Respect for human rights critical for law and order

A Commonwealth human rights workshop for the Mauritius police and prison officials was launched in Port Louis, Mauritius, on 22 June 2009, with a call to strengthen a culture of human rights in both services through awareness-raising and adherence to international human rights standards.

Speaking at the opening of the five-day workshop, the Chairperson of the Mauritius Human Rights Commission, Dheerujlall Seetulsingh, said that there is no clash between human rights and the maintenance of law and order.

“While we are aware of the difficulties the police face, we should continue to insist that you should still uphold human rights,” said Mr Seetulsingh. “We also know that it is difficult to get eyewitnesses to come forward because of fear or lack of willingness to come to testify in court.” He observed that often too many police inquiries culminate in confessions from suspects and that too many convictions rest upon these confessions.

Other problems relate to prison overcrowding. He therefore called for the improvement of prison conditions to alleviate the problem. He also called for the introduction of remission for prisoners as an incentive and reward for good behaviour.

The Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr Purna Sen, said the workshop is designed to provide the police and prison officials with practical tools in the application of human rights in their work.

“It focuses on the significance of human rights to the fundamental duties of police officers and prison officials in protecting and serving their communities,” explained Dr Sen. “This workshop will, among other things, instil an approach to community policing that is grounded in sound knowledge of law and procedure, the limits of powers, and respect for the basic rights of individuals.”

She added: “I hope that the workshop will consolidate the efforts of the government in implementing human rights standards in its agencies including the police.”

Prison Welfare Officer Amrite Buldawooloo, a workshop participant, said: “I am looking forward to how I can integrate human rights in my day-to-day work. It will help my understanding and broaden my knowledge on human rights.”

The workshop, organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Mauritius, brings together 35 police trainers and officers from various departments across the country. The workshop will enable the police to get a better understanding of accountable and effective policing, and to better equip them to serve their communities while exercising the principles of universally accepted human rights standards and practices.

The Mauritius Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jean Bruneau, also attended the opening ceremony.

Key Links:

• Human Rights
• Country Profile: Mauritius