A wreath laying ceremony to mark the International Human Rights Day 2021 was held, this morning, at the monument erected to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in front of the Port-Louis Theatre. The memorial was unveiled on 08 October 1998 by the then Lord Mayor of Port-Louis, Mr. Luc Désiré Marie and the Director at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Mr. Doudou Diène.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr. Alan Ganoo and other eminent personalities laid wreaths in front of the memorial.
The Lord Mayor of Port Louis, Mr. Mahfooz Moussa Cadersaib, the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (Human Rights Division), Ms Asha Burrenchobay, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mrs Christine Umutoni, were among those who participated in the ceremony.
In a statement, Minister Alan Ganoo highlighted that the world is today commemorating the International Human Rights Day 2021, which he emphasised is a key event. He recalled that in this context, he launched yesterday, the 09 December 2021, Mauritius’ National Human Rights Action Plan Progress Report for the period 2012-2020.
He underscored that since its independence in 1968, Mauritius has been adhering to the universal values of democracy, good governance, the rule of law, promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens.
Furthermore, Mr. Alan Ganoo pointed out that various Human Rights Institutions have been set up to protect and defend the fundamental rights of all citizens, such as the Office of Ombudsperson for Children, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Independent Police Complaints Commission, along with the Judiciary.
The Foreign Affairs Minister spoke about the theme of this year’s event, which is ‘EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights’, and remarked that the Government has always acted address poverty, inequalities and discrimination. He dwelt on the range of facilities that Mauritius as a welfare state provides, namely the provision of free public health services, education, social housing, minimum salary and other social aids during the COVID-19 pandemic including the Wage Assistance Scheme. He asserted that Mauritius will continue to progress in its agenda to promote, protect and defend human rights and work in line with this year’s theme.
Besides, the Minister highlighted that Mauritius has signed most of the international conventions and treaties regarding the protection of Human Rights and reaffirmed Government’s intent to continue to uphold Human Rights of all citizens.
