Truth and Justice Commission

The Commission was tasked to investigate the dispossession of land, and “determine appropriate measures to be extended to descendants of slaves and indentured laborers.”[1][2] It was “unique in that it [dealt] with socio-economic class abuses" and explored the possibility of reparations.

The Truth and Justice Commission of Mauritius, beginning its work in February 2009, sought to explore the impact of slavery and indentured labour on the islands since colonization in 1638.

[3] Uniquely the Mauritian Truth commission sought to “investigate complaints of the dispossession of land, and to ‘determine appropriate measures to be extended to descendants of slaves and indentures labours.’"[3] The inclusion of reparations, whether for individuals or communities, was a controversial decision within the country which aimed to correct inequality.

Prime Minister Ramgoolam, calling for the creation of the commission, argued: “Years have passed since slavery and indentured labor were abolished.

[4]Finally, the Prime Minister stated his hope that: This Commission will pave the way to reconciliation, social justice and national unity through the process of re-establishing the historical truth.

[3] Throughout the French rule of the territory, until its loss following the Treaty of Paris of 1814, the slave trade would continue to grow in economic importance in the Indian Ocean.

[3] Following the defeat of Napoleon and the loss of Mauritius to Great Britain, the territory continued to rely upon slave labour until slavery's abolition in the British Empire in the 1830s.

[3] During the first month of the Commission planning difficulties were experienced due to Professor Shell being unable to assume full-time chairmanship, visiting the Islands on three occasion during his tenure.

[4][5] Lindsay Morvan, for personal reasons, was forced to resign as a member of the Commission in April 2010, replaced by Jacques David in July 2011.

"[7] In December 2020 Jean Claude de l’Estrac published a book titled Terres Possession et Dépossession which also highlights the lack of action by the sugar industry and politicians.

De L'Estrac also writes about the persistent social injustice, the adverse effects of ethnic politics, and the confusion caused by recent legal changes to 'acquisition by prescription'.