The Mauritian government has a history of respecting basic human rights. The constitution protects political and civil rights, including freedom of speech and of the press. In 1991 the government enacted the Public Gathering Act, which prevents indefinite detention without charge or trial. During the early 19ออออ90s, there were no reports of political or other extrajudicial killings or disappearances. Various Mauritian media reports have alleged that the police have mistreated or killed criminal suspects however, follow-up investigations have failed to confirm any consistent pattern of abuse.

Data as of August 1994