On Thursday 5th of November 2015, the ‘Dis-Moi’ (Droit Humains Océan Indien) has stepped up its efforts to combat human trafficking, an issue that has greatly been affecting our island.
Specifically, ‘Dis-Moi’, in collaboration with Justice & Equity and a number of development partners has strived to strengthen its ability to combat human trafficking. For this purpose ‘Dis-Moi’ is commencing to implement the island project “Strengthening Criminal Justice Responses to Human Trafficking in Mauritius” which shall be for a duration of one year-pilot project, based on financial support from various Ministries amidst the Mauritius Police Force and the Media Trust of Mauritius.
The project aims at (1) developing an anti-human trafficking law; (2) undertaking capacity- building of legal and law enforcement officials, and victim service providers; (3) increasing cooperation of various professionals and NGOs on human trafficking; (4) raising awareness on human trafficking; and (5) improving the capacity for victim referrals and access to legal assistance.
The workshop held was aimed at educating and raising awareness among legal and law enforcement officials and those who provide assistance to victims. Twenty-Eight participants including attorneys, lawyers, local police, local prosecutors, members of various Ministries, members of Media Trust, Members of Human Rights, Women’s Union, members of NGOs and Syndicalists of the CTSP attended the one day workshop.
Opening remarks were made by Deputy Mayor of Port Louis, Mr. Loic Dick, President of Media Trust Mr. Linsay Riviere, Syndicalist of the CTSP Mrs. Jane Ragoo, Deputy Chairman of the Human Rights Commission Mr. Hervé Lassemillante and Director of ‘Dis-Moi’, Mr. Lindley Couronne. The speakers warned about the dangers of human trafficking in Mauritius, their expectations for the workshop and what they wish for participants to gain from this workshop.
Each session of the workshop was led by trainers who are officials from International experts on Human Rights & Justice (National & International presentation on Human Traffic), Legal representatives amidst Me. Indranee Boolell-Bhoyrul (Legal aspects and existing laws in Mauritius), President of the CEDEM Mrs. Rita Venkatasawmy (Child Prostitution in Mauritius), Professors from the University of Mauritius amidst Dr. Ganess Dirpal & Dr. (Ms.) Anjali Bungaleea (Immigrants in Mauritius – Bangladeshi), and National Police who have been selected as part of the Core Trainers Group.
During workshop, the participants’ analyzed local case studies and assessed whether each case was human trafficking. In aiming to increase the awareness and participation, the trainers departed from the typical teaching style by actively engaging with the participants, soliciting their views on issues and asking for answers.
Closing remarks were made by Mr. Lindley Couronne, Director of ‘Dis-Moi’. The speakers expressed their appreciation towards all participating parties and their hope that selected voluntary members of the public will apply the information learned through the workshop to prevent incidents of human trafficking while also assisting victims of human trafficking in Mauritius based on a pilot project for duration of one year.
Report of workshop submitted to the MSIEE on: Friday 6th of November 2015.