On 06th May 2026, Collectif Arc-en-Ciel (CAEC) officially launched its Legal Clinic, a new initiative made possible through the support of the Marang Fund and implemented in collaboration with Dentons LLP Mauritius. More than the introduction of a new service, the Legal Clinic represents a commitment to ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people in Mauritius have somewhere to turn when facing legal challenges, discrimination or violations of their rights.
The Legal Clinic was established to provide confidential legal information, guidance, referrals and, where appropriate, access to legal representation through CAEC’s network of legal professionals. But behind the service lies a much bigger vision: making justice accessible to those who have too often felt excluded from it.
In this interview, Annie Osawaru, Director of Collectif Arc-en-Ciel, reflects on why the Legal Clinic was created, the impact it is already having, and the future she envisions for strengthening access to justice for LGBTQIA+ people in Mauritius.
The need behind the Legal Clinic
For Annie, the Legal Clinic was born out of years of listening.
“Through our counselling services and case management, we observed that many LGBTQIA+ individuals were experiencing discrimination, harassment, family rejection, workplace challenges, violence and other human rights concerns, yet very few were seeking legal assistance,” she explains.
The problem, she says, was rarely the absence of legal remedies. Instead, it was the many barriers preventing people from accessing them.
“Many feared being judged or outed. Others had limited knowledge of their legal rights, were concerned about the costs involved, or simply did not know how to navigate legal procedures. Some questioned whether they would receive respectful and non-discriminatory treatment throughout the process.”
Recognising this gap, CAEC created the Legal Clinic to bridge the distance between individuals experiencing legal issues and the justice system.
“Our objective is to ensure that LGBTQIA+ people are able to understand their rights, access quality legal advice, receive appropriate referrals or representation where applicable, and make informed decisions about the legal options available to them.”
More than legal advice
While the Legal Clinic provides practical legal support, Annie emphasises that its purpose extends far beyond helping people navigate individual cases.
“The Legal Clinic is a strategic extension of CAEC’s mission to promote equality, dignity and the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQIA+ people in Mauritius,” she says.
The strategy, she explains, rests on three interconnected pillars: providing accessible legal information and guidance, strengthening pathways to justice through partnerships with legal professionals and institutions, and documenting cases to identify recurring legal issues that can inform advocacy and strategic litigation.
“This means the Legal Clinic does more than resolve individual legal matters. It allows us to identify patterns, understand where barriers exist within systems and engage constructively with policymakers, institutions and partners to advocate for improvements that benefit the broader community.”
Ultimately, Annie believes access to justice should never depend on someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.
“Our vision is not simply to respond to legal problems after they occur, but to contribute to a society where everyone can enjoy equal protection under the law and access justice without fear of discrimination.”
Building trust, one case at a time
Although the Legal Clinic is still in its early stages, Annie says its impact has already exceeded expectations.
“One of our most significant achievements has been creating a dedicated and trusted space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can seek legal support in a confidential, respectful and non-judgmental environment.”
Since its official launch, the clinic has registered more than ten legal cases, covering discrimination, harassment, workplace concerns, family-related matters and legal gender recognition.
While every case is different, Annie explains that each individual receives tailored legal guidance, information and referrals, with legal representation facilitated through CAEC’s network whenever appropriate.
Beyond supporting individuals, the initiative has also strengthened collaboration between civil society organisations and members of the legal profession committed to advancing equal access to justice.
“Another important outcome has been our ability to document recurring legal issues,” Annie adds. “Rather than viewing each case in isolation, we analyse emerging trends to better understand the systemic barriers affecting the community.”
That evidence, she explains, helps shape CAEC’s advocacy and contributes to conversations around legal and policy reform.
Perhaps most importantly, however, the Legal Clinic has begun to build something that cannot be measured by numbers alone.
“Community members increasingly know that there is a place where they can seek legal guidance with confidence, where their confidentiality is respected and where their concerns will be treated with professionalism and dignity.”
Looking ahead
For Annie, the long-term vision is clear.
“Our vision is for the Legal Clinic to become a sustainable and trusted access-to-justice service for LGBTQIA+ people in Mauritius.”
Over the coming years, CAEC hopes to expand its network of legal professionals and strategic partners, increase access to pro bono legal services and continue strengthening the support available to the community.
“We want to ensure that every individual, regardless of their financial situation or personal circumstances, can access quality legal information, advice and support when they need it most.”
At its heart, she says, the vision is about ensuring that nobody is prevented from seeking justice because of fear, stigma or financial barriers.
"You do not have to face these challenges alone."
For LGBTQIA+ people experiencing discrimination, violence, family rejection, workplace issues or other legal concerns, Annie hopes the Legal Clinic sends a simple but powerful message.
“You do not have to face these challenges alone.”
She encourages individuals to remember that seeking legal support does not necessarily mean taking someone to court.
“It means understanding your rights, exploring your options and making informed decisions about the best way forward.”
At CAEC, every person who accesses the Legal Clinic is welcomed into a confidential, inclusive and non-judgmental space where they are treated with dignity and respect.
“If you need support, know that our doors are open, and we are here to walk alongside you throughout your journey. You are not alone, and your rights matter.”
Need legal support?
CAEC’s Legal Clinic provides confidential legal information, guidance, referrals and access to legal support for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing discrimination, violence, family-related matters, workplace issues, legal gender recognition and other human rights concerns.
If you would like to access the service or learn more, contact Collectif Arc-en-Ciel. Our team is here to listen, support you and help you understand the legal options available to you.