GENEVA, 4 October 2023—The United Nations in Mauritius—which includes UNAIDS, UNFPA, OHCHR, UNDP and WHO—welcome today’s ruling by the Supreme Court of Mauritius that a discriminatory law criminalizing consensual same sex relations is unconstitutional and will be immediately struck from the legal code. Previously, under Section 250 of the Mauritian Criminal Code (which dated back to 1898) anyone convicted could have faced up to five years in prison. “The Supreme Court today overturned an obsolete colonial law and demonstrated its commitment to non-discrimination and leaving no-one behind,” said Lisa Singh, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mauritius. “The UN in Mauritius and internationally welcomes the decision of Mauritius to join the growing list of African countries protecting the human rights of everyone, including LGBTQI+ people.” The ruling noted that “Section 250 was not introduced in Mauritius to reflect any indigenous Mauritian values but was inherited as part of our colonial history from Britain. Its enactment was not the expression of domestic democratic will, but was a course imposed on Mauritius and other colonies by British rule.” It also noted that a growing number of countries have decriminalized consensual same sex sexual relations, including the United Kingdom which overturned its law in 1967.  “Mauritius' decision to decriminalize homosexuality is an important step forward for public health and a step towards equal rights, respect and dignity for the LGBTQI community,” said Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Director of UNAIDS’ Regional Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa. “UNAIDS applauds Mauritius for today’s decision which will mean that men who have sex with men will have much easier access to the health and social services they need without fear of arrest or criminalization. Work will need to continue to break down the barriers of stigma and discrimination towards the LGBTQI community, but today’s ruling is a positive step in the right direction. It will save lives.” Mauritius becomes the latest in a growing list of countries to declare that laws which have criminalized LGBTQI people are unconstitutional. However, UNAIDS estimates that 66 countries still have laws which criminalize consensual same sex relations. In addition to contravening the human rights of LGBTQI people, these laws impede access to health and social services, including HIV services. Such laws fuel stigma and discrimination against LGBTQI people and put them under constant fear of being punished or detained. The case was brought forward by Abdool Ridwan Firaas Ah Seek, President of Arc-en-Ciel, the largest and longest-standing organisation in Mauritius championing the human rights of LGBTQI people, and was supported by partners including the Human Dignity Trust. Civil society organizations, especially community-led organizations, are at the forefront of a global wave of progress that advances access to health for all. UNAIDS urges all countries to decriminalise same sex sexual relations. Decriminalization saves and changes lives. Maneesh Gobin, Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Mauritius said, “In keeping with its internationally acclaimed respect for the rule of law, Mauritius will indeed report to United Nations Member States at the next cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.” The Universal Periodic Review is a unique mechanism of the Human Rights Council that calls for each UN Member State to undergo a peer review of its human rights records every 4.5 years.  

A dissemination workshop was held in Ebène on 21 September 2023 to share the latest findings on the potential use of seaweed as biofertilizers to build the resilience of food systems in Mauritius. This event, placed under the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, was organised by the UNDP in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute of the Government of Mauritius (FAREI). Several stakeholders comprising representatives of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, officers from various ministries, and representatives from the University of Mauritius and the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) were present on this occasion. Mauritius and Seychelles import 77% and 90% of their food requirements respectively. These figures highlight the urgency for both countries to consolidate their local food systems and build resilience in the face of global shocks that may disrupt their supply chains. In this context, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office raised financial resources from the Joint SDG Fund to assist three UN agencies namely the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Development Programme and UN Women in sustaining the efforts of the two countries to improve their agriculture sectors and food self-sufficiency. Through the “Building the Resilience of Food Systems in Mauritius and Seychelles by Leveraging on Sustainable Agricultural Practices” project, the Joint SDG Funds have been used to promote the production of low-cost bio-fertilisers from seaweeds in Mauritius, while in Seychelles focus has been placed on climate-smart agriculture including aquaponics, hydroponics and sheltered farming to increase local food production. In her address to the audience, Ms. Lisa Singh, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, underscored the timeliness of this workshop, coinciding with the SDG Summit during the General Assembly's high-level week. Ms. Singh emphasised the enduring presence of shocks and the critical importance of prioritizing food security, especially for a Small Island Developing State like Mauritius. She also highlighted the seaweed project's unique positioning to align with the SDG agenda, offering relevant solutions for Mauritius and its people. The United Nations Resident Coordinator concluded by stating that this gender-sensitive project embodies the UN's spirit of collaboration and integrated development, “unleashing the synergies and opportunities of working together and go more towards systems thinking which allows mobilizing expertise from various sectors.” Mrs. M. Seenavassen Pillay, acting Chief Executive Officer of FAREI mentioned the importance to consider seaweed wastes as resources to boost the local agriculture sector which is reliant on imported chemical fertilisers. The CEO of FAREI went through the project's goals, which include analyzing seaweed fertiliser potential in Mauritius, identifying production barriers, and promoting knowledge sharing through study-tours. She also listed the project’s outcomes which comprised of: (i) assessing seaweed fertiliser potential, (ii) mapping the value chain from collection to utilization, (iii) providing economic and technical data, and (iv) offering recommendations while addressing barriers. Dr. P. Sookar, Assistant Director, Agricultural Services and officer-in Charge for the Crop and Agri-Food sector delivered remarks on the behalf of the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security. He stressed on the need for innovative, eco-friendly solutions to ensure food security and protect Mauritius' ecosystems. He mentioned an upcoming legislation to set standards for compost and seaweed-based bio-fertilisers and called for collective efforts to make seaweed fertilisers a reality so as to advance Mauritius towards a sustainable agricultural future. The way to a cost-effective exploitation of seaweed as a bio-fertiliser The workshop also comprised several technical interventions from FAREI and the University of Mauritius, which provided interesting findings, notably the confirmation of the high value of seaweed compost for agricultural purposes; the availability of seaweed volume and variety throughout the year, and a pronounced enthusiasm from prospective beneficiaries to launch their own enterprise in seaweed composting. Additional research and analysis have revealed that, despite challenges, including a lack of substantive financial support for seaweed composting, it is possible to establish cost-effective seaweed bio-fertiliser production in Mauritius. Creating a conducive environment for nurturing a value chain within this emerging agri-business sector requires the establishment of a well-defined regulatory framework and action plan. Additionally, there is a need to prioritize actions such as research, development strategies, innovation, and public awareness regarding the potential of seaweed. Furthermore, facilitating access to financing and enhancing capacity in the sector are vital steps to take to harness all the possibilities of seaweed-based products. It was also observed that the seaweed-composting project carries the potential to empower women in coastal communities who largely hail from low-income groups. In this context, recommendations were made towards supporting the state via the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Protection and Family Welfare and other relevant stakeholders to encourage women to be fully involved in and benefit from the sector. ****************************************** First published on UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles website.

Moka, Mauritius: Thursday 14 September was a wonderful day for CELEBRATING HEALTH in Mauritius. A crowd of around ten thousand men, women and children joined the “Walk for Health, Walk for Life” March organized by the Ministry of Health and Wellness with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the WHO. The Prime Minister who had returned from the G20 on Wednesday led this 4.5 Km March with the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Minister of Education, the WHO Representative, the Head of UNDP and the Resident Coordinator's Office, the Ambassadors for Japan, China, US and Bangladesh. Participants included school children, associations representing youth, women and elderly persons, the Academia, NGOs, community leaders, religious bodies, public officers, the Mauritius Police Force, and more, coming from all corners of the Island. The slogan “HEALTH FOR ALL, LA SANTE POUR TOUS” was the rallying cry of the day while health promotion messages on the prevention of healthy lifestyle and against non-communicable diseases risk factors were seen on multiple banners carried by teams among the crowd and accompanied by the music of Mauritius Police Musical Band and the Majorettes. This fantastic commemoration gave yet another opportunity to create awareness at national level on the importance of practicing regular physical activity to address the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in the Republic of Mauritius.  While the country has made significant progress in life expectancy and key health indicators such as maternal or infant mortality rate, non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular, broncho-pulmonary and endocrinologic diseases as well as cancer are still causing excessive life lost and suffering that could be prevented by the adoption of a few lifestyle changes. The purpose of the Walk was also to encourage people to reduce the NCD risk factors such as unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol and live a better and healthier life.  The presence of the Prime Minister, himself a physically very active person, showed his unflinching commitment in promoting the regular practice of physical activity to save people from the downfall of drugs and substance abuse and promote mental health. At WHO we are extremely touched by show of support by those participating in the March and the expression of appreciation for the work of our organization in Mauritius. Thank you, Mauritius, for mobilizing for Health!  Find out more: Mauritius commemorates WHO 75th Anniversary through a 4.5 km ‘Walk for Health – Walk for Life” | WHO | Regional Office for Africa    

In Sub-Saharan Africa and around the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) people continue to experience exclusion, violence, discrimination and violations of human rights. On 29-30 July 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) “#WeBelongAfrica: Inclusive Governance Initiative” and the Hivos “Free to be me” project jointly organized the “Vision 2030: LGBTI+ Inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa” consultation in Mauritius. The consultation sought to review and analyse progress being made on LGBTI+ inclusion and human rights in the region, and to identify priorities and strategic approaches to achieve concrete change.   The consultation was a follow-up to a regional multi-stakeholder workshop organized by UNDP in 2019 that resulted in the development of a foundational strategic framework and set out the following vision for progress: “By 2030, the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa will enable inclusive, just, affirming, safe, productive and fulfilling lives for all their people, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. This vision will be driven by African values of dignity, fairness, acceptance of diversity and respect for privacy, underpinned by the ethic of Ubuntu – the universal bond of a shared humanity.” The consultation was attended by over 60 diverse stakeholders, including from civil society, development partners, as well as allies from parliament, regional economic communities, and national and regional human rights institutions. In her opening address, Lisa Singh, the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, stated: “Around the world and in far too many countries in Africa, LGBTI+ persons continue to face social, political and economic exclusion and human rights violations based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.” “We need to advocate continuously for the rights of the LGBTI+ community to be respected and ensure they are protected from any form violence, persecution, discrimination, harassment and stigma,” she emphasized. The consultation provided an opportunity for exchange and analysis of common challenges that are being confronted in countries. “This regional multi-stakeholder consultation offers a real opportunity to measure how far we have come in advancing LGBTI+ rights and inclusion, while also acknowledging the substantial work that remains ahead,” said George Biock, Programme Analyst, HIV and Health Group at UNDP Democratic Republic of Congo. “Transforming our goals into reality is within our grasp – to achieve it, we must actively collaborate, share our knowledge and put people in all their diversity at the centre of our efforts.” While there have been a number of notable legal and social advances on LGBTI+ protections in recent decades, including the decriminalization of adult consensual same-sex behaviour in Gabon, Seychelles, Botswana, Angola, Lesotho and Mozambique, marginalization and human rights violations remain widespread, and in some countries draconian new anti-LGBTI+ laws and policies are being introduced. “In the midst of the challenges we’re confronting that can feel overwhelming and dispiriting, it is important to celebrate and learn from the fact that the fight back from queer organizations and activists has been courageous and impressive,” remarked Anne Jellema, Hivos Chief Executive Director. “In Nigeria, the enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2019 has been a major setback to the protection of rights, not just of the LGBTI+ community but of the larger Nigerian population,” explained Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian National Human Rights Commission. “We have realized that the National Human Rights Commission cannot act alone. We need allies within the LGBTI+ communities; first responders who can act quickly in reporting violations; and partners that can mobilize psycho-social support for victims.” “In May 2023, the Anti-Homosexuality Act was signed into law in Uganda,” said Richard Lusimbo, Director of the Ugandan KP Consortium. “Despite the immense challenges posed by this regressive law, an inspiring coalition of Ugandan LGBTI+ activists and their allies are not giving up the fight for human rights and equality. Instead, we are taking necessary steps to enhance resilience and continue advocacy efforts by challenging the unconstitutionality of the new law; providing critical emergency legal aid to those on the frontlines; and continuing to engage with our international partners to ensure the message is clear on what the community in Uganda calls for,” he said. Participants at the consultation also learned from gains that have been made across different change pathways at community, country and regional levels. Discussions on gaps and opportunities looked at ways of strengthening strategies, programmes, partnerships and coordination. Looking ahead, the consultation identified several key areas for action that stakeholders should place at the forefront of their priorities. These include focusing on efforts to shape social norms; build the LGBTI+ movement and alliances with other movements; promote inclusive laws, policies and governance; enhance public sector services; improve coordination among projects and initiatives; and harness the African human rights system and the UN system within the realms of the SDGs, rights and development, to address LGBTI+ issues. Participants reinforced the urgency to strengthen and expand multistakeholder collaboration and synergy across locations, institutions and initiatives. ******* Story first published on UNDP Africa website.