Arid challenges DEAS and Assembly Acts |21 September 2026
Arid challenges DEAS and Assembly Acts
The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) has set out its position on two key legislative concerns – The Drugs Enforcement Agency Seychelles Act (2026) and the Public Assembly Act (2015).
Arid supports the recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Council to the Government of Seychelles, calling for the removal of restrictions on civic space and the establishment of mechanisms to protect human rights defenders.
Concerns on the Public Assembly Act (2015)
The Act, which governs peaceful assemblies, allows authorities to restrict the venue and timing of assemblies if deemed a risk to public health, morality or safety. This provision has been abused in the past by the Commissioner of Police, who is mandated to issue permissions under the Act.
Concerns on the Drugs Enforcement Agency Seychelles Act (2026)
The recently enacted DEAS Act contains provisions that raise serious human rights concerns. Of particular concern is the clause allowing officers conducting searches and arrests to conceal their identities. Citizens must be able to identify officers when they are exercising law‑enforcement powers.
Arid calls on the Government of Seychelles to:
- Remove identity concealment in DEAS Act: Ensure all officers are identifiable when conducting searches, arrests or other functions.
- Safeguard association autonomy: Remove disproportionate restrictions in the Associations Act to comply with international standards.
- Protect defenders and journalists: Guarantee protection against intimidation, harassment and attacks.
- Review demonstration restrictions: Align limits on public demonstrations with international human rights standards.
- Amend notice requirement: Remove the provision requiring five working days’ written notice to the Commissioner of Police before holding a peaceful assembly.
Seychelles must turn its commitments into concrete implementation and ensure effective, unqualified protection of human rights for all.
Press release - Arid