Mauritius

Mauritius is around 800 kilometers (500 miles) east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. The main island lies 580 miles (930 kilometers) north of the Agalega Islands, 340 miles (550 kilometers) east of Rodrigues Island, and approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) northeast of the Cargados Carajos Shoals. According to the World Bank forecast for 2023, Mauritius has 1,300,557 people, with a median age of 37.5.

The government of Mauritius ratified the Optional Protocols (OP) to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 11, 2001, and formally adopted them on February 12, 2009. Despite collaborative endeavors by the government, civil society, and various stakeholders, numerous children in Mauritius continue to encounter hardships associated with poverty, sexual exploitation, abuse, and discrimination based on factors such as disability or ethnicity (Humanium, 2021). The principal factors contributing to child mistreatment in Mauritius include unstable family environments, substance abuse, custody disputes, and a disadvantaged socioeconomic status.

The government of Mauritius recognizes seven religious groups: Seventh-day Adventists, Hindus, Roman Catholics, Muslims, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Church of Jesus Christ). Ensuring freedom of religion, the Mauritius constitution guarantees individuals the right to change, express, and share their religious beliefs while prohibiting discrimination based on faith. Religion wields significant societal influence and holds sway over people's values and identities. In Mauritius, religious leaders and organizations now enjoy increased access to family and community circles, enabling them to engage with millions of individuals. Faith actors stand out as crucial social institutions operating at the grassroots level in the country, exerting direct influence on beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, practices, and activities.

Religious leaders frequently collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and various stakeholders to tackle challenges like child abuse, exploitation, and education. The rationale behind involving religious leaders in promoting child rights and protection is rooted in the belief that their influence within communities can foster positive behavioral changes and social norms that uphold children's rights. By harnessing their moral authority and outreach capabilities, religious leaders play a key role in establishing a secure and nurturing environment for children to flourish. The Inter-Religious Council of Mauritius (IRCM) unites leaders from diverse religious backgrounds in Mauritius to facilitate interfaith dialogue and cooperation on social issues, including child rights and protection. Through close partnerships with governmental bodies, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders, they advocate for policies and initiatives that enhance children's well-being, such as combating poverty, sexual exploitation, abuse, and discrimination based on disability or ethnicity.