MADAGASCAR
Situation At a Glance
Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is located off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is a unique and fascinating land, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. Often referred to as the “eighth continent” due to its distinct flora and fauna, over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, including the famous lemurs and the baobab trees.
Population and Demographics
As of recent estimates, Madagascar has a population of approximately 30 million people. The population is diverse, with a mix of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions. The majority of Malagasy people belong to several Bantu-speaking groups, and the island is home to a range of ethnicities with roots tracing back to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Arab world. Malagasy is the official language, though French and English are also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas.
Madagascar has a rich and complex history. Early settlers arrived from Southeast Asia and Africa around 2,000 years ago. These early groups developed distinct cultures, with some integrating maritime skills, while others were influenced by Indian Ocean trade networks. The island’s history saw the rise of several powerful kingdoms, notably the Merina Kingdom in the central highlands, which exerted control over much of the island in the 19th century. European colonization began in the late 19th century when France made Madagascar a French colony, which lasted until 1960 when the country gained independence. The post-colonial era has been marked by political struggles, including periods of military rule, political instability, and transition to a more democratic system in the 1990s.
Madagascar’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, which includes the production of vanilla, coffee, cloves, and lychees—products that have become famous on the global market. The island is the world’s largest producer of vanilla, and its agricultural output plays a vital role in the national economy. However, Madagascar remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with many people living below the poverty line. The economic challenges include a lack of infrastructure, limited access to quality healthcare and education, and the vulnerability to natural disasters, such as cyclones. In recent years, the government has worked to improve conditions, focusing on tourism, mining, and sustainable agriculture as potential sources of growth.
Madagascar’s society is a blend of indigenous Malagasy traditions and influences from various global cultures. The island is known for its unique art, including music, dance, and intricate weaving. One of the most distinctive cultural aspects of Madagascar is the famadihana (the turning of the bones), a traditional ceremony where families re-bury their ancestors in a joyous celebration of their memory. Malagasy cuisine is diverse, with influences from Africa, Asia, and France, with rice being a staple of daily life. Family and community play central roles in the social structure, and despite economic challenges, the people of Madagascar exhibit great resilience and pride in their cultural identity.
Madagascar is an island full of contrasts—rich in natural resources, but grappling with economic and social challenges. Its history is deeply intertwined with colonialism, its people are a unique blend of diverse ethnic backgrounds, and its future remains closely tied to the sustainable management of its extraordinary biodiversity and economic development.
Human rights advocacy in Madagascar has evolved over the years, shaped by the country’s political transitions, social dynamics, and international influences. Despite significant strides in the post-colonial era, human rights issues remain a key concern, particularly with regards to political freedoms, gender equality, labor rights, and the protection of marginalized communities.
Political Freedoms and Civil Rights
Madagascar’s political landscape has been marked by periods of instability and authoritarian rule, which have often undermined civil liberties. The country has experienced several coups and transitions from military rule to civilian governance, most notably in the 2009 crisis when then-President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in a coup led by Andry Rajoelina. In response to these upheavals, human rights organizations, both within the country and internationally, have frequently raised concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms, including freedom of speech, the press, and the right to assembly.
Journalists, political activists, and opposition members have often faced harassment, threats, and arrests for speaking out against government actions. The lack of independent media and political repression have hindered the development of a vibrant democratic culture, though progress has been made in recent years to restore political stability. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch regularly monitor and report on the human rights situation in Madagascar, urging the government to respect fundamental freedoms.
Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
Gender equality remains a critical issue in Madagascar. Women and girls face significant challenges, including gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of political representation. Although the country has signed international treaties that advocate for women’s rights, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the reality for many women is one of systemic inequality.
In rural areas, early marriage and traditional gender roles restrict women’s opportunities for education and economic empowerment. Domestic violence is also a prevalent issue, and advocacy groups have been working hard to provide support to survivors and to educate the population about women’s rights. Organizations like FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights) and local NGOs play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing legal aid, and pushing for reforms that aim to protect women and promote gender equity.
Labor Rights and Working Conditions
Labor rights in Madagascar are another key focus of human rights advocacy. While the country has ratified several International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, exploitation of workers, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors, remains widespread. Child labor, poor working conditions, and low wages are common in sectors such as vanilla farming, fishing, and the extraction of natural resources like nickel and cobalt.
Human rights advocates often highlight the exploitation of workers in informal and unregulated sectors, where labor laws are weakly enforced. There are also concerns about labor rights in the garment industry, where workers—mostly women—face long hours and unsafe working conditions. Trade unions and advocacy groups are pushing for stronger enforcement of labor laws and better protection for workers’ rights. However, the challenge remains in balancing economic development with the protection of workers, particularly in rural and impoverished regions.
Indigenous and Marginalized Communities
Indigenous and marginalized communities in Madagascar face unique challenges. The Malagasy people belong to a number of ethnic groups, but some, particularly those living in remote areas, struggle to access basic services, land rights, and political representation. The situation is particularly difficult for communities that rely on traditional ways of life and face pressure from commercial interests like logging and mining that threaten their land and livelihoods.
One area of concern is the Vezo people, a fishing community living along the southwestern coast, who often face threats to their livelihoods due to environmental degradation, such as the destruction of coral reefs. Additionally, efforts to address the rights of indigenous groups often conflict with the push for economic development, leading to disputes over land use and conservation efforts.
Environmental Rights and Protection of Biodiversity
Madagascar’s rich biodiversity, which includes countless endemic species of plants and animals, is another area where human rights advocacy intersects with environmental issues. Local communities, especially those living near protected areas or forests, have historically faced conflicts with conservation efforts, especially when those efforts limit their access to natural resources.
Environmental groups, including international organizations like WWF and Conservation International, are working with local communities to promote sustainable development and conservation practices that also respect the rights of indigenous peoples and local populations. Advocacy for environmental rights in Madagascar often includes demands for a more inclusive approach to conservation that balances environmental protection with the livelihoods of local communities.
International Influence and Advocacy
International human rights organizations continue to play a pivotal role in supporting local advocacy efforts and pressuring the government to uphold human rights standards. Agencies like the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have consistently urged Madagascar to improve its human rights practices. Additionally, bilateral and multilateral aid from countries and organizations often comes with human rights conditions, influencing Madagascar’s political and social landscape.
Human rights advocacy in Madagascar faces considerable challenges, rooted in the country’s complex political history, economic inequalities, and social norms. While there have been notable advances in areas such as gender equality and political rights, much remains to be done. Advocacy efforts continue to focus on areas of political repression, labor rights, gender-based violence, and the protection of marginalized communities. As Madagascar continues to develop, balancing economic growth with human rights and environmental protection will be key to securing a more just and equitable future for all of its citizens.
Since its creation, the office has been operational under the supervision of an executive committee and our coordinator who is responsible for the animation and creation of DIS-MOI Clubs in colleges across Madagascar.
Vision
Make Madagascar 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 college students across Madagascar 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
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
– On the international day of “Mother Tongue”, the youth and students from the club DIS-MOI Lycée Talatamaty bring more information about it through a video.
– On the occasion of Safer Internet Day,Sombiniaina and other young members of DIS-MOI Zenn have emphasized the importance of Safer Internet day which is dedicated to a more responsible use of the Internet. In their video, they aimed at making the youth aware of a more diligent use of the Internet.
– Production of video on the International Children’s Day 2024 where the youth emphasized that children’s voices count and so are their dreams and future.
– Members of DIS-MOI Madagascar’s participated in the International Youth Day celebration
ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS
– The young artists from DIS-MOI Club and DIS-MOI Zenn captivated the audience with slams and poems on the themes of Peace and the Environment. An event rich in emotions and creativity, supported by the OIF, which highlighted the importance of art for a better future.
– The young members of the DIS-MOI club enthusiastically participated in World Clean Up Day 2024.
TRAINING SESSION
-RAM2 et LANDJA, financed by the @UNPeacebuildingFundMadagascar organised a training session which enabled members of DIS-MOI Madagascar to strengthen their potential in human rights advocacy and awareness through the use of modern tools.
-DIS-MOI Madagascar organised a Bus Tour at Mahitsy, which gathered the youth DIS-MOI Club et du DIS-MOI Zenn for a sharing and learning session.
-A representative from Dis-Moi Mauritius and two from DIS-MOI Madagascar, had the chance to contribute to participated in the Regional Conference on Peace and Stability organized by the Indian Ocean Commission (COI). The conference emphasized the crucial role of youth in peacebuilding and democracy efforts in our region, the need to amplify young voices, encourage them to take the lead, and provide platforms for their participation in decision-making, the importance of giving them the support they need to gain essential knowledge for their growth and development.
-Two basic training sessions with the students from DIS-MOI Club LMA and DIS-MOI Club LJJR where several themes were discussed to remind them of their related rights and responsibilities.