Human Rights Watch calls on Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to prioritize human rights in his new term, focusing on issues faced by the Chagossian people and ensuring privacy and freedom of expression. The organization stresses the need for protections for LGBT individuals and inclusive policies for children with disabilities. Legal reforms and public awareness campaigns are vital for advancing these rights.
Human Rights Watch has urged Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius to prioritize human rights in his new governmental term, which commenced following his election victory on November 10, 2024. Ramgoolam, who previously served as Prime Minister from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2005 to 2014, is called upon to address various human rights concerns, both domestically and in international relations, particularly regarding the Chagossian people’s rights.
Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that “ensuring respect for the rights of the Chagossian people in the continuing negotiations with the UK government should be a priority.” The Chagossians have faced severe repercussions due to their forced displacement to Mauritius and Seychelles by the United Kingdom to facilitate a United States military base. The government is encouraged to ensure their rights are recognized, enabling their return and pursuing reparations from the UK and US.
In addition, the government must safeguard the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, assembly, and access to information. Recent incidents surrounding leaked conversations among government officials leading up to the elections revealed the existence of state-sanctioned mass surveillance. Following the leaks, the government temporarily restricted access to social media, undermining freedoms critical during elections, although this suspension was lifted after public backlash.
Human Rights Watch advises against implementing blanket restrictions on internet access, noting that such measures contravene international human rights statutes and Mauritius’ obligations. Furthermore, the protection of rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals is essential. Despite recent legal advancements, such as a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that removed criminal penalties for “sodomy,” LGBT citizens still confront significant discrimination and violence.
To address these issues, effective legal protections for LGBT individuals should be enacted, coupled with educational campaigns to mitigate stigma and enhance awareness regarding sexual and gender diversity. Additionally, inclusive education for children with disabilities remains a significant area of concern. Although Mauritius now guarantees three years of free preprimary education, children with disabilities still experience inadequate integration into mainstream schooling.
The government is encouraged to formulate and revise legislation to ensure an inclusive educational framework for children with disabilities. Awareness campaigns and necessary training for educational professionals are also fundamental aspects of creating an inclusive educational environment as it pertains to accessibility and support for these children.
Budoo-Scholtz articulated, “Human rights should be at the center of the government’s policy decisions.” The new government is urged to fulfill its human rights responsibilities under both domestic and international law while carrying out its governance duties.
In conclusion, the new administration in Mauritius led by Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam is urged to prioritize human rights across various domains, including the rights of the Chagossian people, freedoms of expression, and protections for LGBT individuals. Addressing discrimination, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring quality inclusive education for children with disabilities are essential to align with international standards. By focusing on these principles, the government can fulfill its commitments and enhance the well-being of all citizens.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
