allowed the resumption of diamond exports from “compliant zones”. During 2016, Berberati, Boda, Carnot and Nola, all in the southwest, were deemed to be “compliant zones”. RIGHT TO AN ADEQUATE STANDARD OF LIVING According to the UN, 2.3 million of the population of 4.8 million needed humanitarian assistance and 2.5 million people remained food insecure. As a result of the conflict, household incomes fell and food prices rose. Basic health services and medicines were provided almost entirely by humanitarian organizations following the collapse of the health system. Less than half of the population had access to effective health care, and virtually no psychosocial support was available. According to the UN, only about a third of the population had access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities. 1. Mandated to protect, equipped to succeed? Strengthening peacekeeping in Central African Republic (AFR 19/3263/2016) CHAD Republic of Chad Head of state: Idriss Déby Itno Head of government: Albert Pahimi Padacké (replaced Kalzeubet Pahimi Deubet in February) The armed group Boko Haram continued to commit abuses around Lake Chad, killing people and looting and destroying property. The violence and the government’s response displaced tens of thousands of people, who then faced dire living conditions, including little access to water and sanitation. Presidential elections in April took place against a backdrop of restrictions on freedom of expression, excessive or unnecessary use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and enforced disappearances. More than 389,000 refugees continued to live in harsh 114 conditions in crowded camps. Former President Hissène Habré was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Extraordinary African Chambers (EAC) in Senegal for crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture committed in Chad between 1982 and 1990. ABUSES BY ARMED GROUPS Boko Haram carried out attacks on civilians and security forces, killing people and looting and destroying private property and public facilities. On 31 January, at least three people, including a member of a vigilante group, were killed in two suicide attacks by Boko Haram in the villages of Guié and Miterine, Lake Chad region, and more than 56 people were injured. FREEDOMS OF EXPRESSION AND ASSEMBLY The rights to freedom of expression and of association were violated. Human rights defenders continued to be threatened and intimidated, and access to social media was regularly restricted. On 19 March, the government banned all demonstrations that were not part of the election campaign. On 6 February, 17 peaceful protesters were arrested in the capital, N’Djamena. They were held for two days at the judicial police headquarters, where they were beaten and had tear gas thrown into their cell. At least two of them needed intensive care treatment in hospital. Between 21 and 23 March, four activists were arrested and charged with “disturbing public order” and “disobeying a lawful order” for planning to organize a peaceful demonstration. They were detained in Amsinene Prison in N’Djamena from 24 March to 14 April. On 14 April they received a four-month suspended sentence and were prohibited from “engaging in subversive activities”. On 4 April, activist Dr Albissaty Salhe Alazam was charged with “incitement to take part in an unarmed gathering”, “disturbing public order” and “disobeying a lawful order” for organizing a peaceful Amnesty International Report 2016/17