2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Bulgaria
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Bulgaria is a constitutional republic governed by a freely elected unicameral National Assembly. A coalition government headed by a prime minister led the country for seven months; a caretaker government, appointed by the president, led the country for the rest of the year. National Assembly elections were held on October 2, and the Central Election Commission reported no major irregularities. International and local observers considered the elections to be generally free and fair but noted some deficiencies.
The Ministry of Interior is responsible for law enforcement, migration, and border control. The State Agency for National Security, which reports to the Prime Minister’s Office, is responsible for investigating corruption and organized crime, among other responsibilities. The army can assist with border security. The National Protective Service is responsible for the security of dignitaries and answers to the president. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. There were reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses.
Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: cruel or degrading treatment by authorities, including of detainees, migrants, and displaced and institutionalized children; arbitrary arrest; serious problems with the independence of the judiciary; serious government corruption; crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting members of the Roma community; and crimes involving violence or threats of violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons.
Authorities took steps to identify, investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights abuses and corruption, but government actions were insufficient, and impunity was a problem.
A full translation of the report in Bulgarian will be coming soon.
Click here for the full English language version of the report: https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/bulgaria/
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