CEDAW/C/MUS/CO/8

Mauritius (CEDAW 14-11-2018)

The Committee considered the eighth periodic report of Mauritius (CEDAW/C/MUS/8) at its 1641st and 1642nd meetings (see CEDAW/C/SR.1641 and CEDAW/C/SR.1642), held on 30 October 2018.

Concluding observations

D. Principal areas of concern and recommendations

Lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons

33. The Committee notes with concern the intersecting forms of discrimination faced by lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons, including the following:

(a) The prevalence, in all areas covered by the Convention, of discriminatory practices that disadvantage lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons, including social exclusion and acts of hate speech and abuse;

(b) The lack of policy measures pertaining to the rights of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons (CEDAW/C/MUS/8, para. 36);

(c) The underreporting of acts of violence and of physical, verbal and emotional abuse against lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons.

34. The Committee recommends that the State party:                                        

(a) Adopt the legislative and policy measures necessary to combat discrimination and violence against lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons, including hate speech and physical, verbal and emotional abuse;                                        

(b) Promote the protection of the rights of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons, in all areas covered by the Convention, including in employment and health, and conduct awareness-raising activities to address their stigmatization in society;                                        

(c) Ensure that law enforcement mechanisms efficiently protect the rights of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons;                                        

(d) Provide access to shelter and assistance for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons who are victims of violence;                                        

(e) Provide training to medical personnel, the police and law enforcement officials in this regard.