice for victims of past human rights violations, remains unrecognized due to administrative barriers imposed by the government.

Authorities have twice demanded that the organization change its name as a condition for registration—a request its leaders have refused. The lack of legal status has severely limited the Collective’s ability to operate freely.

In July 2018, leaders of the Collective, along with representatives of two other organizations, faced a travel ban as they attempted to attend the 64th session of the UN Committee Against Torture in Geneva. Mauritanian authorities confiscated their travel documents at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, preventing them from engaging in international advocacy efforts.