COMOROS
Situation At a Glance
The Comoros, officially known as the Union of the Comoros, is a small archipelago located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It consists of four main islands—Grande Comore, Mohéli, Anjouan, and Mayotte (though Mayotte is currently a French overseas territory and not part of the Comoros Union). Despite its relatively small land area, the Comoros is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, often referred to as the “perfume islands” due to the abundance of ylang-ylang flowers, a key ingredient in many perfumes.
Population and Demographics
The population of the Comoros is approximately 850,000 people. The majority of the population is of Arab and Bantu descent, with influences from Southeast Asia and Madagascar due to historical migration patterns. Comorian is the national language, with different dialects spoken on each island, but Arabic, French, and Swahili are also widely used, reflecting the diverse cultural and linguistic influences in the region.
The country’s demographic profile is young, with a median age of around 19 years, and a high population growth rate. The country faces significant challenges related to education and healthcare, which are vital areas of focus for both the government and international development organizations.
The history of the Comoros is marked by the influences of various African, Arab, and European cultures. The islands were settled around the 6th century by migrants from Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the African mainland. By the 15th century, the Comoros had become a trading hub, with connections to the Swahili coast and the broader Indian Ocean world.
European colonization began in the late 19th century when the Comoros were claimed by France. The islands were integrated into French colonial holdings in the Indian Ocean, although they had long been under the influence of Arab and Swahili traders. Mayotte became a French colony in the 19th century, while the other three islands were governed as part of French Réunion.
The Comoros gained independence from France in 1975, but the country’s post-independence period has been marked by political instability and frequent coups. There have been numerous changes in leadership and a series of conflicts, most notably the tensions surrounding the separation of Mayotte from the rest of the islands, which remains an ongoing point of contention between the Comoros and France. Today, the Comoros is a federal republic, but the political landscape is still shaped by challenges of governance and power-sharing among the islands.
The Comoros has a small, developing economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing, as well as a growing tourism sector. The islands are famous for their production of ylang-ylang (used in perfumes), vanilla, and cloves, which are among the country’s main exports. These agricultural products, combined with fisheries and seaweed farming, form the backbone of the economy.
Despite its natural resources, the Comoros faces significant economic challenges with limited infrastructure and high unemployment rates, especially among young people. The economy is also vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, and global price fluctuations in its key export commodities. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and remittances from the large diaspora community, especially from Comorians living in France, which is the primary source of external support.
In recent years, there have been attempts to diversify the economy, including developing offshore financial services, renewable energy projects, and eco-tourism, given the Comoros’ unique biodiversity and pristine beaches. However, economic growth has been slow, and challenges such as poor infrastructure, high public debt, and dependence on external donors remain.
The Comoros boasts a unique blend of African, Arab, and French cultural influences, creating a rich social fabric that reflects its history of trade, migration, and colonization. Islam is the dominant religion, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslim. Religious observances and practices, such as daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and Eid celebrations, play an integral role in the country’s social life.
The Comorian culture is deeply rooted in oral traditions, with a rich history of storytelling, music, and dance. The country’s music is a fusion of African rhythms, Arabic melodies, and Swahili influences, often featuring drums, string instruments, and the characteristic sound of quranic recitations. Traditional dances, such as the “Chindandou”, are important social and ceremonial expressions.
Comorian cuisine reflects the multicultural heritage of the islands, with dishes based on seafood, rice, spices, and coconut. The use of curry, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon in cooking is a hallmark of Comorian food, drawing on influences from Indian, Arab, and African culinary traditions.
The country also has a strong tradition of handicrafts, including weaving, pottery, and carving, often using locally sourced materials like wood, palm leaves, and shells. These crafts are a vital part of the economy, as they are sold to tourists and serve as important cultural expressions of identity.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Comoros faces several challenges, including political instability, poverty, and the threat of climate change, particularly the rising sea levels that threaten its low-lying islands. The political environment, while relatively peaceful compared to other countries in the region, still experiences periodic unrest and tensions between the different islands of the federation, especially over issues such as autonomy and control of resources.
On the other hand, the Comoros has opportunities for growth, particularly in eco-tourism, marine conservation, and renewable energy. The government, along with international partners, is focusing on developing sustainable industries that can help create jobs and improve the standard of living. There is also a growing awareness of the importance of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, which could help the country develop a more sustainable, diversified economy.
The Comoros is a country of remarkable beauty, rich culture, and resilient people, but it faces significant challenges in terms of political stability, economic development, and environmental threats. With its diverse history, strategic location, and unique natural resources, the Comoros has the potential to carve out a niche for itself in the Indian Ocean region, provided it can overcome internal divisions, build stronger governance institutions, and leverage its environmental and cultural assets for sustainable growth.
Human rights advocacy in Comoros has faced both successes and challenges, shaped by the country’s political instability, economic hardships, and evolving social landscape. Despite being a relatively small island nation, Comoros has a history of activism and ongoing efforts to improve human rights, although significant work remains in several areas, particularly political freedoms, gender equality, freedom of expression, and the rights of marginalized communities.
Political Rights and Freedoms
Comoros has a history of political instability, including frequent coups, contested elections, and power struggles between the different islands of the federation. Since gaining independence from France in 1975, the country has undergone numerous changes in government, often through military coups or constitutional amendments. The political environment has, at times, been repressive, limiting fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Political parties are active, but the country has witnessed crackdowns on opposition figures and dissenting voices, especially during times of heightened political tension.
Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have regularly raised concerns about the lack of a fully functional democratic system. These groups have pointed to issues like arbitrary detention, restrictions on opposition parties, and crackdowns on peaceful protests. The government has periodically restricted media freedom, with journalists sometimes facing threats, harassment, and censorship for reporting on issues of political corruption, governance, or the military.
Advocates for political rights in Comoros continue to press for free and fair elections, independent judiciary systems, and strengthened democratic institutions to ensure that citizens have the ability to participate fully in political life without fear of retaliation. There have been some improvements in recent years, with peaceful elections and the implementation of reforms aimed at enhancing democratic governance. However, issues such as electoral fraud, lack of transparency, and unequal access to political power remain persistent concerns.
Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom
Press freedom remains a delicate issue in Comoros. While the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the press, in practice, journalists often face pressure and intimidation, particularly when covering politically sensitive topics. The government has been known to restrict the media, and critical journalists may experience harassment or, in some cases, imprisonment.
Human rights organizations have pointed to instances where reporters were arrested or threatened with violence for their work. There are also concerns about self-censorship among the media due to fear of government retaliation. This stifles public debate and restricts the flow of information necessary for a well-informed electorate. Advocacy for media freedom in Comoros focuses on creating a safe environment for journalists, fostering a culture of independent reporting, and encouraging transparency in government actions.
While social media is increasingly being used to bypass traditional media restrictions, it also faces challenges, including government surveillance and restrictions. Human rights defenders continue to call for legal protections for journalists and activists, and for a more open and accountable media landscape.
Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
Gender equality in Comoros has seen some progress, but women continue to face significant challenges in both public and private spheres. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and early marriage, is widespread in the country. While Comoros has laws in place that prohibit gender discrimination and support women’s rights, enforcement remains weak, and many women continue to live in situations of vulnerability.
The issue of early marriage is especially concerning, as it remains a common practice in rural areas, limiting girls’ access to education and economic opportunities. Women in Comoros also face challenges in accessing health care, including maternal health services, which contribute to high maternal mortality rates. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still practiced in certain communities, although the government has taken steps to criminalize it and advocate against its continuation.
Women’s representation in politics and leadership positions is also limited, despite efforts to improve female participation in decision-making processes. While there have been notable female political figures, the number of women holding high-ranking positions in government remains low.
Human rights advocates in Comoros are working to raise awareness about gender-based violence and women’s empowerment. They emphasize the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect women, more comprehensive education on women’s rights, and improved access to services such as healthcare and legal aid. Advocacy also focuses on economic empowerment, encouraging policies that provide women with better access to employment, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
LGBTQ+ Rights
LGBTQ+ rights in Comoros are not widely recognized or protected, and same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Comorian law. The criminalization of homosexuality, along with strong social and religious opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, contributes to a climate of discrimination and social exclusion. LGBTQ+ individuals in Comoros often face threats, harassment, and violence, and the community is often forced to live in secrecy to avoid persecution.
Human rights advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community is extremely challenging in such a conservative context. There are few visible LGBTQ+ rights organizations, and public discourse on the subject is rare. LGBTQ+ individuals are frequently stigmatized, and societal acceptance is limited. Advocacy groups work discreetly, focusing on raising awareness of the need for legal reform, anti-discrimination laws, and social acceptance.
While the path forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Comoros is difficult, there is increasing pressure from international human rights organizations to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and reduce the risks they face. Advocates call for legal decriminalization of same-sex relationships and for creating a safer, more inclusive society for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.
Labor Rights and Working Conditions
The labor rights situation in Comoros is shaped by high unemployment, particularly among the youth. The country has ratified several International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, but enforcement of labor laws remains limited, especially in informal sectors. Workers, particularly those in agriculture and domestic work, often face poor working conditions, low wages, and little legal protection.
In addition, there are concerns about child labor in rural areas and in sectors like agriculture and fishing, where children are sometimes forced to work in hazardous conditions to contribute to family income. Advocacy groups, often in collaboration with international organizations, have worked to combat child labor and improve working conditions for vulnerable groups.
Trade unions in Comoros play a significant role in advocating for workers’ rights, but they are often met with resistance from employers and the government. Efforts to improve labor laws, address job insecurity, and ensure decent work conditions continue to be key focuses of human rights campaigns in the country.
Environmental Rights and Climate Change
Environmental rights in Comoros are increasingly recognized as a critical issue, particularly as the islands face climate change and rising sea levels. The Comoros is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, with low-lying coastal areas at risk of being submerged. These environmental threats disproportionately impact the livelihoods of coastal and rural communities, particularly those dependent on agriculture and fishing.
Human rights advocates in Comoros are raising awareness about the connection between environmental sustainability and human rights, emphasizing the need for climate justice. The country is part of global environmental movements advocating for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and disaster resilience. Environmental justice in Comoros is framed as a human rights issue, with calls for greater international support and local policy changes to address the immediate and long-term environmental challenges.
Human rights advocacy in Comoros is an ongoing and complex process, shaped by a mix of political, social, and economic challenges. While the country has made strides in improving governance and protecting some fundamental rights, critical areas like freedom of expression, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and labor rights require continued attention. Activists and international organizations are working to create greater awareness, push for legal reforms, and protect the rights of vulnerable communities. The progress made will depend on collaborative efforts, both domestically and internationally, to create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society in the Comoros.
Since its operation in 2024, DIS-MOI Comoros has been active in various human rights issues in Comoros.
Vision
Make Comoros an example where human rights are respected and protected and by extension a world where citizens enjoy fundamental rights as expressed in the African Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Mission
Contribute to the creation of a real culture of human rights among the population, targeting young people across Comoros and the population in general.
COMMISSIONS
Commission for the Rights of Older People
Commission for Children’s Rights
Commission for Environmental Rights
Commission for the Rights of people with disability
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Human Rights and Citizenship Education Project
Promoting Rights Of Older People Project
ACTIVITIES
MEETING WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES
- Meetings with analysts,economist,governance analyste genre, national economist and governance program analyst to discuss the goals and vision of DIS-MOI and its contribution in making a better society where rights are respected.
- Meeting with Secretary – Ministry of Justice / Ministry of Environment / President of the Commission for Human Rights on possibilities of collaboration with DIS-MOI
- Meeting with Ministry of Education to discuss how DIS-MOI can collaborate with various schools
- Site visit with Secretary – Ministry of Justice at the new jail for minors and women in Moroni. There were discussion on how DIS-MOI can collaborate in Human Rights awareness and help the young detainees get back in the society.
ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS
Indian Ocean Youth Ecological Council (IOYEC) Project [Learn More]
Youth Co-ordination Project [Learn More]
-Young members and volunteers went to Chindini beach to carry out a major cleaning campaign
-Interclub slam competitions in Comoros and Madagascar, in partnership with OIF
HRCE
Human Rights and Citizenship Education (HRCE) Training Project [Learn More]
– Exchanges and learning led by M. Jacques Achille from PILS and organized by Dis Moi Mauritius. Topics like HIV and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) were discussed in depth with Dis-Moi activists from the Indian Ocean. This demonstrates the commitment to prevention and awareness.