Brunei Darussalam
Background
The Southeastern Asian country, Brunei Darussalam, is an absolute monarchy or sultanate. Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888. It gained independence from the UK on January 1, 1984. However, the same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah celebrated the 50th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 2017. Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital. Located along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, it is bordered by the South China Sea and Malaysia. Brunei’s geographic coordinates are 4 30 N, 114 40 E. The official language is Malay (Bahasa Melayu), English, and Chinese dialects are also spoken. Ethnic groups in Brunei are Malay 65.8%, Chinese 10.2%, other 24% (2020 est.) The predominant and official religion is Muslim 80.9%, with a three-way spread among other beliefs Christian 7.1%, Buddhist 7.1%, other (includes indigenous beliefs) 5% (2016 est.)
Under a 1962 state of emergency, constitutional provisions safeguarding fundamental liberties remained suspended. The monarch, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, continued to exercise a wide range of executive powers, holding the offices of Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and head of the police. In July the Sultan ordered the reconvening of an appointed Legislative Council (last convened in 1984). The Council approved a constitutional amendment opening the way for the creation of a 45-member parliament, including 15 elected representatives.
Relevant Links
Brunei Darussalam Newsroom
February 18, 2016 • Report
Amnesty International State of the World 2015-2016
International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
February 25, 2015 • Report
State of the World 2014/2015
This has been a devastating year for those seeking to stand up for human rights and for those caught up in the suffering of war zones. Governments pay lip service to the importance of protecting civilians. And yet the world's politicians have miserably failed to protect those in greatest need. Amnesty International believes that this can and must finally change.
May 6, 2019 • Press Release
Brunei Darussalam: Sultan’s speech a first step to repealing ‘heinous’ laws
Responding to news that the Brunei authorities have announced they will continue to refrain from implementing the death sentence, including under the newly enacted Syariah Penal Code Order, and would …
February 22, 2016 • Press Release
Amnesty International’s Annual State of the World Report Slams Governments, Including the U.S., for Global Assault on Freedoms
On the launch of its 2015 State of the World report, Amnesty International USA urged President Obama to use his last year in office to bring U.S. laws and policies in line with international human rights standards.
February 18, 2016 • Press Release
Your rights in jeopardy, global assault on freedoms, warns Amnesty International
International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
