A/HRC/28/50 I. Introduction 1. In the present report, submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 25/35 of 28 March 2014 the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights assesses the human rights situation in Guinea in 2014. He also provides information on the activities of the country office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guinea and makes a number of recommendations to the Government and the international community. II. Main political, security, social and economic developments 2. In January 2014, the new National Assembly was formed following the parliamentary elections of September 2013. Guinea is currently preparing for its 2015 presidential elections at a time of severe difficulties in the economic, health and social spheres. The pace of the dialogue between the Government and the opposition is slow. The opposition parties have presented a list of demands, which includes the restructuring of the Independent National Electoral Commission and annulment of the legislation it had put in place, the recruitment of a new technical operator and the resumption of the 2014 general population and housing census. 3. In view of this tense situation, it is essential to both encourage and ensure political dialogue as the controversy over the electoral system could fuel inter-ethnic violence. It is vital that the presidential elections be held in a peaceful and transparent manner. 4. In early 2014, an epidemic of Ebola virus broke out in Guinea and quickly spread to other West African countries. To deal with the spread of the virus, the Government established an institutional and operational framework for disease control and adopted a national response programme. It also set up an interministerial committee, a national coordination committee and district-level technical coordination committees in the areas affected by the outbreak. These measures were accompanied by awareness-raising campaigns in the areas concerned, including in rural districts. 5. Nevertheless, the Ebola virus continued to spread rapidly, ultimately affecting all areas of the country. Both the outbreak and the restrictive measures taken to prevent it from spreading — including border closures by neighbouring countries — have caused a substantial reduction in State revenue as well as the loss of jobs and income for many people. Growth forecasts for 2014 have been revised downwards from 4.6 per cent to 2.3 per cent and, as a result, the Government has been forced to make substantial cuts to basic social services budgets. 6. During 2014, Guinea also experienced social unrest and violence, including lynchings. With regard to social protests, the main demands related to better living conditions and improvements to basic social services. There were occasional demonstrations by women and young people in the suburbs of Conakry between February and August 2014, with protesters demanding water, power supplies and improved sanitation in their neighbourhoods. The demonstrations were marred by the deaths of two people – a civilian and a trainee gendarme. III. Situation of human rights 7. The Government took steps in 2014 to ensure greater promotion and protection of human rights. The Ministry of Justice continued its reform of the judicial system with the establishment of the Supreme Council of Justice and a commission on criminal law reform; 4 GE.15-03278