Governments range from brutal dictatorships to weak democracies. Ethnic conflicts and discrimination against minorities are problems in most countries. Internal wars rage in several parts of the region. Child prostitution and child labor are relatively common, and children and adults in some countries risk having their limbs blown off by land mines. Prison conditions are generally bad, police abuses are common and torture is practiced in some of these countries.
Freedom of expression varies from country to country, but it's generally restricted.