Esquarian Freedom Index

The Esquarian Freedom Index (EFI) is an index published annually by the Esquarian Human Rights Monitor (EHRM). It assesses human rights in each Esquarian country based on that country's sociopolitical conditions.

The index is updated every year, with the EHRM publishing a full list of countries and their EFI scores in the January edition of Esquarian Light, its monthly magazine. Elaborated assessments of some countries are featured on the magazine, while assessments of all countries can be viewed on the website of the EHRM Information Center.

Along with the list of assessments, a "Human Rights in the World" map is published by Esquarian Light.

Scale

The EFI is based on a scale from 0 ("Very Poor") to 10 ("Strong"). There are three categories:

Very Poor (0-3) "Countries where basic human rights are outright disrespected due to routine government suppression, reprehensible social conditions or both"

Problematic (4-6) "Countries where human rights may be respected to some extent but various conspicuous violations of such rights are reported at a regular basis"

Strong (7-10) "Countries with a strong and healthy human rights record and robust commitment to rule of law"

The EFI assesses each country by two main areas - political freedoms and civil freedoms, each with a scale from 0 ("unfree") to 5 ("free"). Afterwards, the country's scores are added up to get the total score.

The following questions are asked when assessing a country's political freedoms:

• Does the country hold free and fair elections that meet international standards?
• Are there any politically motivated restrictions against certain groups?
• Do citizens of the country have the right to criticize their government through speech, writing or peaceful demonstration?
• Is there an independent judiciary?
• How frequent are cases of political violence in the country?

The following questions are asked when assessing a country's civil freedoms:

• Do citizens have a right to life?
• Do citizens have a right to live their normal lives without worrying about government repression, terrorism or other activities that may foster fear?
• How often do citizens face either official or unofficial discrimination due to their race, gender, religion, ethnic background, creed or sexual orientation?
• Are citizens employed in potentially dangerous or life-threatening jobs guaranteed adequate wages, due compensation and other things that protect their well-being?
• Are citizens' right to privacy from unwarranted intrusions safeguarded?

The treatment of prisoners, mortality rate and other factors are also considered when assessing a country's political and civil liberties.

List of Esquarian countries by EFI score

This is the current list of Esquarian countries by their EFI score, published in January 2016. Assessments of each country were affected by developments of the preceding year (2015).

Some countries do not have an assessment. The Esquarian Human Rights Monitor states that this is due to a lack of detailed information that makes an assessment possible.

Country/Region	Political Freedoms	Civil Freedoms	Total Score	Change from last year	Notes
Ainin	5	3	7	1	"Terror produces fear, but fear should never be an excuse to trample with people's rights. The Talonée bombings were followed by increased government surveillance and expanded government powers, all translating to less civil liberties. While we understand that authorities must take reasonable action after a heinous act of terrorism, we also believe that post-terror action should be that - reasonable."
Ambrose	3	2	5	1	"Although the country's steps towards democratization and a more open political process have moved Ambrose away from its troubled past, persisting problems such as corruption, military government, and the campaign against separatism force us to lower the score until obstacles to human rights such as government surveillance, restrictions on civil liberties, and martial law in some areas are all relaxed or abolished."
Template:Country data Ankoren	0	0	0
Template:Country data Arkiasis	5	5	10		"Arkiasis enjoys a stable democracy and a strong human rights record. Discrimination is not a problem and basic civil liberties are protected; the result is a higher quality of life that benefits all Arkiasians."
Template:Country data Arnborg	0	0	0		"If there's anything we have to say about Arnborg at the start of each year, it's that the country is known for its consistency in not being with the times. Arguably, Arnborg's racial laws are worse than Nevanmaa's, since they target a majority of the population. Not to mention the existence of an autocratic system intentionally designed to keep the Swedish minority in power and reject simple change."
Aucuria	5	4	9		"Aucuria is a healthy mix of democracy and conservatism. The country's next priorities should be to solve all problems regarding equality."
Britanno	5	5	10		"Britanno is a healthy democracy with a strong human rights record. Both have contributed to high standards of living in the country."
Template:Country data Chorea	5	3	8		"Chorea's democratization isn't complete yet - we are still waiting (and hoping) for the day direct elections and universal suffrage are implemented. Until then, there are more pressing issues Chorea needs to address: Chorea is one of the few countries that do not have an official minimum wage, trusting employers to pay workers fairly. As a result, millions of Choreans work longer but are paid less than people in other countries."
File:Fourthrepublicflag.png Codifin	5	5	10
File:Concord.png Concordia	5	4	9
Template:Country data Crolacia	5	5	10		"Like other Nordanian countries, Crolacia has a strong democratic system. Its socially liberal views also enable it to be an epitome of human rights deserving of emulation worldwide."
Daecon	4	4	8
Template:Country data Eisarndal	2	3	5	1	"Eisarndal still maintains the institutions limiting political discourse, such as the Committee for the Protection of the Revolution, to preserve the country's quasi-socialist nature. The country's leadership continues to allow some dissenting opinions, insofar that these dissenters don't gain political power or stray too far from what the government deems as 'civil politics'. While as a whole the country is less oppressive than it was decades ago, we cannot raise the score until the government seriously dedicates to improving the human rights of all Eisareans."
Template:Country data East Cortoguay	5	3	8		"As a growing economic powerhouse, East Cortoguay is becoming a stable democracy with a strong human rights record. However, the conflict with neighboring West Cortoguay compromises civil liberties. While it is difficult for countries with volatile neighbors to walk a fine line between liberty and security, but it isn't impossible."
Template:Country data Francilie	5	3	8	1	"The situation in Francilie has become alarming since the Liet administration took power. The law sponsored by Liet that would allow harsher action against migrants was struck down by the court, but it represents one of many attempted attacks on the country's democratic institutions. The current administration does not seem to be enthusiastic about protecting people's freedoms, but is more concerned with stifling them in the name of national purity. This is not the direction Francilie deserves to be headed in."
Template:Country data Freyhill	4	3	7		"Compared to other countries in the region, Freyhill's society is more liberalized and basic human rights are more valued. However, there are allegations of unchecked corruption in the top levels of the Freyhillian leadership, and reports of the Liberal Party controlling the mass media as a means of manipulating political discourse in its favor have been corroborated by our investigations. We believe that unless these problems are addressed, Freyhill will see little to no progress in our index."
Template:Country data Geadland	5	5	10		"We list Geadland as an epitome of human rights and a model deserving of emulation worldwide. Like many other EC member states, Geadland enjoys an immaculate human rights record; free speech and expression are protected and the country has a strong democratic tradition."
Template:Country data Irvadistan	0	0	0		"Like other Nautasian countries, Irvadistan is plagued with civil strife fueled by government repression and extremism. This has greatly decimated Irvadistan's human rights, if they even existed before the war."
Template:Country data Jahistic Union	0	3	3		"Since the death of Jarrod Thuman, the Jahistic Union is showing promising signs of enacting positive reforms. We aren't sure if these reforms will last, but until that time comes the country continues to live under an authoritarian single-party state that is willing to go great lengths to hold onto power."
Kaona	0	0	0		"Since the Civil War, the Communist regime has imposed a strict hold on mainland Kaona. The de facto single-party state and the absence of rule of law are the main catalysts of a repressive Kaonese society where disagreement with the authorities is punishable by death."
Template:Country data Kaskiria	0	0	0		"We don't surprise anybody when we say Kaskiria has zero human rights. It is widely recognized as one of the most repressive regimes in Esquarium; the state tightly controls the flow of information, preventing citizens from being educated about their rulers and the world around them."
Katranjiev	5	4	9		"Overall, Katranjiev manages to maintain a free, democratic and pluralistic society (a far cry from nearly 30 years ago when we rated Katranjiev as one of the the worst offenders of human rights); however, the secession of Riro has left Katranjiev with a smaller Namorese population. In many places, this would mean increased discrimination against minorities. Although that may not be widespread here, it is definitely something Katranjian authorities should watch out for."
Template:Country data Koyro	0	0	0		"Under the iron fist of Ohanka Jon Bak-su, Koyro's human rights record has deteriorated year after year. Koy people enjoy zero political or civil rights and live their daily lives in fear and intimidation."
Template:Country data Kraq	0	0	0		"Human rights abuses in Kraq come from all three sides of the civil conflict - the repressive regime of Ahmed Hussein, anti-regime rebels and the "Caliphate" militant organization. We do not expect the horrors in Kraq to end anytime soon so long as the warring sides refuse to abide by the rules of war and continue harassing civilians."
Template:Country data Lecistan	2	2	4	2	"Since the end of the Lecistani Civil War, Lecistan is making a slow recovery to a pluralistic democratic society. While we cannot say for sure that Lecistan is completely free due to the uncertainty wrought by Nevan influence and the rise of domestic extremists, we hope that Lecistan's newly-elected leaders are adequately committed to protecting the very institutions that allow rights to be respected."
Luziycaa	5	2	7		"We are concerned by the current administration's apparent reluctance to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law both at home and worldwide. President Sera Svensson's choice to hand Phikam to Kaona leaves millions at risk of having their rights deprived. She cooperated with outgoing president Breuvi Shjoraski to arrest Otekian exiles on unsubstantiated charges before sending them to Namor. While these moves do not harm Luziyca's human rights record overall, as progress was made on some fronts such as the abolition of the death penalty, they still send a signal to others that Bethlehem isn't 100% committed to defending 21st-century values."
Template:Country data Magane	4	2	6		"Magane is on the slow road to recovery from civil strife that killed up to 200,000 people. While we praise the current government's attempts at making sure that all walks of life are properly represented, more needs to be done to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable in society. Maganese need to be educated about what rights they have; such will prevent extremism and violence from flaring up in the future."
Template:Country data Masseau	5	4	9
Mingwok	2	4	6
Namorb	4	3	7		"Reforms in the People's Republic of Namor has led to improved political and civil liberties; however, its human rights situation isn't completely satisfactory. Child labor is still regarded as a means to an end in some places, as well as underpayment in wages. In Esquarium's most populous country, workplace abuse can be a serious problem. Namorese leaders need to learn when a price for progress is too high in order for their country to move forward."
Nevanmaa	3	1	4		"Nevanmaa's notorious racial laws are an impediment to the country becoming a bastion of human rights. While blacks make up a small minority of Nevanmaa's population, that is no excuse for them to be discriminated against in public. The government also routinely cracks down upon activities perceived as threatening to Nevanmaa's monarchist system and restricts basic civil liberties. But closer examination of Nevanmaa's political system shows that it is capable of change through reform. As such, we reluctantly place our hope on pro-reform figures who support human and civil rights by international standards."
Template:Country data Phikam	4	3	7		"Since reforms in the 1990s, Phikam went from being an authoritarian backwater to a prosperous society where basic political, civil and economic liberties are respected. But as Phikam prepares to come under Communist Kaonese control, it is uncertain whether this will remain the case. Judging from Kaona's authoritarianism, many Phikamese are rightfully anxious that reunification on Communist terms would lead to an erosion in human rights. The international community must make sure that after reunification, the Kaonese government will respect Phikam's democratic traditions, and protest loudly if it doesn't."
Template:Country data Pisdara	4	3	7	1	"Pisdara is making progress towards becoming a full-fledged liberal democracy that respects basic human rights. The political system of Pisdara has helped preserve this trend by promoting cooperation and consensus-making between competing interests. While we commend efforts to preserve human rights and the rule of law in Pisdara, we cannot help but note the rise in antidemocratic rhetoric within the island encouraged by authoritarian powers such as Ankoren. It remains to be seen whether Pisdara can withstand this and other challenges to its democratic development."
Template:Country data Riro	3	4	7	1	"It would be far-fetched to conclude that Riro is slipping back to the totalitarianism espoused by Huankun Chen, but we are alarmed by recent developments in the state since it declared independence from Katranjiev, namely the alienation of non-Liberationist groups, the promotion of Liberationism and policies that discourage Katranjians from living and working in Riro. Such moves are not conducive to the pluralistic and open society we had hoped an independent Riro would preserve."
Template:Country data Roubao	4	4	8		"Ever since the Peony Revolution Roubao transformed from the refuge of what was left of Unolia's authoritarian monarchy to a speck of democracy in the Unolian world. But the problems facing Roubao are similar to the problems facing East Cortoguay and other countries that border a militarily menacing neighbor. Civil liberties are compromised by government measures taken to preserve stability. Roubao faces more pressure from Unolia than East Cortoguay faces from West Cortoguay, but we're sure that Roubao too can maintain a balance between civil liberties and public security if it tries hard enough."
Senria	3	3	6		"For decades, Senria has existed in a state of dominant-party rule. While human rights abuses are scant under the ruling party, the lack of an independent judiciary and press leaves high the possibility of a future crackdown on dissent should the people feel compelled to raise their grievances with authorities."
Template:Country data Shibdan	5	3	8		"Race relations in Shibdan remains a problem. The government hasn't come to terms with its historic discrimination against natives. Today, Shibdan's natives have a tough time succeeding in society. A majority of the country's incarcerated are of native ancestry."
Template:Country data Teutonia (Esquarium)	0	0	0		"Teutonia stays in the list of 'Very Poor' countries. It has become obvious that if the country's totalitarian regime does not change its ways for the better, Teutonia will stick with its well-deserved score of 0."
Template:Country data Txotai Txotai, Namor	3	2	5		"Stability is returning to Txotai, but continued policies that undermine minority groups and curtail political and civil rights need to end. Currently, Namorese authorities refuse to see themselves as part of the problem - an obstacle to safeguarding human rights. We list Txotai as among the 'Problematic' polities so long as these policies remain in place."
Tuthina	0	0	0		"Lahudica's largest country seems more determined than ever to retain traditional values, but somehow isn't willing to do so the right way. The ages-old feudal system requires that subjects be totally subservient to their emperor. Dissent against the government is intolerable and often dealt with through executions, kidnappings and politically motivated assassinations. Tuthina is the one of the few countries in Esquarium where slavery not only exists but is endorsed; such a practice isn't even common in other countries with poor human rights records."
Vasturia	5	2	7		"Although Vasturia has a robust democratic tradition safeguarded by strong protections of freedom of speech, assembly, association, and the press, numerous issues remain. The Vasturian Government's insistence on maintaining its disturbingly draconian eugenics program continues to be the largest human rights concern in this traditionalist nation, whilst its heavy restrictions on contraception and abortion - combined with child quotas in an attempt to further the eugenics program and bolster the nation's fertility rate - remain severe infringements on individual rights. Furthermore, while there are virtually no reports of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, gender, or sexuality, and while there is no official or severe religious persecution, disturbing reports of underfunded secular schools, hospitals, and other institutions in comparison to their religious equivalents are other problems that must be addressed by Vasturia's government in the near future."
Template:Country data Versant Plateaus	5	5	10
Template:Country data Vestmark	5	4	9
Vjaarlandc	5	2	7		"Compared to other Nordanian countries, Vjaarland is socially conservative. There are no laws protecting minority groups (notably LGBTs) from discrimination. The government is prone to taking overreaching measures to maintain security, measures that threaten civil liberties. These and other issues should be addressed by Vjaarland's government, and we believe it is possible since the country has an overall strong democratic tradition."
Vitoria	4	4	8
Vyvland	5	4	9		"Vyvland is a stable democracy with a strong human rights record, in spite of the fact that around a quarter century ago part of it was ruled by an authoritarian regime. Yet that too has a lasting legacy - the existence of discrimination against minorities, particularly in the southern part of the country."
West Cedarbrook	5	3	8		"Overall, West Cedarbrook has a superb human rights record, but we still have some objections, namely the government's way in handling terrorism and turmoil in general. Cedarbrookese authorities need to understand the importance of countering terrorism without harming civil liberties, since it is possible to do both."
Template:Country data West Cortoguay	0	0	0		"Unsurprisingly, the Peralta regime's human rights record remains stained with repeated violations and we've seen no improvement, major or minor."
File:Nautwe.png West Nautarya	0	0	0		"West Nautarya is a theocracy whose citizens are subjugated under a strict interpretation of sharia law. Civil liberties are virtually non-existent and will stay that way unless the monarchy drops its dismissive stance towards human rights."
Xiaodong	1	1	2	4	"Over the past month, Xiaodong has become the site of disastrous attacks on liberty after the ruling Xiaodong Regeneration Society rigged an election to retain power, crushed protesters with military force, jailed opposition, stamped out free speech and a free media, resurrected the thought-dead censorship laws and surveillance system and endorsed police brutality and torture. The culture of child labour and a lack of worker safety laws remains untouched. For Xiaodong, it has now abandoned its previous commitment to democracy to engage in repression not seen in the country since the 1970s."

^a Includes all of Luziyca's overseas possessions
^b Does not include the territory of Txotai, which is assessed separately
^c Includes overseas territory of Mburiland

List of Esquarian regions by EFI score

According to the EHRM: "Overall speaking, there are more countries with strong human rights than there are countries that have problematic or outright poor human rights. But looking at the numbers, we could not help noticing that less than half of all Esquarian countries have strong human rights. It is a sign that more needs to be done in spreading human rights to every country on every continent."

Region	Strong	Problematic	Very Poor	No Information
Artisia	3 / 9 (33.3%)	1 / 9 (11.1%)	3 / 9 (33.3%)	2 / 9 (22.2%)
Lahudica	0 / 3 (0%)	1 / 3 (33.3%)	2 / 3 (66.6%)	0 / 3 (0%)
Nautasia	2 / 10 (20%)	0 / 10 (9%)	7 / 10 (70%)	1 / 10 (10%)
Nordania	12 / 14 (86%)	1 / 14 (7%)	0 / 14 (0%)	1 / 14 (7%)
North Conitia	4 / 7 (57%)	0 / 7 (0%)	1 / 7 (14%)	2 / 7 (29%)
South Conitia	7 / 20 (35%)	1 / 20 (5%)	2 / 20 (10%)	10 / 20 (50%)
North Velkia	2 / 9 (22.2%)	1 / 9 (11.1%)	4 / 9 (44.4%)	2 / 9 (22.2%)
South Velkia	10 / 12 (83.3%)	1 / 12 (8.3%)	1 / 12 (8.3%)	0 / 12 (0%)
TOTAL	40 / 85 (47%)	7 / 85 (8%)	20 / 85 (24%)	18 / 85 (21%)

Criticism

add angry government responses here

Arnborg

Arnborgese officials criticized the low score, stating that "since 1991, we no longer discriminate against race, but rather, only by nationality." It criticizes that Oteki and Namor are listed separately, but that the hemlands, which are "sovereign and independent, unlike Oteki," are not listed separately, with Arnborgese officials claiming that "the human rights abuses that the EHRM accuses us only happens in the hemlands, and these abuses only occur because the negro is unsuited to running a sovereign nation," and states that they'd have a "higher rating on the Esquarian Freedom Index" if it were not for the hemlands.

Kaskiria

The Kaskirian government, which has never earned anything higher than a zero on the index since the index's creation, has dismissed allegations of human rights abuses by the Esquarian Human Rights Monitor and other groups as "vicious and baseless libel and slander, fabricated with the intent of promoting treason within the borders of the mighty Kaskirian nation to weaken and enslave us." On at least one occasion, the Kaskirian regime has openly threatened to attack the offices of the EHRM "to exact justice against liars and swindlers who would tarnish the image of our powerful and prosperous nation." Kaskiria has also criticized that other Triumvirate nations have been given low scores, alleging that these low scores are part of a WETO-NOSDO campaign to slander, isolate, and ultimately destroy the Triumvirate.

Within Kaskiria, possession of any papers published by a human rights group, including the EHRM's Esquarian Freedom Index, is strictly banned can be used to charge an individual with slander, libel, sedition, insurrection, conspiracy, and treason. Those found guilty, if not executed, are likely to have them and their relatives sentenced to life in a prison camp.

Namor

The Esquarian Human Rights Monitor assesses Namor and Txotai separately (see list). On the "Human Rights in the World" map, "Namor" and "Txotai, Namor" are represented as separate polities. The Namorese government as well as the regional government of Txotai have objected to this portrayal, claiming it gives the impression that Txotai is not an integral part of Namor. Both pointed out that the EHRM does not do the same to dependencies of other countries (e.g. Dihlatora, Mburiland, and Tuleena are not assessed separately from their governing states). Several officials and legislators have accused the EHRM of "subtlety supporting the separatist agenda." There have been isolated incidents in which public displays of the "Human Rights in the World" map in Namor resulted in stiff fines and arrests, although in most cases display of the map is rarely met with official intervention.

EHRM stated that it assesses "Namor" and "Txotai, Namor" separately due to "differing human rights conditions in each region," not because it regards Txotai as a separate polity or country.

See also

• Organizations and Individuals Against Human Rights List