United Nations Economic and Social Council E/C.12/MUS/CO/4 Distr.: General 8 June 2010 Original: English Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Forty-fourth session Geneva, 3-21 May 2010 Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Mauritius 1. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the combined second to fourth periodic reports of Mauritius on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/MUS/4) at its 9th, 10th and 11th meetings, held on 7 and 10 May 2010 (see E/C.12/2010/SR.9, 10 and 11), and adopted, at its 19th meeting, held on 17 May 2010, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the combined second to fourth periodic reports of Mauritius and the written replies to its list of issues (E/C.12/MUS/Q/4/Add.1), although it regrets that the combined report was submitted almost 13 years late. The Committee appreciates the frank and constructive dialogue with the delegation of the State party, which included representatives with expertise on the subjects covered by the Covenant. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee welcomes the progress achieved by the State party in advancing the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights in the State party since the consideration of its initial report by the Committee. 4. The Committee notes with appreciation that the State party provides health care services and education up to the tertiary level free of charge. 5. The Committee welcomes the ratification by the State party of: (a) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (2008); GE.10-42883