Geneva – Nouakchott: The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expresses its full solidarity and deep concern regarding recent legislative moves in Mauritania, specifically the proposed “Draft Decree” that imposes strict time restrictions on women’s work and introduces regulations for child labor hours. The Committee describes this step as a “human rights setback” that entrenches the vulnerability of the most marginalized groups.
Implicit Legitimatization of Child Labor: CFJ maintains that including working hours for children (between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM) in the draft constitutes a grave and dangerous violation of international conventions, as it grants a legal character to “child labor,” which should be combated and eradicated. The Committee emphasizes that this direction directly conflicts with Legal Order No. 05/2005 on the protection of children in Mauritania and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the State has ratified. CFJ warns that these “legislative procedures” could open the door for the exploitation of minors in hazardous sectors such as fishing and construction.
Restricting the Livelihoods of “Female Breadwinners”: Regarding women, the Committee for Justice (CFJ) draws attention to the fact that the proposed decree, by prohibiting women from practicing their professional activities between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, shows a clear lack of alignment with the socio-economic reality in Mauritania. Broad segments of families rely primarily on the income of women working in informal sectors whose timing is tied to the nature of field activities.
These temporal restrictions are not merely procedural obstacles but represent a challenge to the sustainability of livelihoods for families headed by women. This could lead to a decline in the economic security indicators for these families and push the most vulnerable groups toward deeper levels of material need. The Committee reaffirms that the right to work, without discrimination or unjustified restrictions, is a fundamental pillar for ensuring women’s dignity and achieving the economic empowerment enshrined in international instruments.
Double Standards in Legislation: CFJ deplores the government’s haste in introducing decrees that restrict economic freedoms, while the draft law on Combating Violence Against Women and Girls has remained “stalled” in the executive branch’s drawers for years. The Committee believes that the utmost priority should be protecting women’s dignity from systemic violence, rather than restricting their inherent right to work and a decent life.
Demands: In light of the above, the Committee for Justice (CFJ) joins the voices of civil society and human rights defenders in Mauritania and demands:
The immediate withdrawal of this draft decree due to its conflict with international standards for child protection and women’s rights.
The expedited ratification of the law on combating violence against women and girls without further delay.
The alignment of all government decrees with Mauritania’s obligations before the Human Rights Council and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
The Committee for Justice affirms that it will continue to monitor this file and raise it with relevant international mechanisms concerned with “Discrimination against Women” and “Rights of the Child” to ensure that legislation legitimizing exploitation and deepening poverty is not passed.
