Human Rights Report CIA Factbook Introduction Paraguay's emerging democracy is very fragile and is facing difficult political, social, environmental, and economic demands. The U.S. Government's main policy objective in Paraguay is to consolidate and strengthen democracy in an effort to help preserve stability in the region. Environmental degradation and high population growth are also key U.S. regional and global interests. Paraguay has taken important steps since its transition to democracy began in 1989. Despite earlier accomplishments, the transition has been inconsistent and needs to be consolidated.
Democratic institutions remain weak and confidence in the government is extremely low.
The Executive Branch now seeks to balance participative democracy against the political forces that attempted a coup in 1996. Paraguay also faces issues of rampant corruption, modernizing the state, and tackling socio-economic and environmental problems. An effective legal and regulatory framework, supported by a professional judiciary, is fundamental to Paraguay's continuing democratic and economic development. These represent a major structural reform of Paraguay's criminal justice system. Paraguay is developing innovative activities with local governments to provide services to their communities through the decentralization of basic public services, starting with primary health care and sanitation services.