680 Police & Firefighters Preparing for Domestic & International Missions

In a significant effort to enhance emergency response capabilities, police officers and firefighters in Mauritius will receive training in providing humanitarian aid, not only within the country but also for potential international missions under the guidance of an international organization.

This announcement was made by Maneesh Gobin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a half-day awareness session designed for these first responders.

The workshop, which commenced on Monday, August 19, and is set to conclude on Wednesday, August 21, involving around 600 newly recruited police officers and 80 firefighters.

Organized by the Human Rights Division in partnership with the Mauritius Police Force and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, the primary aim of the workshop is to clarify the roles and responsibilities of participants during emergencies, particularly the importance of providing humanitarian assistance and their civic duties towards society.

In his opening remarks, Minister Gobin highlighted the significance of recognizing the contributions of humanitarian workers, coinciding with the observance of World Humanitarian Day on August 19.

He noted that Mauritius has recently faced various crises related to climate change, including recent flooding events where police and firefighters played crucial roles in delivering humanitarian aid.

Minister Gobin emphasized the necessity of training first responders to assist effectively in challenging and complex situations, such as facing equipment shortages and managing hostile crowds.

He also pointed out that international law mandates the protection of humanitarian workers, ensuring their safety whenever they are at risk while providing aid.

Source: Le Mauricien