Mauritius: Human Rights Must Be Central to New Government’s Agenda

The new government of Mauritius, under Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, is urged by Human Rights Watch to prioritize human rights. Key areas of focus include the rights of the Chagossian people, protections for LGBT individuals, and inclusive education for children with disabilities. The government must adopt comprehensive policies and engage in public education to promote these fundamental rights, ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.

Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam must prioritize human rights in all aspects of governance during his new term, as urged by Human Rights Watch. Having won a fourth term in the elections held on November 10, 2024, Ramgoolam previously held office from 1995 to 2000 and 2005 to 2014. In a letter directed to the prime minister, Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for systemic changes to enhance human rights protection in Mauritius.

A crucial aspect of the new government’s agenda should be to uphold the rights of the Chagossian people, particularly during ongoing negotiations with the UK government. Deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, highlighted, “The ongoing displacement of the Chagossian people is an ongoing colonial crime against humanity.” It is essential that the Mauritian government, along with the US and UK, facilitates the Chagossians’ right to return and obtain reparations.

Furthermore, the government should safeguard rights pertaining to privacy, freedom of expression and opinion, assembly, and access to information. Recently, leaked audio recordings before the November elections indicated state-sanctioned mass surveillance, leading to restrictions on social media access which hindered citizens’ rights. Such comprehensive limitations are incompatible with international human rights standards and obligations.

Another significant area for reform includes the legal protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Despite legislative progress, including a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2023, discrimination and violence against LGBT people persist. The government must enact comprehensive laws safeguarding these individuals’ rights and initiate educational campaigns to tackle societal stigma.

In addition, the new government must focus on ensuring inclusive education for children with disabilities. Although Mauritius recently guaranteed three years of free preprimary education and maintains a robust free education framework, children with disabilities remain largely excluded from mainstream education. This situation necessitates the adoption of policies fostering an inclusive educational environment and the provision of resources, such as sign language and Braille materials.

In summary, the new government of Mauritius is called upon to place human rights at the forefront of its decision-making. By addressing the needs of marginalized groups, enacting protective legislation, and promoting inclusive education, Mauritius can significantly advance its commitment to human rights both domestically and internationally. “Human rights should be at the center of the government’s policy decisions,” concluded Budoo-Scholtz, urging adherence to humane principles in governance.

The article emphasizes the imperative for the new government of Mauritius to prioritize human rights in various domains, including the rights of the Chagossian people, protections for LGBT individuals, and the inclusion of children with disabilities in education. Addressing these crucial issues will require comprehensive policies and public education, ensuring compliance with international human rights norms. The overarching message calls for a government that places human rights at the core of its policy decisions, fostering a more just and equitable society for all citizens.

Original Source: www.hrw.org