DIS-MOI (Droits Humains Océan Indien) has urged the Government to reconsider its proposal to lower Mauritius’ minimum age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12, warning that the change could weaken protections for children’s rights.
In a statement issued on Wednesday 14 October 2026, the organisation condemned recent acts of violence and vandalism in Mauritius but said responses to a crisis should not come at the expense of children’s fundamental rights.
DIS-MOI, which holds observer status with the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, said the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child recommends setting the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 14 or higher and explicitly advises against lowering it.
The organisation also noted that Mauritius is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It described the Children’s Act 2020 as an important step in recognising and protecting children’s rights, and said reversing the age limit would raise concerns about the country’s child-protection policies.
According to DIS-MOI, 12-year-olds are still developing psychologically, emotionally and socially. It argued that children who come into conflict with the law should be supported through educational, protective and rehabilitative measures.
The organisation’s Commission for Children’s Rights called on the Government to prioritise dialogue, prevention, psychosocial support and age-appropriate juvenile justice mechanisms.