Reply: According to the United Nations Declaration, Gender-Based Violence is any act of violence directed against a person on the basis of their gender, resulting in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering, including threats of such acts, coercion, or deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, from 01 January 2021 to 18 March 2026, 646 cases of Gender-Based Violence were reported to the Police in Rodrigues, amongst which 581 cases of domestic violence, 28 cases of family violence, and, of particular concern, 37 cases of sexual violence, related to rape. I am further informed that, of the 646 reported cases, 480 have been disposed by the Court, 36 have been formally charged and are awaiting trial, 10 are pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions and 120 are under Police investigation. Government is concerned of the gravity of Gender-Based Violence and remains fully committed to preventing and combating all forms of such violence. In this regard, the Police, in collaboration with the Brigade pour la Protection de la Famille, the Commission for Women’s Affairs, Child Development, Family Welfare, Consumer Protection and Handicraft of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly, the National Empowerment Foundation, non- governmental organisations, and other relevant stakeholders, have strengthened and expanded measures to protect victims and deter perpetrators. These measures include – (i) provision of counselling and psychological support services to victims; (ii) access to shelters and safe accommodation for victims in need of protection; (iii) operation of dedicated 24/7 hotlines by the Commission; (iv) support to victims in terms of legal assistance through a dedicated Legal Resource Person, and (v) sensitisation and awareness campaigns at community level to promote gender equality and respect for human rights. I would like to reiterate that Government remains fully committed to preventing and combating all forms of Gender-Based Violence. Sustained measures are being implemented to strengthen legal frameworks, including the Domestic Abuse Bill currently under preparation. In addition, on 06 March 2026, Government has agreed to the introduction of a new scheme under the National Solidarity Fund for the payment of an allowance to victims of domestic violence residing in shelters, with a view to promoting their economic empowerment and supporting their reintegration into society. Government will continue to take resolute and coordinated action to safeguard victims, deter perpetrators, and uphold a culture of zero tolerance towards violence in all its forms. MAURITIUS – SDDS+ UPGRADE – KEY BENEFITS