This update covers developments relating to the freedom of expression and assembly in Mauritius from 1st June to 21st August 2026.
ASSEMBLY
On 19th June 2026, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam presented about 500 measures as part of the 2026–27 Budget. Among them, two created particular tensions: first, the replacement of the universal Basic Retirement Pension by a new plan in which eligibility and benefits are linked more closely to income (a means test), through changes in the Finance Bill. Second, the proposal to introduce stronger penalties under the Public Gatherings Act for participation in unlawful gatherings.
Harsher penalties proposed for unlawful gatherings
In the budget speech, the government announced its plan to tighten the penalties set out in the Public Gatherings Act (PGA) in order to ensure greater compliance with the conditions imposed by the authorities and to deter unlawful gatherings. The Annex to the Budget Speech for 2026–27 provides that the maximum fine for an offence will rise from Rs 25,000 (USD 537) to Rs 100,000 (USD 2,146), whilst the maximum term of imprisonment will be increased from four to five years.
Several trade union leaders questioned the government’s motives behind this measure, as protests have become more frequent in recent months. They denounced the incompatibility with fundamental freedoms. They also suggested that high penalties would deter citizens, trade unionists or members of civil society from taking part in collective action, even when it is peaceful.
This amendment is detrimental to the trade union movement. It is important to understand that one of the main tools available to the trade union movement for expressing itself in a democracy remains peaceful rallies and marches to voice demands
- Ashvin Gudday, General Workers Federation (GWF)
According to the former Advocate General Rama Valayden, an additional problem stems from the way this law is currently applied by the authorities. Under the Public Gatherings Act, “a demonstration can become unlawful whilst it is taking place, and this depends solely on the police”.
Protests and sit-in against the pension reform
Trade unions such as the Platform Komin Sindikal opposed the reform to replace the universal Basic Retirement Pension announced in the budget speech, denouncing that it reflects the expectations of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank but not those of workers.
On 11th July 2026, thousands of protesters marched in the streets of Saint-Louis to call for the withdrawal of the provisions on pensions from the Finance Bill.
On 14th July 2006, the Government agreed not to proceed with the means test for the State Age Pension announced in the 2026–2027 Budget Speech.
The Finance Bill 2026 and the Economic and Financial Measures Bill 2026 were introduced in Parliament on 28th July 2026 and adopted three days later. This tabling and fast-tracked scrutiny caused further criticism from the trade unions. From 28th July until at least 4th August 2026, a sit-in took place outside the Parliament. On 2nd August 2026, Malina Cheeneebash, a participant in this sit-in, was taken to the Pope Hennessy police station and was issued with a fine for “obstructing a footpath” as she had set up a tent.
On 17th August 2026, the President of the Republic, Dharam Gokhool, gave his assent to the Finance Bill, despite calls from trade unions not to do so.
Protest against the reduction of support to pre-primary schools
On 12th June 2026, the government decided to reform the Grant-in-Aid scheme from January 2027, which includes a reduction in funding. The Grant-in-Aid scheme is a government funding mechanism designed to support eligible private pre-primary schools. The stated reasons for the reforms are to reduce the financial burden on the State and address abuses. On 31st July 2026, the Confederation of Public and Private Sector Workers, heads of establishments, teachers and staff from private nursery schools gathered at the Jardin de la Compagnie to oppose the reduction of this grant. They fear a deterioration in working conditions following the loss of certain posts.
Protest to denounce air pollution
Between 8th and 11th July 2026, several complaints were lodged on unpleasant odours, black smoke emissions and soot deposits in the Tour-Koenig region. On 12th July 2026, citizens rallied at the Résidence Coquillages to protest against the air pollution. The Ministry of the Environment paid a visit to the Compagnie Mauricienne de Textile Ltd, the facility from where the toxic fumes were coming, and measurements were taken.
EXPRESSION
Government opposes new WhatsApp’s username feature
In June 2026, the instant messaging platform WhatsApp announced that its platform would allow account holders to use usernames instead of having to reveal their phone numbers.
In August 2026, the Mauritian government opposed the roll-out and authorised the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation to formally notify Meta of this opposition. Authorities fear that this new feature may facilitate certain forms of cybercrime or make identification more difficult in the event of an investigation. The protection of anonymity helps protect both the right to freedom of expression and the right to privacy.
Encryption and anonymity, today’s leading vehicles for online security, provide individuals with a means to protect their privacy, empowering them to browse, read, develop and share opinions and information without interference and enabling journalists, civil society organizations, members of ethnic or religious groups, those persecuted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, activists, scholars, artists and others to exercise the rights to freedom of opinion and expression
- David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
LGBTQI+
Human Rights Commission: Mauritian law does not prohibit same-sex marriage
On 22nd July 2026, the Mauritian Human Rights Commission issued a position paper on the right to marriage of the LGBTQIA+ community. According to the Commission, no legal bar to same-sex marriage exists in national law and an administrative refusal to solemnise such marriages may infringe section 16 of the Constitution. It thus encourages following the international human rights obligations that affirmatively require equal access to marriage.
In a recently adopted piece of legislation, the State formally acknowledged the existence
of same-sex relationships in Mauritius. The Domestic Abuse Bill 2026, which widens the definition of domestic abuse and creates accountability for perpetrators of domestic abuse, was adopted on 10th July 2026. The Act introduces the definition of “adult interdependent relationship” and defines it as “a committed and mutually supportive adult interdependent relationship between 2 adults, whether or not of the opposite sex, characterised by emotional and economic interdependence” subject to three additional conditions. The Commission considers this as a progressive development.