Infrastructure for people with disabilities: obstacle course

The Paralympics are underway and our athletes took to the stage today. As always, the country stood behind them as one, undivided. In this respect, Mauritius has nothing to envy other countries. Our disabled athletes always make us proud. But what is life like for disabled people in our country in real life? Four months after the passage of the bill Act on Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities While the Minister of Social Security just presented Mauritius’ periodic report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities this week, let’s take stock.

Life is not always easy, especially for a wheelchair user. There is no proper infrastructure except for the nearest shopping mall. But even there, there are limitations. For example, in Trianon, the elevator is narrow and some chairs are difficult to fit into. “But hey, it will help”” Lomesh explained, his relative sitting in a wheelchair.

Outside the center, it is another battle. However, efforts have been made over the years. Administrative buildings in the capital are increasingly being remodeled. “But getting to Port Louis is already a challenge. The buses are not at all adapted for people with disabilities. The metro is very new. In Port Louis it is absolutely necessary to have someone to help people navigate between the obstacles, because the city itself is far from being adapted to the needs of these people.

There is also the mentality of certain Mauritians. Our interlocutor suggested that the parking spaces reserved for disabled people must have chains, because some impolite people do not mind parking there without any consideration. Moreover, the problem is so widespread that even Noémi Alphonse denounced it on her Facebook page last year. “When I’m in this parking lot, people look at me and walk slower, but don’t say anything. On the other hand, when I bring out chairs, they seem satisfied. Only once did a lady ask if I had a disabled person with me, and I was really happy because she really cared about their plight. The rest were just passive.”

This problem even plagued the place of worship. The big basin was suitable, but other places were not. That was why his family went there only during major prayers. But even then, sometimes the position was taken by others without any consideration. “I am not talking about busy times like Maha Shivaratree, but when there are events and people park their cars at random.” Sometimes the police even said to him: “Couldn’t he just walk away for a while?” Then, there’s the silence surrounding disability. “When the children asked why a lady was in a wheelchair, instead of explaining, they tried to silence the child. This was stupid because it would have been simpler and more logical to tell him right then and there!”

But it’s not all setbacks. “People systematically let us go ahead in the queue.” Or, in a restaurant, where no one minds that they walk past them.

There is still a long way to go

Mauritius signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and ratified it in 2010. Since then, the provisions of the Convention have been incorporated into various local laws, including Special Educational Needs Enabling Actthis Workers’ rights laws, mental health laws and the Constitution, etc. In April this year, a comprehensive law was passed to fully protect the rights of persons with disabilities. While everyone agrees that the introduction of such a law is a good start, certain questions remain unanswered.

During the debate, Shakir Mohammed asked who would sue the municipality if the sidewalks did not meet the needs of people with disabilities. Osman Mohammed stressed that the law requires new buildings to be adapted, while the convention also requires existing buildings to be adapted to accommodate people with disabilities.

But Minister Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo was adamant: This bill is historic and aims to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities, encourage their employment, ensure they have a safe and inclusive working environment, guarantee them access to quality education, and promote their development and empowerment. The minister believes that civil servants will also have the opportunity to report cases of abuse to the nearest police station, provide advice or other support, or even request a protection order.

When asked about this, former Social Security Minister Sheila Bapu believes that the vote on the law is a step forward. She recalled that she had prepared a bill when she was in office, but no action was taken during the first term of this government, and we have to wait until the end of the second term to see the law become a reality. “When we’re moving forward, it’s great. But sometimes, when we’re moving forward, there are shortcomings.”she said. She said the current government was taking pensions very seriously, although that was only part of the problem. We have to make sure these people can lead a normal life, she said. She recalled that when Mauritius ratified the convention, it made three reservations, one of which concerned schools, as it would take time to adapt them for students with disabilities. “Over the years, these reserves should have disappeared. But they are still there.”she pointed out.

Mauritius reaffirms its commitment

This week, Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo presented her periodic report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirming her strong commitment to the promotion and protection of rights. In her opening remarks, the Minister of Social Security stressed the importance of social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities in Mauritius. She recalled that according to the latest statistics, about 6.8% of the population of Mauritius suffers from disability. “We remain determined to build a society where everyone, regardless of their disability, has a place at the table and can contribute fully to the life of the nation”she said.

Among the main initiatives presented, the Minister mentioned the recent adoption of a law to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Another point highlighted at the meeting was the announcement of a new Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities for 2025-2030. The plan, which will be developed in consultation with various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, aims to set clear and measurable goals to promote the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities. “We want to change the mindset of our society and collectively commit to equality and dignity for all”Minister Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen the social safety net, including through the disability pension, allowance for family caregivers and provision of assistive devices. In addition, employment quotas for persons with disabilities have been introduced in both the public and private sectors, a move aimed at ensuring fair representation in the labour market.

In addition, the UN Committee experts welcomed Mauritius’ efforts, while calling for continued vigilance to ensure that policies are effectively implemented and that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights.