Unlike many African countries, Mauritius achieved independence without violence or repression. Civil society engagement has seen periods of heightened activity and decline, from women-led activism and a state of emergency in the 1970s to reduced mobilisation in the market-driven economy of the mid-1980s and 1990s. Since November 2024, the new government has pledged to expand civil liberties and democratic space, but persistent and emerging challenges remain. Mauritius has also acquired sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while the situation of displaced Chagossians living in Mauritius continues to draw criticism.

In 2025, Mauritius was classified as “Free” by Freedom House, with a score of 86 out of 100, reflecting progress in protecting fundamental freedoms. Civil society has increasingly shifted toward thematic advocacy, including platforms such as No To Coal and Aret Kokin Nu Laplaz. The country remains multicultural and socially cohesive, although religious nationalism and identity politics persist.

While civil society rights are constitutionally protected, CSOs face threats including arbitrary arrests, privacy violations, censorship and insufficient investigation of gender-based violence, particularly under the previous regime. There is no dedicated legal framework supporting or protecting CSOs working on human rights, and access to resources is limited. Since 2019, most CSR funding has been centralised under the National CSR Foundation, while international funding lacks a facilitating legal framework.

Consultations with civil society remain largely limited to election periods, with no formal platform for engagement with the state. Civic participation remains low, especially among men, rural populations and people without formal education.