National Human Rights Commission Mauritius

National Human Rights Commission Mauritius The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is an independent institution established under the Protection of Human Rights Act 1998.

Its primary objectives are to promote and protect human rights.

Our last Sharing minds session hosted Mrs Virginie Bissessur and Ms Nudhar Bundhoo, from Pedostop, an NGO dedicated to t...
17/07/2026

Our last Sharing minds session hosted Mrs Virginie Bissessur and Ms Nudhar Bundhoo, from Pedostop, an NGO dedicated to the fight against child sexual abuse in Mauritius.

During the thought provoking interactions, avenues of collaboration between the two organisations were discussed, with a view of promoting, enhancing and protecting the rights of the children by way of legal reforms of significant importance to strengthening the protection of children's rights in Mauritius. Another topic addressed was the necessary support to the Judiciary, particularly through capacity-building initiatives for magistrates serving in the Children's Court and the Family Division.

Finally and not the least opportunities for collaboration with the Commission to strengthen child sexual abuse prevention efforts within schools and communities were also evoked.

On Monday 13 July, the NHRC met with Dr Tammy Ayres, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Leicester, ...
15/07/2026

On Monday 13 July, the NHRC met with Dr Tammy Ayres, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Leicester, and her research team Dr Lucy Evans (Postcolonial Literature, University of Leicester), organised by Dr Vijaya Teelock, Mrs Elodie Laurent and Mr Joel Valery.

The visit is part of an ongoing global interdisciplinary study on prison, drugs and mental health, spanning Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Dr Ayres shared insights from the UK prison sector's experience with drugs and mental health, stressing the need for a multiagency response. Dr Evans spoke on art therapy as a coping mechanism, already in practice at the women's prison in Mauritius through the work of Angele Angoh.

The researchers also engaged with the NHRC on recommendations and initiatives arising from NPMD visits and investigations into detainee incidents and complaints.

On 9 July 2026, the Commission welcomed Professor Collins Odote, UNODC Consultant, as part of a mission to assess nation...
13/07/2026

On 9 July 2026, the Commission welcomed Professor Collins Odote, UNODC Consultant, as part of a mission to assess national capacities and identify priority areas for technical assistance and cooperation in support of prison reform in Mauritius.

During the meeting, the NPMD presented its mandate, key achievements, principal challenges, and a summary of its observations and recommendations issued in 2025 and 2026.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of improving the working conditions of prison officers, recognising that adequate staffing, decent working environments and effective oversight are essential to ensuring safe, humane and rights-based detention conditions.

29/06/2026

📣 You're invited — Webinar

The National Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with the Commission against Torture of Dis-Moi, invites you to a webinar:
"How Do United Nations Treaty Bodies Understand Torture Today? — The Role of General Comments in Interpreting and Preventing Torture"

🗓 Wednesday, 1 July 2026

🕙 10:00 a.m. (Mauritius time)

💻 Online via Google Meet

The session looks at how UN treaty bodies interpret and develop international standards on the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment through their General Comments and General Recommendations, and what these instruments mean in practice for judges, legal practitioners, policymakers, public officials, academics, civil society and others working to strengthen human rights protection in Mauritius.

We are honoured to welcome Dr Ivana Machonová Schellongová, Human Rights Officer at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Manager of the OPCAT Special Fund, who will share her expertise on the subject.

The webinar is open to all. To join:

🔗 https://calendar.app.google/Fj6EjZWcvR8odxaMA

📰 Notre page mensuelle paraît aujourd'hui dans L'express Maurice.Ce mois-ci, trois regards sur les droits humains à Maur...
24/06/2026

📰 Notre page mensuelle paraît aujourd'hui dans L'express Maurice.

Ce mois-ci, trois regards sur les droits humains à Maurice.

Satyajit Boolell SC, président de la Commission, s'interroge sur ce qu'il appelle le pilier manquant de l'État. Le législatif, l'exécutif et le judiciaire ne suffisent pas : les droits inscrits dans la Constitution ne se protègent pas d'eux-mêmes. Il faut encore une institution capable de les faire respecter, et il plaide pour une Commission nationale des droits de l'homme véritablement ancrée dans la Constitution.

Jean Marie Richard retrace la genèse et l'évolution des droits humains, de Socrate et la Magna Carta jusqu'à la Déclaration universelle de 1948, puis aux défis du XXIᵉ siècle : intelligence artificielle, surveillance, climat, migrations.

Michel Vieillesse revient sur l'engagement de Maurice à travers l'OPCAT : prévenir la torture et protéger la dignité humaine dans les lieux de détention, grâce à un suivi indépendant fondé sur le dialogue et la coopération.

À lire dans l'express de ce mercredi 24 juin.

La dernière edition de notre plate forme interactive "Sharing Minds" était consacrée aux 40 ans de Grup A de Cassis et d...
22/06/2026

La dernière edition de notre plate forme interactive "Sharing Minds" était consacrée aux 40 ans de Grup A de Cassis et des 20 ans de Lakaz A . A cette occasion la National Human Rights Commission a partage avec Cadress Rungen la cheville ouvrière de ces deux organismes entoure des animateurs et accompagnateurs qui offrent un refuge chaleureux et sécurisant pour restaurer la dignité des personnes marginalisées de la société et vulnérables en raison de leurs addictions, ou de leur séropositivité ou en cure de désintoxication accompagnant. Le groupe A de cassis a vu le jours suite a une prise de conscience dans la localité de Cassis depuis les années 1980. A l’epoque nous pensions pouvoir résoudre le problème des addictions et leurs corollaires sociètaux au bout de quelques mois ...Quarante ans après nous sommes encore aux prises avec les variations sur le meme theme , declare Cadress Rungen avant d’aborder la Genese de Lakaz A qui a vu le jour 20 ans plus t**d en tant que centre d'accueil de jour emblématique géré par le Groupe A de Cassis. Son nom complet est synonyme de sa devise : Amour, Accueil, Amitié.

Pendant plus de deux heures Cadress n’a eu de cesse de raconter son demi siècle d'experiences d'anecdotes et d’engagement de tous les instants que ce soit comme infirmier des services penitentiaries ou comme animateur et accompagnateur du Grup A et subséquemment de Lakaz A. Un engagement qu'il a résolument mis au service de la Foi en l'humain et ce meme dans les situations les plus desesperantes

Missions et Services d’accompagnement

Lakaz A fonctionne comme une maison d'accueil de jour et propose des services pratiques essentiels :

Besoins fondamentaux : Distribution de petits-déjeuners, de repas chauds, accès à des douches (bain) et service de lessive.
Soutien psychosocial : Sessions d'écoute active, de dialogue sans jugement et orientation vers des structures médicales ou des centres de réhabilitation spécialisés.
Programmes spécialisés de l'ONG

L'association a élargi ses compétences pour encadrer l'ensemble de l'écosystème familial touché par les addictions soit Le Groupe SEL (Solidarité, Épanouissement, Libération) : Un espace de soutien et de parole destiné aux parents et familles souffrant de la dépendance d'un proche. Ils organisent des visites à domicile, dans les prisons et les hôpitaux.

CAZAdo : Un programme de prévention et de développement des compétences de vie (life skills) conçu spécialement pour les adolescents.
Zanfan Beni : Un encadrement ciblé sur la prévention des drogues chez les enfants de 5 à 11 ans issus de familles à risque.
Coordonnées et Contact officiel

Bien que liée historiquement au quartier de Cassis, la structure physique de Lakaz A se situe au cœur de Port Louis

Adresse physique : 12, Rue Saint-Georges, Port-Louis, Île Maurice

📞 Téléphone / Mobile : +230 5763 9070
📧 E-mail : [email protected]
🌐 Site web officiel : https://lakaz-a.com [1, 2, 3]

Last week, the Human Rights Division of the Commission successfully launched its Human Rights Education Programme on a p...
18/06/2026

Last week, the Human Rights Division of the Commission successfully launched its Human Rights Education Programme on a pilot basis at Simadree Virasawmy State Secondary School.

Approximately 170 students from Grades 11, 12 and 13 participated in the session, demonstrating remarkable enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement throughout the programme.

This pilot initiative marks an important step towards fostering a culture of human rights awareness, respect, responsibility and active citizenship among young people.

The overwhelmingly positive response received reinforces the importance of integrating human rights education within the learning environment in view of empowering students to become informed and responsible members of society.

The NHRC extends its sincere appreciation to the school management, educators and students for their warm welcome and active participation.

It was with an informative workshop organised by the management of St Mary's College, Rose Hill, with the support of the...
11/06/2026

It was with an informative workshop organised by the management of St Mary's College, Rose Hill, with the support of the NHRC that kick started the project of setting up a Human Rights Club of the College.

Some 40 students attended the workshop on Wednesday 10 June 2026. They were appraised of the role vision and mission of the NHRC. The next step will occur after the forthcoming holidays when the Human Rights Club will be structured and formalised around its activities.

The NHRC welcomes this initiative and the enthusiasm shown by the students. Engaging young people in human rights education is essential to building a culture of dignity, respect and civic responsibility.

Communique - 5 June 2026
07/06/2026

Communique - 5 June 2026

Last month, the Commission was honoured to participate in the commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia,...
04/06/2026

Last month, the Commission was honoured to participate in the commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 2026 under the theme "At the Heart of Democracy" organised by Collectif Arc-en-Ciel.

The Chairperson served as a panellist during this important discussion, highlighting the fundamental principle that democracy can only thrive when the rights, dignity and equality of all persons are respected and protected.

The exchange provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of inclusion, non-discrimination, equal participation and respect for diversity as essential pillars of a democratic society.

The NHRC remains committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of all individuals and to fostering a society where everyone can live free from discrimination, exclusion and violence.

Address

3rd Floor, Ebene Heights
Ebène

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 16:00
Thursday 09:00 - 16:00
Friday 09:00 - 16:00

Website

,https://nhrc.govmu.org/nhrc/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Annual-Report-2025.pdf

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