Africa-Press – Mauritius. Human Rights Day 2025 was officially commemorated through a ceremony organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) this morning at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène. The ceremony was graced by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Dharambeer Gokhool.
Other dignitaries including the Attorney-General, Mr Gavin Patrick Cyril Glover; the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh; and the Chairperson of the NHRC, Mr Satyajit Boolell, were also present on the occasion.
Key speakers namely Dr Mellissa Ifill, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana; and Professor Clare Anderson, Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of Leicester, participated in the event.
In his address, President Gokhool said that acknowledging our shared community and recognising that we are all human beings, are prerequisites for human rights to be upheld, with which come the responsibilities that give those rights meaning and moral strengths. He underlined that human rights are not defended solely through institutions and legislative frameworks, but also through our daily actions and interactions as human beings.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Our Everyday Essentials”, he pointed out that it reminds us that human rights are not abstract ideals but principles reflected in how we treat others. He remained hopeful that this symbolic day will inspire reflection, stimulate action and strengthen our shared commitment towards a more just, inclusive and humane society.
As for the Attorney-General, he reaffirmed Government’s commitment as delineated in the Government Programme 2025-2029, to restore the rule of law, renew democracy and modernise the protection of rights.
He emphasised that the current reform, aiming at addressing the country’s realities and changes in terms of new demographics, economic pathways, modern technologies, environment pressures and heightened expectations of transparency and justice, is geared towards ensuring that institutions must essentially serve people and not the other way round. In this regard, one of the most consequential steps is the establishment of the Constitutional Review Commission, he added.
On her part, the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, recalled that defending human rights is the responsibility of everyone. She reiterated the UN’s resolve to continue working to strengthen the capacity of key institutions to ensure human rights protection and promoting dignity for all. She moreover underlined the significant contribution of the UN in upholding human rights by providing support to key national processes such as the establishment of the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up.
The Chairperson of the NHRC observed that this year’s theme encapsulates the profound message that human rights are fundamental to our dignity, vital in our daily lives, that is in our homes, workplaces, schools and streets, as well as in the way we treat one another. Mr Satyajit Boolell stressed that human rights belong to the essentials of life, and are protected not only by laws, but by our respective attitudes in our everyday interactions.
Speaking about the mission of the NHRC, he stated that it exists to safeguard human rights and support those who suffer from human rights violations, and face obstacles to have access to justice.
