Universal Periodic Review 31: Mauritius
This UK statement was delivered during the 31st session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Mauritius's Human Rights Record on 7 November 2018.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The United Kingdom welcomes Mauritius’s continued engagement in the UPR process. Whilst encouraged by Mauritius’s amendments to the Protection from Domestic Violence Act in 2016 we note that statistics reflect concerning levels of gender-based violence, and that it is likely that the problem is under reported.
With regard to the comments made by Mauritius about the British Indian Ocean Territory in their national report, the UK has no doubts about its sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago which was ceded to Britain in 1814 and which it administers as the British Indian Ocean Territory.
We recommend:
- Taking urgent steps to address gender-based violence by strengthening investigations, prosecutions and convictions, and by introducing public information campaigns to encourage victims to report such crimes and to deter further offences.
- Further strengthen partnership between governments, civil society and the business sector to eliminate forced and bonded labour from supply chains in Mauritius.
- Adopting an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.
Thank you Mr President.