Workers have the right to form or join associations, but no unions have been formed because of the small size of the wage economy. There are no laws specifically addressing collective bargaining. The judiciary is independent, and trials are conducted fairly. The local police are under the control of the civil authorities. However, in several cases, police were found guilty of mistreating citizens and were subsequently dismissed from the force.
Prison conditions meet minimum international standards.
Domestic abuse is a problem. State and societal responses are inadequate as it is commonly regarded as a private, family matter. The number of physical and sexual assault cases against women outside the family context has been increasing. Poor treatment of ethnic minorities in Kapinga Marangi in the Pohnpei state has worsened.