Human Rights Watch urges Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius to prioritize human rights in his new term, focusing on the rights of Chagossians, protecting privacy and free expression, and promoting the rights of LGBT individuals. The organization calls for inclusive education reforms for children with disabilities. Overall, the new government is encouraged to adhere to its human rights obligations.
The newly elected Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, is urged to prioritize human rights in all governmental policies as he embarks on his fourth term. Human Rights Watch has articulated that both domestic and international policy decisions must reflect respect for human rights, particularly concerning marginalized groups such as the Chagossian people.
Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, Deputy Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the rights of the Chagossians, who were forcibly displaced to make way for the U.S. military base. The organization calls on the Mauritian government to advocate for reparations from the United Kingdom and United States and ensure the Chagossians can return to their homeland without any restrictions.
In addition to addressing the situation of the Chagossian people, Human Rights Watch urges the new administration to safeguard rights pertaining to privacy, freedom of expression, assembly, and access to information. This advice follows concerning incidents during the lead-up to the elections where leaked recordings suggested state-sanctioned surveillance, leading to temporary social media restrictions that undermined freedom of expression.
It is critical that the new government refrains from imposing blanket restrictions on internet and social media access, aligning instead with international human rights standards to uphold citizens’ freedoms. Furthermore, Human Rights Watch notes the need for strengthened legal protections against discrimination targeting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Mauritius, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that honored the rights of LGBT individuals.
To advance equality for LGBT people, comprehensive legal measures should be enacted alongside public education campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination. Additionally, efforts must be made to ensure inclusive education for children with disabilities, who face numerous barriers in Mauritius. Despite recent advancements in providing free education, there is still a lack of integration of disabled children into the mainstream education system.
The government is called upon to implement a human rights-based approach to education for children with disabilities, which includes legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, and training for educators to foster inclusive environments. This is essential for the successful completion of education by children with disabilities, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive.
Human Rights Watch concludes with a call to action: “Human rights should be at the center of the government’s policy decisions,” asserting that the new government must adhere to its obligations under both domestic and international law.
In conclusion, as Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam commences his new term, it is imperative that human rights take precedence in governmental actions and policy developments. Addressing the plight of the Chagossians, safeguarding freedoms for all citizens, and ensuring inclusive education, particularly for children with disabilities, are fundamental to promoting a just society. The urgent appeal from Human Rights Watch highlights the necessity for comprehensive legal reforms and proactive measures in achieving these goals.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
