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The launch of the Annual report 2025-2026
The Office of the Ombudsperson for Children (OOC) launched its Annual Report 2025–2026 on 2 October 2026 at the Caudan Arts Centre, Port Louis. The Report, presented by the Ombudsperson for Children, Mrs Aneeta Ghoorah, reviews the period from September 2025 to August 2026 and examines key challenges affecting children in Mauritius.
Marking 23 years of the OOC’s work, the Report emphasises the need to move beyond policy commitments and translate children’s rights into concrete, measurable and sustainable action.
Key areas addressed include:
- Early childhood: Strengthening healthcare, early intervention, nutrition, mental health, protection and birth registration, particularly for vulnerable children.
- Children with behavioural concerns: Promoting child-rights-based and trauma-informed approaches instead of stigma or criminalisation, with stronger therapeutic, family and aftercare support.
- Autism and inclusive education: Addressing inadequate resources, trained personnel and classroom support, and strengthening specialised and community-based services for children with high support needs.
- Intersex children: Promoting bodily integrity, dignity and self-determination, while addressing gaps in legal protection, data, clinical protocols and safeguards against medically unnecessary interventions.
- Youth participation and Rodrigues: Strengthening children's participation and ensuring that their rights and needs are addressed across Mauritius, including Rodrigues.
- Accountability: Reinforcing coordination among families, schools, health and social services, child protection authorities and other stakeholders, with clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
During the reporting period, the OOC registered 363 cases, covering matters including schools, families and children with disabilities. The Report also highlights cases where the Office’s interventions contributed to tangible improvements in children’s living conditions.
Overall, the Report calls for stronger implementation, institutional accountability and sustained action to ensure that recommendations translate into real and lasting improvements in the lives of children and families.
The Ombudsperson for Children’s Annual Report 2025–2026 available on the website of the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children.
Source: The Office of the Ombudsperson for Children of the Republic of Mauritius
