ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS COMMITTEE EXAMINES REPORT OF MAURITIUS

Press Release
HR/4250

ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS COMMITTEE EXAMINES REPORT OF MAURITIUS

GENEVA, 27 November (United Nations Information Service) -- The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights this morning began consideration of the initial report of Mauritius on its implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Introducing the report, the delegation of Mauritius stated that the country had succeeded in fulfilling its obligations in the economic and social areas by keeping a constant growth rate during the last two decades. Mauritius also reiterated its strong attachment to the values of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The delegation was led by Michel Dedans, Permanent Representative of Mauritius to the United Nations at Geneva, who stressed that his country was strengthening its democratic systems by promoting and protecting human rights. He also underlined the importance Mauritius attached to the international obligations of the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. He was accompanied by Satyajit Boolell, Principal State Counsel of Mauritius.

Mr. Boolell, introducing his country's initial report, stressed that there had been an impressive increase in the country's economic performance during the last two decades. That economic progress and the improvement in the quality of life were closely interrelated with the promotion of democracy and the implementation of international human rights standards. He also told the Committee that in accordance with the country's Constitution, which stipulated that a general election be held every five years, the forthcoming election would be held on 20 December.

He recalled that the legislative reform undertaken in 1995 had reaffirmed the equal status of men and women and the non-discrimination of women. He acknowledged, however, that certain prejudices against women had continued to persist in the society. Further efforts and education had to be devoted towards reversing that situation, he said. The law guaranteed equal opportunity in the fields of employment, including public posts, as well as access to health care and education.

With regard to the status of Creole, the delegation underlined that English was the official language. But the Government encouraged different segments of the population to speak in their own vernaculars. Creole was not taught in schools.

Committee members praised the quality of the information provided by the Government of Mauritius regarding the economic, social and cultural rights of the population. They also commended the legislative reform undertaken to affirm the non-discrimination of women.

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