about
Ageing population is a worldwide phenomenon embodying various challenges faced by older persons. Ageing is the concern of all players in society, the government and policy makers, the private sector, civil society of which professionals and non-governmental organisations. People have to age in respect of their rights and dignity.
In this latter capacity DIS-MOI joined the sphere of influence with a view to promoting human rights and sensitise on how best to protect older persons against violation of their rights of which ageism. The global population aged 60 years or over has increased from around 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025 and it is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. (UN DESA Population Division).In Mauritius latest figure show there are 274, 787 older persons 60 and above.
Since its inception in 2011, DIS-MOI initiated a vast programme of ‘information and formation’ across Mauritius including Agalega through, inter alia, on-line and in person training. The target groups have been members of Women’s associations, associations of senior citizens, students, out of school youths, trade unions, parishes, professionals, police new recruits.
aims & goals
The DIS-MOI Commission for Elderly People aims at:
1. Improved Legal Protections: Through their advocacy efforts, elderly rights commission can lead to stronger laws and regulations that better protect seniors from abuse and discrimination.
2. Increased Public Awareness: As awareness grows, society becomes more supportive of seniors, fostering a culture that values and respects older individuals.
3. Empowered Seniors: Knowledge is power, and by equipping seniors with the tools to navigate complex systems, they are better able to protect their interests and live with dignity.
4. Better Community Integration: As more age-friendly policies are implemented, seniors can more easily stay active, engaged, and independent in their communities, reducing isolation and loneliness.
THE TEAM
The Team is a dedicated group of people working towards educating people on various topics of elderly people’s rights.In addition to the core team and regional coordinators, the team also include human rights educators, legal experts, and facilitators who provide their support during various campaigns and events organised. The Commission headed by Mr Vijay Narraidoo together with the support of Mrs Antoinette Collin and Mr Vishnu Gooradoo and other staff members, ensure that all objectives set are achieved.
Contact details: chegava77@yahoo.com
key activities
On-going Advocacy
DIS-MOI Mauritius & DIS-MOI Rodrigues have responded positively to requests from:
a) associations of older persons in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
b) students who have organized debates on the issues of old age at the UOM
c) secondary school students through DIS-MOI Clubs
d) the media: written press other than Le Defi, MBCTV and other radio stations who also run a TV coverage
e) publishing articles in Le Defi in pages dedicated to Dis-Moi
e) international organizations to speak in zoom debates
f) UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing in New York in May.
Mauritius supported the creation of a United Nations convention under the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing (OEWGA). The OEWGA concluded its discussions at its 14th session in May 2024 and the issue will be taken up by the Human Rights Council in Geneva in May 2025. Dis-Moi wrote to the Ministry of Social Integration to request the active participation of Mauritius in the deliberations of the Council. Mauritius signed the AU Protocol (mentioned above) in May 2021. DIS-MOI Mauritius will continue to urge the government to ratify this protocol.
Setting up of Dis-Moi Senior
DIS-MOI Senior is an initiative which focuses on the promotion and protection of the rights of older people in the Indian Ocean region. The programme aims to raise public awareness of older people’s rights, combat age discrimination, and promote their well-being and inclusion in society.
DIS-MOI Senior works to highlight the challenges faced by older people, such as access to healthcare, abuse, social isolation, and the need for adequate social protection. We also work to encourage the active participation of senior citizens in the community and promote intergenerational dialogue to strengthen social ties.
In addition, DIS-MOI Senior encourages retired people to volunteer for the organisation, share their expertise and knowledge, and actively campaign for human rights.
Daily collection of data
In Mauritius, from April 2024 28 February 2025 there has been a systematic of collection of press coverage on alleged reports where older persons have been victims in one way or another.
Survey on Ageism
DIS-MOI conducted a survey in July to obtain to what extent older persons are victims of ageism at the level of 325 older persons (both genders) in Mauritius and Rodrigues. The analysis of the survey has been completed and will be made public in due course.
key partners
In addition to our existing partners, the Elderly Rights Commission in Mauritius & Rodrigues is supported by additional partners:
– HelpAge International
– Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People
– PION: Pass It On Network
– SGA: Stakeholders Ageing Africa
– INPEA: International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
