Throughout the country, delays in criminal proceedings and the lack of means of institutional support for the protection of citizens are factors that impede ordinary people’s access to justice. It is extremely difficult for the general population to access the services of lawyers, given the shortage of lawyers and the cost of their services. 302. The CSAR also notes the violence perpetrated by state officials, overcrowded prisons, poor conditions in prisons, and a relative lack of knowledge of legal procedures, methods of work and guidelines for professional action on the part of police officers. District courts and community courts exist and their operation is relatively effective. Recent proposals have been made for the creation of branches of the Supreme Court and the Administrative Court in the provinces. Several legal reforms have been undertaken to improve the justice sector, such as the creation of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) with a view to expanding the protection of human rights. 303. In surveys cited in the CSAR, most respondents felt that freedom of expression exists despite isolated violations. It is also necessary to legislate on the right of access to information, which is a constitutional right. The CSAR points out that 336 mass communication media currently exist in Mozambique, including radio, television, newspapers, magazines, newsletters and other publications. Despite this, full national coverage is still a challenge for the government and other sectors. In some districts, such as Mocuba, the community radio station is not allowed to broadcast a visit by a member of the opposition party before consulting the administrator or the secretary of the party in power, otherwise “someone will be punished”. Socioeconomic and Cultural Rights 304. The CSAR asserts that land is owned by the state, while citizens have the right to the use and enjoyment of the land. Both women and men have equal rights in this respect. However, there is inconsistency between the law and actual practice as, in some cases, foreigners are allocated land to the detriment of the local population. 305. One of the deficiencies noted by the CSAR is the insufficient presence in rural areas of banks and microfinance institutions, which limits the population’s opportunities to develop income-generating activities and create self-employment. There has been a gradual improvement in the welfare of the population, with recent estimates pointing to a reduction in poverty rates over the past six years. It is asserted the government has developed measures aimed at improving the conditions of housing, water supply and sanitation. 15 15 Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD). 2008. Report on the Millennium Development Goals: Mozambique 2008. Maputo: MPD. 118 A P R M COU N T RY R EV IEW R EP ORT NO. 11