The 89th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights was held in Dakar, Senegal, with Mauritius' junior minister for Foreign Affairs, Rajen Narsinghen, participating in the event. During the session, Narsinghen presented the country's 11th periodic report on the implementation of the African Charter. The report highlighted Mauritius' progress in protecting fundamental freedoms and the legislative and institutional reforms undertaken since the new government took office in November 2024.
Rajen Narsinghen emphasized that Mauritius' commitment to human rights goes beyond constitutional principles and laws, and must be reflected in the daily lives of citizens through the protection of their dignity, respect for fundamental freedoms, and better access to justice. He cited the 2025 constitutional reform, which enshrines the absolute prohibition of torture and inhumane or degrading treatment. The Mauritian delegation also discussed the amendments to the Penal Code, the strengthening of legal aid, and measures to improve access to justice.
The African Commission's members questioned the Mauritian delegation on several issues, including the independence of the National Human Rights Commission, children's rights, women's protection, detention conditions, and freedoms of assembly and manifestation. The Mauritian delegation stated that reforms were planned to strengthen the autonomy and independence of the National Human Rights Commission. Rajen Narsinghen added that Mauritius is committed to continuing a constructive dialogue with the African Commission and that its recommendations would contribute significantly to efforts to strengthen institutions and ensure more effective protection of human rights.
The Chagos archipelago was also a significant topic in the discussions. The Mauritian delegation reaffirmed that the archipelago is an integral part of Mauritian territory, citing the 2019 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The delegation presented measures planned for the Chagossian community, including the creation of a trust fund and preparations for a possible resettlement program. The Mauritian authorities also outlined measures related to the rights of people with disabilities, gender equality, protection of the elderly, and combating domestic violence.
Due to time constraints, the Mauritian delegation was unable to respond to all the questions raised and committed to providing written responses within 30 days. The Commission will then formulate its final observations at the beginning of 2027, marking a new stage in the examination of Mauritius' compliance with its obligations under the African Charter. The Mauritian delegation's presentation was part of the country's efforts to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and to engage in a constructive dialogue with the African Commission.
The session was an opportunity for Mauritius to showcase its progress in promoting and protecting human rights. The country's engagement with the African Commission reflects its commitment to upholding human rights standards and to addressing the concerns of the international community. The Mauritian delegation's participation in the session demonstrates the country's willingness to engage in a constructive and transparent manner with regional and international human rights mechanisms.
The African Commission's review of Mauritius' human rights record is an important step in promoting human rights in the region. The Commission's observations and recommendations will provide valuable guidance to Mauritius as it continues to strengthen its human rights framework and to address the challenges it faces in promoting and protecting human rights.
Key points
- Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to human rights during the 89th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in Dakar, Senegal.
- The Mauritian delegation presented the country's 11th periodic report on the implementation of the African Charter, highlighting progress in protecting fundamental freedoms and legislative reforms.
- The Commission will formulate its final observations at the beginning of 2027, marking a new stage in the examination of Mauritius' compliance with its obligations under the African Charter.
