Many Pygmies in Congo live as slaves to Bantu masters. The nation is deeply stratified between these two major ethnic groups. The Pygmy slaves belong from birth to their Bantu masters in a relationship that the Bantus call a time-honored tradition. Even though the Pygmies are responsible for much of the hunting, fishing and manual labor in jungle villages, Pygmies and Bantus alike say Pygmies are often paid at the master's whim; in cigarettes, used clothing, or even nothing at all. Now UNICEF and human-rights activists are speaking out. On the 30 December 2010, the Congo parliament adopted a law for the promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples. This law is the first of its kind in Africa, and its adoption is a historic development for indigenous peoples on the continent.

As of 2008, main media is owned by the government. There is one government-owned television station, three government-owned radio stations, and three private pro-government radio stations, and a government-owned newspaper.

See also

• Freedom of religion in the Republic of the Congo
  Freedom of religion in the Republic of the Congo
  Christianity is the majority religion in the Republic of the Congo, followed by about 91% of the population. Denominations include Roman Catholic 50.5%, Protestant 40.2%, Muslim 1.3%, Animism 2.2%, Baha’i 0.4% and other 2.2%....
  
  
• LGBT rights in the Republic of the Congo

External links

• Pygmies of the Congo Basin Endangered peoples of the African rainforests
• Amnesty International's 2011 Annual Report on the Republic of the Congo