The press release issued by the Beach Authority for Easter Sunday, April 5, and the following Sunday, known as Quasimodo, April 12, aroused strong anger on social networks. This time, the organization is the subject of a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
On April 10, 2026, Kolektif Reparasyon Avansman Kreol (KRAK), an organization presenting itself as an entity dedicated to campaigning for reparations against the continuing legacy of slavery and colonialism, filed a formal complaint with Melany Nagen, Chair of the NHRC Human Rights Division.
The complaint targets the press release issued by the Beach Authority on April 2, 2026. The plaintiffs explicitly state: “We maintain that the Authority’s press release constitutes a discriminatory administrative act. This measure echoes colonial-era laws on “vagrancy” and “public order”, directly contradicting the fundamental rights of part of the population as enshrined in sections 3, 11 and 16 of the Constitution. »
They ask the Commission to examine the complaint “in light of the recommendations of the Justice and Truth Commission, which expressly call for the safeguarding of “Creole space” and the dismantling of institutional barriers which perpetuate the marginalization of the Mauritian Creole people in our public and coastal areas”.
The Beach Authority's statement is accused of stigmatizing a community by requiring increased police and National Coast Guard surveillance only for these religious dates, while reducing it to a matter of "public order," "noise pollution" and "civic responsibility."
The plaintiffs argue that “the timing and heavy tone of the release during a sacred time creates an atmosphere of state intimidation, amounting to an institutional violation of freedom of conscience, thought and religion.”
They believe that the measure violates article 3 of the Constitution by applying a “double standard” absent for other religious holidays in the country. Finally, they denounce the “lack of consultation” of religious and community stakeholders.
The complaint alleges that “the Beach Authority exceeded its administrative mandate, violating the dignity and religious rights of the Mauritian Creole/Catholic community.”
The Beach Authority, for its part, forcefully defended itself against any intention of discrimination. Its president, Ananda Rajoo, explained to the media that this body is used to calling for the maintenance of cleanliness and order on public beaches before the holidays, whatever they may be, and that the press release targets Mauritians as a whole. The Beach Authority said it had already issued similar statements during Ganga Asnan, as well as for Easter.
In her press release, she indicated that she would take, “closely
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