PRAVIND KUMAR JUGNAUTH, Prime Minister of Mauritius, underscored that the pandemic has brought to light the role of information and communications technology (ICT) as a crucial enabler of economic and social development.  The socioeconomic vision of his country and its multicultural and societal values take into account and encourage the pursuit of a secure and safe digital world for all “as we strive to undermine disinformation with accurate information,” he said.  In this vein, he reiterated support for the elaboration of a comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICT for criminal purposes.  In addition, despite insularity and limited means, his country is striving to increase opportunities for young people.  “Providing social protection and promoting social justice remain a key priority for our Government,” he pointed out.  The empowerment of women, promoting gender equality and ensuring fair and equal treatment for all is at the heart of various policies adapted by his country.

In regard to the Chagos Archipelago, he noted that despite the United Nations resolution which required the colonial administration to withdraw within six months of the date of its adoption, a part of the territory remained occupied.  This situation further delays the implementation of his country’s resettlement programme, in particular for those Mauritians of Chagossian origin who were forcibly removed from there in the 1960s.  “It ill behoves to the U.K. to call on Mauritius and other African countries to respond to other allegations of illegal occupation when it illegally occupies a part of Africa,” he said.  The new Government of the United Kingdom has an opportunity to place itself on the right side of history and end this dark chapter of history involving the last colony in Africa and the last it ever created as well as the forcible displacement of people.  He urged the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to work collectively to implement General Assembly resolution 73/295 and support the decolonization of Mauritius, including the resettlement of the former inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago.

Furthermore, he expressed concern over the decision of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission, that violated its legal obligations by failing to recognize the legal entitlement of Mauritius which satisfies all the criteria for full membership of that organization.  In this regard, he detailed his country’s decision to suspend its participation in future activities of the Commission until its legal entitlement to full membership of that regional organization is fully recognized.  Regarding, Tromelin, which also makes an integral part of the territory of Mauritius, he expressed hope for an early dispute resolution with France “in the spirit of friendship”.