B. Constitutional and judicial frameworks 1°) Constitutional framework The Constitution of 20 July 1991, amended in 2006 and in 2012, provides for the establishment of several institutions including the Constitutional Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Court of Auditors, the Higher Islamic Council, the National Human Rights Commission… Article 1 of the Constitution stipulates: “Mauritania is an Islamic, indivisible, democratic and social Republic. The Republic ensures all its citizens equality before the law, without distinction as to origin, race, sex or social condition.” Article 3 enshrines the principle of democracy: “sovereignty belongs to the Mauritanian people, who shall exercise it through their representatives or by referendum”. The republican State is characterized by the principle of separation of powers. The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of five years, renewable once. The President defines national policy, which is implemented by the Government, led by a Prime Minister. Legislative power is exercised by the Parliament which adopts laws and is responsible for oversight of Government action. The Parliament includes the National Assembly and the Senate. Administrative organization is decentralized and devolved. Its territory is organized into several administrative levels: wilayas (15), moughataas (58) and districts (218). The various levels of the Administration each contribute to the political, economic and social development of the country. 2°) Judicial institutions The system of justice is based on the second-hearing principle (the same case may be tried in first and second instance). The system includes trial courts at the level of the moughataas and wilayas, appeal courts and a Supreme Court. A High Court of Justice is entrusted with the trial of the highest authorities in the State (President of the Republic and members of the Government). Constitutional justice is guaranteed by the Constitutional Council. A High Council dealing with fatwas and informal appeals allows users of the justice system to be directed towards solutions which comply with Islamic law. The Government enhanced the effectiveness of the justice system by bringing the courts closer to the people with the establishment of one appeal court in Aleg, two regional trial courts in North and South Nouakchott, a labour court in Zouerate and three criminal courts specializing in the fight against slavery. Furthermore, it has put in place a national strategy to combat corruption, and sectoral plans are being implemented by public departments to fight this phenomenon in collaboration with civil society, which ensures compliance with national anti-corruption laws. 12