Breaking the Silence: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Upholding Human Rights

The theme for this year Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now emphasizes how human rights are a transformative force for good. Human Rights Day also marks the last day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Because we live in a world where one of the most pervasive abuses of human rights is perpetuated every day – violence against women and girls. 

The figures are astounding. Globally an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once.[1] While 1 in 4 adolescent girls have suffered from intimate partner violence.  

The women in Mauritius fare no better with the latest available showing that around 24% of women had experienced some form of gender-based violence (GBV). Of course, the reality of the situation may be worse than the numbers are showing as cases of violence and abuse within the confines of a home, cases against vulnerable people such as people with disability often go unreported.[2] This comes at a significant cost not just to the women concerned but to their families, their communities and to the country.

In recent years, Mauritius has made significant strides in addressing GBV and promoting human rights. UN Member States participated in a High-Level event to mark Human Rights 75, last year where Mauritius made a commitment to uphold human rights including to actively pursue efforts to combat GBV. Several laws aimed at protecting women from violence have been enacted, including the Protection from Domestic Violence Act (1997) to provide for protection of spouses against domestic violence and in 2016 to include severe penalties to perpetrators of domestic violence. Additionally, a High-Level Committee on the Elimination of Gender Based Violence meets under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister to drive and monitor implementation of the National Strategic Action Plan on GBV. And the “Lespwar” app developed with the support of the UN is downloadable and accessible for any age.

However, the journey is far from over. As we observe Human Rights Day, it's crucial to reflect on the progress made and the work that lies ahead. These legal measures are vital, but they must be accompanied by robust implementation and support systems. A high-level panel discussion held by the UN in Mauritius in collaboration with several of our diplomatic partners highlighted that although laws exist against GBV on the ground implementation of these laws from the frontliners to the law courts does not always provide the necessary support to the victim. 

Sharing a youth’s perspective our RCO intern reflected: “Technology races forward, the internet has become the centerpoint of our lives, yet human prejudice remains stubbornly anchored in the dark ages. We can program computers to think, but we can't reprogram the beliefs that chain women to their abusers.”

Tackling this unacceptable breach of human rights from different angles, the UN in Mauritius is committed to supporting initiatives to:

• Raise Awareness & change attitudes: Education plays a critical role in this regard, fostering a culture of respect and equality from a young age. Community-based initiatives and partnerships with civil society organizations are equally important in driving change at the grassroots level.
• Support survivors: strengthen the capacities of service providers, such as police and healthcare professionals to ensure that survivors feel supported and empowered to seek help is crucial in breaking the cycle of violence.
• Engage men & boys: as allies and advocates for gender equality can contribute to changing harmful norms & behaviours to promote positive masculinity and respectful relationships.

As we continue the fight against GBV in Mauritius, it is essential to build on existing successes and address emerging challenges. Collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners remains key. On Human Rights Day, let us renew our commitment to transform our societies into places where equality, dignity, and respect for all prevail.

[1] UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls | UN Women – Headquarters

[2] PMO - National Strategy TP FINAL WEB.pdf (govmu.org)