Conventions

  1. UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions

Mauritius signed the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions on 29 March 2006, and it entered into force for Mauritius on 18 March 2007. This convention acknowledges the distinctive nature of cultural goods and services, emphasizing that while they have economic value, they are also vehicles of identity, values, and meaning. It aims to foster international cooperation for the protection and promotion of diverse cultural expressions, encourage the integration of culture in sustainable development strategies, and promote a balanced flow of cultural goods and services globally.

As a State Party to this Convention, Mauritius is required to submit periodic reports to UNESCO on the measures taken to implement the Convention.  Since the signature of the Convention, Mauritius has submitted at two Quadrennial Periodic Report (QPR), i.e. in November 2020 and July 2024 respectively.  The next reporting is due in Year 2028.

  1. Implementation for UNESCO Thematic Indicators for Culture in the 2030 Agenda (UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators)

Following Government approval on 19 April 2024, a Letter of Agreement and a Standard Letter of Additional Contribution was signed by the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage and UNESCO on 27 June 2024, for the implementation of the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators.

Accordingly, a voluntary contribution of US Dollars 115,000 was made by the Republic of Mauritius to UNESCO.

Since then, Mauritius has shown commitment to utilizing cultural indicators.  In March 2025, the Ministry of Arts and Culture has issued a public notice inviting bids for a local expert/consultant to assist with the “National-Level/City-Level Implementation for UNESCO Thematic Indicators for Culture in the 2030 Agenda (UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators)” with closing date of 03 April 2025. This indicates an ongoing collaboration with UNESCO to integrate cultural indicators within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by UNESCO on 17 October at  its 32nd session, meeting in Paris from 29 September to 17 October 2003.

The Convention’s General Provisions acknowledges “the importance of intangible cultural heritage as a mainspring of cultural diversity and a guarantee of sustainable development” and yet observes that globalization and other detrimental forces are a grave threat to the future of this unique kind of heritage.

The purposes of this Convention are:
(a) to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage;
(b) to ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups and individuals concerned;
(c) to raise awareness at the local, national and international levels of the importance of the intangible cultural heritage, and of ensuring mutual appreciation thereof;
(d) to provide for international cooperation and assistance. 

The “intangible cultural heritage”,(ICH) as defined by the Convention, is manifested inter alia in the following domains:
(a) oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;
(b) performing arts;
(c) social practices, rituals and festive events;
(d) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
(e) traditional craftsmanship.

An Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, composed of representatives of 18 States Parties, elected by the States Parties has established within UNESCO interlia to promote the objectives of the Convention, and provide guidance on best practices and make recommendations on measures for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage.

The main responsibilities of each State Party are as follows:
(a) take the necessary measures to ensure the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage present in its territory;

(b) identify and define the various elements of the intangible cultural heritage present in its territory, with the participation of communities, groups and relevant non-governmental organizations.

In 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019, four of the elements of our Intangible Cultural Heritage namely the “Sega Tipik”, “Geet-Gawai”, “Sega Tambour Rodrig” are inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and “Sega Tambour Chagos” is inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage In Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

 

02 April 2025

Ministry of Arts and Culture

The1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import,Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property urges States Parties totake measures to prohibit and prevent the illicit trafficking of culturalproperty. It provides a common framework for the States Parties on the measuresto be taken to prohibit and prevent the import, export and transfer of culturalproperty.  Mauritius deposited itsinstrument of acceptance on 27 February 1978.

1. Overview

The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict is an international treaty adopted under the auspices of UNESCO. It aims to safeguard cultural heritage, including monuments, artworks, and historical sites, from damage, destruction, or theft during armed conflicts. Mauritius ratified the Convention on 22 September 2006, committing to its implementation at the national level.

2. Aim and Objectives

The Convention’s primary aim is to protect cultural property from the effects of armed conflict. Its key objectives include:

  • Preventive Measures: Ensuring the identification, protection, and documentation of cultural property before conflicts arise.
  • Marking of Cultural Property: Using a distinctive emblem to identify protected sites, monuments, and objects.
  • Respect for Cultural Property: Prohibiting attacks, destruction, or misuse of protected cultural heritage.
  • Military Safeguards: Incorporating cultural property protection into military planning and training.
  • Sanctions for Violations: Establishing legal measures to prosecute individuals responsible for destruction or looting.
  • International Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration between countries for heritage protection and post-conflict recovery.

3. Submission of Reports

As a State Party to the 1954 Hague Convention, Mauritius is required to submit periodic reports on its implementation efforts.

  • First National Report (2020-2024): Submitted in June 2020.
  • Second National Report (2024-2027): Submitted in July 2024.

4. Next Reporting Cycle

Mauritius will submit its third National Report for the 2028-2031 cycle, expected in 2028, in accordance with the Convention’s reporting schedule.

5. Implementation in Mauritius

As a State Party, Mauritius is responsible for:

  • Taking legislative and administrative measures to enforce the Convention.
  • Submitting National Reports on its implementation Engaging key institutions such as the Ministry of Defence, Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mauritius Revenue Authority in safeguarding cultural heritage.
  • Establishment of a National Advisory Committee
    In the Second National Report, a proposal was made to establish a National Advisory Committee chaired by the Ministry of Arts and Culture. The Ministry is currently working on its implementation.
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