EU ANNUAL REPORT ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN THE WORLD 2020 COUNTRY UPDATE – SEYCHELLES

07.07.2021

1. Overview of the human rights and democracy situation: Seychelles has a good track record of upholding human rights. The country occupies third position in the 2020 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance. The holding of credible, inclusive and transparent 2020 presidential and legislative elections confirmed Seychelles’ democratic transition and consolidation process. As confirmed by the incumbent president in his first address, Seychelles remains committed to advance on the path of democracy, good governance and rule of law. Reforms in the area of human rights continued in 2020. The Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission remains operational and its discussions are public. The body has proved its value as a useful mechanism allowing citizens to raise human rights violations which occurred during and after the 1977 coup d'état. With regard to the Anti-Corruption Commission, it has operated under an improved legal framework since 2019.

2. EU action - key focus areas: The EU continues to support human rights and democracy in Seychelles through cooperation programmes in the following priority areas: institutional strengthening of human rights and governance related institutions, fight against corruption, combating gender-based violence and drug abuse. The strengthening of key institutions is under way, to which the EU makes a valuable contribution via its financial and technical assistance.

3. EU bilateral political engagement: The EU-Seychelles Article 8 Political Dialogue could not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the next session is foreseen in mid-2021. Seychelles is an important international ally of the EU, including on climate change, protection of biodiversity and on the fight against piracy and trafficking in the Indian Ocean. Seychelles perceives the EU as a reliable partner on good governance and capacity building.

4. EU financial engagement: The EU continues to support human rights and democracy in Seychelles through cooperation programmes. The EU projects focus on the following priority areas: institutional strengthening of human rights and governance related institutions, fight against corruption, combating gender-based violence and drug abuse.5. Multilateral context: The incumbent President confirmed in his first address the country’s support to multilateralism. Seychelles is for instance part of the Global Alliance for Torture Free Trade with the objective to end trade in goods used for capital punishment and torture. Seychelles will seek increased convergence on positions and voting patterns with the in international fora.