This year, Young Queer Alliance, alongside 24 other organisations, submitted a Joint Shadow Report to track the implementation of the Maputo Protocol.
What is the Maputo Protocol?
The Maputo Protocol, also known as the ‘Protocol to the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa’, is a treaty adopted by the African Union in 2003. Its goal is to ensure equal rights for people of all genders, with a focus on women’s rights. The Joint Shadow Report compiles findings on the current context and recommendations, compelling the African Commission to raise certain issues with the Mauritian government.
In order to monitor what the government has done for LGBTQI+ rights and identify the gaps where more work would be needed, one of the questions the report recommended being asked is:
“What legislative, policy, and practical measures has the State adopted to eliminate discrimination and violence against LGBTQI persons?” (p. 10)
Through the report, it was also recommended to the African Commission to request that the Mauritian government make funds available for shelters and services supporting survivors of gender-based violence. On top of that, it was requested that more specialised shelters and psychosocial services be made available. This would be to ensure that all survivors could have access to these essential services, including people of the LGBTQI+ community.
Another demand made to the Mauritian government was to criminalise all forced marriage, but especially that of people in the LGBTQI+ community.
Endeavours like the Joint Shadow Report allow Civil Society Organisations and activists to advocate towards Governments to ensure equal rights for all under the law. This work is essential to creating a better future for LGBTQI+ people in Mauritius.
To learn more about the Joint Shadow Report, you can download the full report on the Resource Centre of the YQA.
Janaka
Communication Volunteer YQA
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