U.S. Statement at the UPR of Mauritius
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – 17th Session
Intervention for Mauritius
As delivered by Aleks Needham
UN Human Rights Council
Geneva,
October 23, 2013
The United States warmly welcomes the Honorable Minister Arvin Boolell and the delegation of Mauritius to the UPR Working Group.
We appreciate Mauritius’ strong record of democratic governance, economic integration, and strong commitment to human rights issues, including addressing child prostitution.
We remain concerned that both children and adults in Mauritius are subjected to commercial sexual exploitation. In several cases in the last two years, the government has not designated persons aboard foreign fishing vessels in Mauritian territorial waters as victims of human trafficking. Further, children work in dangerous activities in agriculture, street vending and domestic service.
We are also concerned that the government has not provided the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with adequate resources.
Bearing this in mind, we recommend Mauritius:
- Establish a body to coordinate government efforts to combat trafficking in persons and the worst forms of child labor;
- Provide adequate resources to enforce laws against human trafficking through the investigation, prosecution and conviction of trafficking offenders, including in cases involving forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation;
- Allocate adequate resources to the National Human Rights Commission.
Thank you, Mr. President.