CCPR/C/79/Add.60 English Page 2 GE.96-16472 C. Positive aspects 4. The Committee notes that the harmonious coexistence of the multi-ethnic population of Mauritius and its atmosphere of tolerance strengthen the ability of Mauritius to live up to its obligations under the Covenant. 5. The Committee expresses its appreciation for the adoption of the Abolition of Death Penalty Act 1995 which came into force in December 1995 and provides for the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment for life in place of the death penalty. 6. The Committee welcomes the amendment to section 16 of the Constitution by the enactment of the Constitution of Mauritius (Amendment) Act 1995 which adds sex to the grounds on which discrimination by laws or by public authorities is prohibited. The amendment to the Mauritius Citizenship Act 1968, removing discrimination on grounds of sex, the proposed Bill on Domestic Violence and the full recognition of the equal rights of children born in and out of wedlock are also welcome. 7. The Committee welcomes that the large-scale legislative reform which is being contemplated with a view, inter alia, to shortening the length of court proceedings and to reconsidering the system of legal aid. 8. The Committee notes with appreciation the promulgation of the Child Protection Act in 1994. 9. The Committee welcomes the establishment of a Human Rights Unit by the Attorney-General with a view, inter alia, to undertaking the preparation of the reports of Mauritius to the various United Nations human rights treaty bodies. 10. The Committee welcomes the initiatives of Mauritius to establish an Indian Ocean Human Rights Institute. 11. The announcement concerning the proposed establishment of an Independent Police Complaints Board is welcomed. 12. The Committee also welcomes the intention of the Government to set up an Independent Broadcasting Authority. D. Principal subjects of concern 13. The Committee is concerned that the non-incorporation of all the rights guaranteed in the Covenant into domestic law and the existence of non-permissible limitations affect the full implementation of the Covenant in Mauritius and that, accordingly, the legal system of Mauritius does not ensure effective remedies in all cases of violations of rights guaranteed in the Covenant. /...