Seychelles human rights reporting is in focus. A national workshop on treaty reporting and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) opened on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
The working session of the Seychelles Human Rights Treaty Reporting Committee (SHRTRC) is taking place. It is being held at the Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora organised the three-day workshop. It worked in collaboration with the Human Rights Unit of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
In her opening remarks, Ambassador Cillia Mangroo thanked contributors to Seychelles’ National Report. Their collaboration ensured a comprehensive document. It reflects national realities and responds to recommendations from the previous UPR cycle.
She also stressed shared responsibility across institutions. “Human rights are both international obligations and constitutional commitments, requiring collective responsibility across all institutions,” she said.
However, she noted ongoing challenges. She pointed to capacity constraints and called for stronger technical capacity, coordination and timely reporting. The establishment of the SHRTRC marks progress in coordinating the National Report. However, further efforts are needed to improve institutional effectiveness and meet reporting timelines.
Ambassador Mangroo also highlighted the role of civil society. She said partnerships are important to support an inclusive, transparent and responsive human rights framework, especially in Small Island Developing States such as Seychelles.
Human Rights Advisor at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Phumlani Dlamini, said Seychelles’ recent submission of its National Report for the fourth UPR cycle shows commitment. “It is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to upholding human rights,” he said.
He added that participation in international reporting processes strengthens the country’s global voice and supports compliance with its obligations. He noted that Seychelles is party to all nine core international human rights treaties.
Mr Dlamini also acknowledged challenges. He said reporting requires strong national mechanisms and welcomed the establishment of the SHRTRC as a step to improve reporting and implementation. He reaffirmed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s support to member states, particularly small states, in building capacity and engaging with UN human rights mechanisms.
The workshop will focus on sharing best practices for implementation, reporting and follow-up. It will also aim to strengthen the mandate of the SHRTRC and address reporting obligations. In addition, participants will identify overdue reports and work to reduce the reporting backlog, including drafting responses to the Human Rights Committee on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.