On 26 February 2016, the Centre for Human Rights in collaboration with the Mauritius Council of Social Services (MACOSS) organised a workshop in Port Louis, Mauritius.
The purpose of the workshop was to create an increased understanding of the right of access to information (ATI) amongst stakeholders in Mauritius and also to begin initial discussions on the content of an ATI law for Mauritius. The workshop was attended by a broad range of stakeholders including government officials, the Law Society of Mauritius, academics, media and civil society organisations.
The workshop began with general discussions were held on the right of access to information, its importance for promoting democracy, good governance and public participation as well as pitfalls to be avoided by Mauritius in the development of its ATI law, by drawing on experiences of other African States. Thereafter, more focused discussions were held on the proposed content of the ATI Bill, using the Model Law as a guide.
This workshop was a follow-up to the April 2015 advocacy visit led by the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, Commissioner Pansy Tlakula to the Republic of Mauritius, during which the government of Mauritius confirmed its commitment to adopt an ATI law. MACOSS is expected to lead the process of developing the ATI Bill, with the technical support of the CHR and its partners.