Celebration of FGM Zero Tolerance Day;
Implementation of a programme to eradicate FGM;
Validation of a draft law punishing FGM;
Organization of several awareness-raising campaigns on other harmful practices
(obesity, forced and early marriages…).
3°)-Equality before the Law and Equal Protection of the Law
Mauritania has a judicial system based on the principle of the right to appeal and
facilitates access to justice through legal assistance.
K-Effective remedy
Ratified international human rights instruments form an integral part of the body of national
legislation in accordance with Article 80 of the Constitution. All provisions of conventions
ratified by Mauritania may thus be invoked before the courts for mandatory application by
the judge.
PART II: Implementation of the provisions of the African Charter on Human
and People’s Rights
Chapter 1: Measures adopted in response to the Commission’s concluding
observations made at the consideration of the previous report
In compliance with the key recommendations of the Commission, the Government adopted
the necessary measures for the repatriation of Mauritanian refugees in Senegal (Section 1)
and the eradication of the legacy of slavery (Section 2).
Section 1: Repatriation of refugees
Dealing with humanitarian issues has been one of the Government’s main concerns.
This was reflected in the voluntary, dignified and organized repatriation of 24,536
Mauritanian refugees (including 5,817 families) in Senegal to 118 sites in five wilayas.
The operation followed the signing of the tripartite agreement on 12 November 2007
between Mauritania, Senegal and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR). This agreement is based on principles of humanitarian law relating to the
voluntary character of repatriation and family unity under circumstances in which human
dignity is preserved. Under the terms of the agreement, Mauritania is responsible for taking
charge of the returnees by guaranteeing their security and dignity and ensuring that they are
reintegrated into the country’s economic and social fabric.
Pursuant to its commitments, the Government took the necessary steps to ensure the
voluntary and organized repatriation of the refugees and their economic and social
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