Editorial Note: This article reports allegations made by the Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (ARID) concerning the Seychelles Human Rights Commission. The allegations reflect ARID’s position and should not be regarded as findings of fact.
A civil society organisation has called for the resignation of commissioners of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission (SHRC) following the commission’s legal challenge against the Montagne Posée Prison Commission of Inquiry.
The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (ARID) made the call in a press statement issued on Thursday 28th May.
The dispute centres on the aftermath of the December 2024 prison incident at Montagne Posée and the SHRC’s role in investigating the matter.
ARID said it was “deeply concerned” by an application that the SHRC filed before the Supreme Court against the Commission of Inquiry.
The organisation questioned the commission’s handling of its investigation and raised concerns about delays in the process.
“It took the SHRC more than six months to initiate even a basic investigation into the incident,” ARID said.
The group also claimed that the commission had not yet completed or published its findings.
According to ARID, nearly 18 months have passed since the events of December 2024. The organisation said the delay had affected public confidence in the institution.
Furthermore, ARID accused the commission of failing to demonstrate sufficient commitment to transparency and accountability.
As a result, the organisation called for the immediate resignation of SHRC commissioners.
“We therefore call for the immediate resignation of the Commissioners of the SHRC,” the statement said.
ARID said it would continue advocating for what it described as truth, justice and reform. It also urged the justice system to ensure accountability and protect the rights of those affected by the prison incident.
At the time of publication, the Seychelles Human Rights Commission had not responded to the allegations contained in ARID’s press release.
The Seychelles Human Rights Commission is chaired by Justice Bernardin Renaud (Retired). Its members also include Deputy Chairperson Mrs. Nichole Tirant-Gherardi, Commissioner Mrs. Barbara Carolus-André, Commissioner Mr. Roger Toussaint and Commissioner Mrs. Elna Etienne Kumar.
Justice Bernardin Renaud has chaired the Seychelles Human Rights Commission since 2019.
Former President Danny Faure appointed him under the Seychelles Human Rights Commission Act, 2018, after consultations required by law. Justice Renaud formally assumed the position after retiring from the Court of Appeal in May 2019.
Before joining the commission, he served in several public roles, including Labour Commissioner, Director of Elections, Ombudsman, Supreme Court judge and Court of Appeal judge.