The Mauritian government recently announced the creation of an inter-ministerial committee to review and implement the recommendations of the Commission Justice and Truth (CJV). This decision comes 15 years after the CJV submitted its report, which contained over 200 recommendations to address social and economic inequalities in Mauritius. Historian and ex-vice-president of the CJV, Vijaya Teelock, shares her thoughts on the government's move.
Vijaya Teelock expressed surprise at the announcement, as it was not part of the government's program. However, she welcomes the initiative, provided that the committee genuinely reviews and updates the recommendations. The CJV had identified 20 key recommendations that could be implemented quickly, but Teelock notes that the situation in Mauritius has not improved significantly since the report was submitted in 2011.
According to Teelock, the CJV's report highlighted the need to address the situation of people from all communities who are at the base of Mauritian society. The commission had conducted extensive research, interviewing thousands of people, and its recommendations were formulated based on their input. Teelock emphasizes the importance of conducting similar research to assess the current situation and evaluate the progress made over the past 15 years.
Teelock notes that there is a general malaise in Mauritius, and recent events have highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the CJV's recommendations. She welcomes the Prime Minister's recent meeting with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and artists, but stresses that consultations with the public are essential to implement the recommendations effectively. The CJV's spirit was to work with both institutions and civil society, which was not done in the past.
The implementation of the CJV's recommendations requires a thorough evaluation of the situation, which Teelock believes should be done by institutions with the necessary resources and expertise. She mentions that some institutions, such as research centers and NGOs, have limited capacity for scientific research. A national-level study, involving multiple disciplines, is necessary to assess the situation accurately.
Teelock also highlights the need to address the root causes of social problems, such as poverty and lack of education. She cautions against communalizing issues and stresses that poverty affects all communities, not just one. The government should invest in a better system for detecting problems in children and provide education and parental support.
Finally, Teelock questions the effectiveness of lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 years, citing examples from other countries where the age has been increased. She advocates for a more comprehensive approach to addressing social problems, involving both the government and civil society.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has set up an inter-ministerial committee to review and implement the recommendations of the Commission Justice and Truth.
- Vijaya Teelock emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review of the CJV's recommendations and a national-level study to assess the current situation in Mauritius.
- Teelock cautions against communalizing social issues and stresses the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty and lack of education.
