Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam chaired an initial meeting with non-governmental organisations working with vulnerable youth and families. The talks mark the start of a broader consultation process launched by the government following recent unrest in the country. The meeting aimed to understand underlying factors behind the events and difficulties faced by the population, particularly young people.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Social Security Ashok Subron, Minister Delegate for Tourism Annabelle Savabaddy, and Member of Parliament Rubna Daureeawoo. The government chose to begin consultations with NGOs due to their direct knowledge of realities faced by vulnerable youth and families. Their experience is vital in identifying difficulties and potential shortcomings in existing support mechanisms.
During the almost three-hour session, the Prime Minister invited attendees to speak freely and candidly. Discussions covered key issues including education, employment, financial precariousness, mental health, substance abuse, domestic and sexual violence, discrimination, and social integration. The government aims to learn lessons from the unrest and address its root causes to better support young people.
This first meeting will be followed by consultations with interfaith committees, ministries, parastatal organisations, and active civic forces across the country. Contributions gathered will be used to establish an accurate assessment of the situation and determine priority interventions. An implementation schedule will be finalised featuring deadlines, identified responsibilities, and measurable targets.
The government emphasised its intention to ensure the initiative moves beyond consultations to deliver concrete decisions, binding commitments, and verifiable results. Ministers aim to address root causes of vulnerability, strengthen prevention, and foster social and professional inclusion of young Mauritians over the long term. This approach will be subject to rigorous monitoring.
The consultation process reflects the government's recognition of the complexities surrounding the recent unrest. By engaging with various stakeholders, the government seeks to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues and create effective solutions. The involvement of multiple ministries and organisations underscores the government's commitment to a collaborative approach.
The outcome of the consultations will inform the development of targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations. The government's efforts to address the root causes of unrest and promote social inclusion are expected to have a lasting impact on the country's youth. The implementation schedule will serve as a roadmap for the execution of these initiatives.
Key points
- The Mauritian government launches a consultation process with NGOs to address root causes of recent unrest
- Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam chairs an initial meeting with NGOs to discuss key issues affecting vulnerable youth and families
- The government aims to deliver concrete decisions and verifiable results through its consultation process
