Ethnicity in Mauritius: Too Good to Be True?

This article covers ethnicity in Mauritius, and the history behind the multitude of ethnic groups that exist, the mixing and sharing of culture, living together and a reflection on identity.

Mauritius has a history of events that have led to what it is today. The people of Mauritius, which includes people of different ethnic origins, coexist and contribute to the country’s development. Moreover, this facet of multi-ethnicity gives Mauritius its image of a “rainbow country”.

Continue reading “Ethnicity in Mauritius: Too Good to Be True?”

Towards a Resilient Future for All: World Population Day 2022

World Population Day, which seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, was established by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, an outgrowth of the interest generated by the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on 11 July 1987. The theme of World Population Day 2022 is “A world of 8 billion: Towards a resilient future for all – Harnessing opportunities and ensuring rights and choices for all”.

In 2011, the world reached a population of 7 billion. This year, the number will hit 8 billion, prompting the attendant responses. Some will marvel at the advancements in health that have extended lifespans, reduced maternal mortality and child mortality and given rise to vaccine development in record time. Others will tout technological innovations that have eased our lives and connected us more than ever. Still, others will herald gains in gender equality.

Continue reading “Towards a Resilient Future for All: World Population Day 2022”

Youth Is Not The Future of the Country; Old People Are

We’ve been taught to always focus on the youth, and the future they hold so dearly in their hands. That they are the ones who will correct the injustices, which previous generations have set in motion over decades.

But let’s face it, Mauritius is getting old at a faster rate than ever before with no signs of slowing down any time soon. We’ve been watching for some time now how the older generation is increasing while the young generation is not, or at least at a much slower pace. It’s reported that between 1972 and 2015, the percentage of people over the age of 60 has increased from 5.9% to 14.8% (Le Mauricien, 2017).

Continue reading “Youth Is Not The Future of the Country; Old People Are”

Ageing in Mauritius: Access to Justice

The ageing of the global population is rapidly increasing. According to the WHO, “between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of people aged 60 years and over should rise from 605 million to 2 billion”.

In Mauritius, this situation is not much different from other parts of the globe. In the period 1972-2015, the percentage of people over 60 years increased from 5.9% to 14.8% (Le Mauricien, 2017).

Continue reading “Ageing in Mauritius: Access to Justice”

Ageing in Mauritius: Social Protection and Social Security

The following report deals with a normative input about “Ageing” in Mauritius concerning the sub-items “Social Protection and Social Security” in regards to the Open-ended Working Group “Tenth working session” of the UN (New York, 15–18 April 2019). 

According to the ‘Mauritian population (live) clock’ made by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the current population density on the 20 August 2019 is about 1,294,683 of which there have been about 9,297 new births and 6,012 deaths this year (Official United Nations population estimates: 2019).

Continue reading “Ageing in Mauritius: Social Protection and Social Security”