Committee on the Rights of the Child
Ninety-eighth session
Geneva, 13–31 January 2025
Consideration of reports of States parties
Replies of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the list of issues in relation to its second periodic report *
[Date received: 25 November 2024]
Part IReplies to the list of issues (CRC/C/KNA/Q/2)
Reply to paragraph 2 (a) of the list of issues
Marriage Act
Chapter 12.09 of the Marriage Act 7 of 1987 was amended by Act 4 of 2002 which provides for restriction in case of minority, Section. 28. Subsection (1) states where either of the parties, not being a widower or widow is under the age of eighteen years, no marriage shall take place between them until the consent of the persons or person required by this Act has been first obtained. The Act also provides for a marriage solemnised between persons either of whom is under the age of sixteen shall be void, provided however that the Attorney-General or his or her representative may, in his discretion, if, for serious reasons, he or she considers it to be in the interest of the intending spouses so to do, grant a licence to marry to any person under the age of sixteen but over the age of fifteen; and the exercise of such discretion by the Attorney-General or his or her representative shall not be inquired into by any Court provided all the necessary consents to such marriage have been previously obtained by the parties thereto.
There is a commitment to amend the Act through collaboration among stakeholders to create protective legal frameworks and societal changes and ensure such amendment bring both legislation and practice of child marriages into full conformity with the Convention.
Child Justice Act
The Child Justice Act has not been amended to increase the age of criminal responsibility or to address any of the other non-conformity issues with the Convention.
National Stakeholders discussions have occurred where areas for amendment have been identified. The amendment of this act and all others in the suite have been included in the legislative agenda for the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs as submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.
Education Act
Section 26 of the Education Act (2005) states “every child shall attend school from the beginning of the school calendar in the school year following that in which the child attains the age prescribed by the Minister, by Order, until the last of the school calendar in the school year in which the child attains sixteen years of age or at the end of which the child obtains a certificate or diploma awarded by the Minister, whichever occurs first.”
The revision of the Education Act is part of the mid-to-long term plans for the Ministry of Education. The amendment to the age at which students may leave school without parental permission from 16 to 18 will be addressed as part of that process.
Defence Force Act
Chapter 19.14 Defence Force Act and Subsidiary Legislation was revised and passed on 31 December 2017. The Act under guidance on the Enlistment of an Officer states that a person who is under the age of eighteen years shall not be enlisted in the regular Force without the consent in writing of his or her parents or parent further no person who is under the age of fourteen years shall be enlisted in the regular Force. As part of the recruitment process applicants must provide a certified copy of a Birth Certificate.
Reply to paragraph 2 (b) of the list of issues
Social Protection Bill
The Social Protection bill has not yet been passed as the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs has been engaged in the creation of the National Social Protection Policy. Results from that engagement will inform the revision to the bill for adoption.
Review the child protection and child justice legislation
With support from the USAID funded OASYS Project, a consultant will be engaged to conduct national consultations to make recommendations for amendments to the Child Justice Legislation.
National Consultations have already identified areas for amendment of the Child Care and Adoptions Act. This matter has been included in the Legislative Agenda for the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs for 2025.
Reply to paragraph 2 (c) of the list of issues
The Federation currently lacks a legal entity with authority to coordinate activities related to the implementation of the convention across all sectors. However, the Probation and Child Welfare Board Act has been identified for revision. As such, the opportunity exists for the Board to serve as the appropriate authority with responsibility to coordinate the Convention's implementation at inter-ministerial and cross-sectoral levels.
Reply to paragraph 2 (d) of the list of issues
UNICEF has been engaged to provide support on Child Friendly Budgeting practices inclusive of the system for tracking, monitoring and reporting.
The Government held a series of ‘Budget 2024 Community Consultations’ in October 2023 for the first time across the Federation. On October 11, 2023, the government engaged the youth population at a special dialogue on the Budget entitled “Transformation to a Sustainable Island State: A Conversation with the Nation’s Youth.” It was the first time a youth-centred Budget consultation was hosted. The audience consisted of representatives from various private sector organizations, key youth organizations, secondary school students, students of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) and Sixth (6th) Form in Nevis, and other young professionals with expertise that falls within the seven (7) key pillars of the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda. The Government is optimistic that by encouraging more citizens and residents to participate in such activities, it would lead to better outcomes and a stronger, sustainable island state. Budget 2025 Consultations are currently underway.
Reply to paragraph 3 (a) of the list of issues
The Statistics Act, 2002 of Saint Kitts and Nevis partially aligns with five of the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (UNFPOS) while omitting the other five. It outlines the duties of the Statistics Department, including the collection, analysis, and publication of statistical data related to various aspects of the nation. The strengths of the Act include its mandate to collect data from various sources, impose penalties for non-compliance, and ensure staff confidentiality through oaths. However, it lacks provisions for international collaboration or adherence to global statistical standards. Notwithstanding this, the Department of Statistics published the Population and Housing Census Summary Report for St. Kitts and Nevis in January 2024.
The government enacted the Data Protection Act in 2018, which seeks to promote the protection of personal data processed by public and private bodies by specifying privacy and data protection principles, data subjects' rights, and certain obligations of data users and data processors. This act would ensure that the constitutional protections afforded to the privacy of a person's home and other property are adhered to.
The Ministry of Social Development with support from the Joint Programme as coordinated by UNICEF and the National ICT Center are working towards the development of a modular information management system. The system would support systematic data collection, analysis and reporting to facilitate data-based decision making.
Reply to paragraph 3 (b) of the list of issues
A National Coordination Committee was set up in 2017, via a Cabinet decision and held its first meeting in 2018. The Committee held regular meetings thereafter and prepared the national report for the UPR, 3rd cycle in 2020. However, due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings elapsed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested technical assistance from the Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean and its Human Rights Adviser, to reinvigorate the National Coordination Committee. This capacity-building workshop allowed for strengthening the role of the Committee to fulfil its mandate, and better interact with the various mechanisms.
March 20, 2023 saw the appointment of an Ombudsman. The independent office of the Ombudsman is established for the purpose of protecting and enforcing the rights of citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It gives assistance to persons who believe that they have suffered injustice as a result of maladministration of public officials. The Government has expressed interest in proposing amendments to the Ombudsman Act to strengthen the Ombudsman’s Office to ensure the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens including children and young people.
Reply to paragraph 4 (a) of the list of issues
Measures to eliminate discrimination against children, including based on sexual orientation and disability, are primarily guided by various laws and policies designed to protect children's rights and ensure that their needs are met. The Child Justice Act, 2017 specifically emphasizes the protection and equal treatment of children, ensuring that no child is treated more severely than an adult for similar offenses.
Additionally, children who are born to parents who are not married are now permitted to carry their father’s surname. According to Section 8 of the Status of Children Act, 2017, the natural father of a child has the right to have his name registered as part of the child's name on the birth certificate, provided that he acknowledges paternity. This law ensures that children have the right to carry their father's family name, reflecting the recognition of the father's role in the child's life.
Several policies, guidelines and conventions guide the work of the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs. These include, but are not limited to, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (Riyadh Guidelines) and UN Minimum; and United Nations Standard Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules).
The National Gender Policy and Action Plan is based on three guiding principles; namely, a human rights-based approach, leave no-one behind; and gender equality and women’s empowerment. The policy sets out 10 areas of focus alongside strategic goals, objectives and activities.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disability has received technical support from UN ECLAC for the drafting of national legislation to protect people with disabilities. The consultant has completed stakeholder engagements and the review of local legislation.
While there are currently no laws to illuminate all forms of discrimination explicitly, the constitutional provision remains foundational.
Reply to paragraph 4 (b) of the list of issues
The principle of ensuring that the "best interests of the child" is consistently applied in decision-making processes, especially in judicial proceedings, is enshrined in various laws, notably the Child (Care and Adoption) Act, 2013 and the Child Justice Act, 2017.
The Children (Care and Adoption) Act, 2013 emphasizes that the best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in adoption and care decisions. The Act outlines several factors that must be considered, including the emotional, physical, and educational needs of the child.
The Child Justice Act, 2017 reinforces the necessity of considering the child's best interests throughout judicial proceedings. It mandates that proceedings involving children be conducted informally to encourage their maximum participation, ensuring that children are informed of their rights and the procedures that affect them. The government, in collaboration with agencies who work to promote child rights, has been working on training judges, lawyers, and social workers to apply the best interests’ principle actively in their work. This aims to create a more child-friendly judicial environment.
Reply to paragraph 4 (c) of the list of issues
Currently the Ministry of Health, the Ministry with responsibility for ICT in collaboration with the Taiwanese Technical Mission are implementing a project to provide National Health Identification Cards, digitalization of medical records and birth registration.
Reply to paragraph 5 (a) of the list of issues
Corporal punishment is not applied at juvenile detention and rehabilitation facilities.
The Education Act and National School Policy establishes strict guidelines for the use of corporal punishment in schools. These regulations prioritize the well-being and dignity of students while ensuring appropriate disciplinary measures. Key provisions include:
Prohibition of Harmful Punishment: Degrading or injurious punishments are strictly forbidden;
Limited Use of Corporal Punishment: Corporal punishment is only allowed as a last resort and must be administered by authorized personnel, such as the principal, deputy principal, or a designated teacher;
Documentation and Accountability: Detailed records must be kept of any instances of corporal punishment, including the reason, nature, and extent of the punishment;
Emphasis on Alternative Disciplinary Measures: The use of alternative disciplinary methods, such as detention, suspension, or community service, is encouraged to promote positive behaviour and foster a supportive learning environment.
These regulations ensure that corporal punishment is used judiciously and responsibly, always prioritizing the best interests of students.
Reply to paragraph 5 (b) of the list of issues
The launch of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Complaints and Response Protocol in 2018 was a significant development. The Department of Gender Affairs has responsibility for the protocol, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of key agencies involved in service provision. Training workshops and sensitization sessions were conducted for stakeholders, senior management teams of government ministries, and police officers. Under the Protocol, the Department of Probation and Child Protection Services will respond to all cases where the complainant is under the age of eighteen (18) years.
The Federation is taking the lead following a CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting on Addressing Violence as a Public Health Issue. A taskforce has been established and a national 90 day campaign focused on engaging all stakeholders towards the creation of a national plan of action. This plan of action will address the inter-related matters for violence across the spectrum.
The Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs has the support from ECLAC for the creation of a Communications Strategy to improve advocacy, communication, information sharing and education around the issues affecting the populations which the Ministry serves.
Reply to paragraph 5 (c) of the list of issues
There is a commitment to amend the Act through collaboration among stakeholders to create protective legal frameworks and societal changes to ensure such amendment brings both legislation and practice of child marriages into full conformity with the Convention.
Reply to paragraph 5 (d) of the list of issues
The Department of Probation and Child Protection Services has the mandate to ensure there are child-friendly mechanisms for identifying, reporting, investigating, and prosecuting cases of child sexual abuse, domestic and gang violence. In the area of identification, significant work is undertaken in the areas of advocacy, information sharing and education. Such initiative includes:
PSAs on topics such as Child Sexual Abuse, underage drinking, supervision of children at events, co-parenting and age of consent produced and disseminated across all media platforms, targeting children, adults and businesses;
World Children’s Day week of activities to promote awareness of child rights amongst children in schools on an ongoing basis;
UNICEF Blue Bear Campaign as the symbol for Child Sexual Abuse awareness;
Child Sexual Abuse public awareness presentations in schools, communities and media;
Facilitate workshop with teenagers around sexual health and sexual exploitation;
Use of forensic dolls with young sexual abuse victims to gather details regarding the incidents and video statements re court child victims and witnesses of crimes;
Developing Standard Operating Procedures prompt response and referral system with Special Victims Unit
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has revised the mandate and operations of the Special Victims Unit to focus on all sexual abuse matters, juvenile and adults. The responsibility for juvenile justice is now the responsibility of all Police Stations and officers. The Department of Probation and Child Protection Services is assisting in building the capacity of new recruits and established Police Officer on the handling of child protection and child justice matters.
Reply to paragraph 6 (a) of the list of issues
No report was submitted. It is common practice that children left behind because of parent’s migration are placed with other family members, provided foster care with support.
Reply to paragraph 6 (b) of the list of issues
The Federation is committed to having family-based care being the first option for children in need of placement. Where such situations arise kinship care followed by foster care as the primary responses. The Department of Social Services would provide social protection support (cash and in kind) to households to support family-based care for children.
The Ministry of Education - St. Kitts, through the Early Childhood Development Unit, is developing a parent education programme aimed at the early childhood education sector. Thus, the target for this intervention are parents and legal guardians of children enrolled in early childhood centres in St. Kitts. The programme is intended to support parents, mothers and fathers alike, in meeting the development needs of their children during this distinct phase of early education and care. This will build of the capacity of parents to address the needs of their children therefore reducing the instances of abuse and neglect.
The Department of Probation and Child Protection Services has established an Out of Home Placement Unit which handles all cases where a child is placed outside of the home. These include foster care and institutional care – Children’s Home and the New Horizons Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. The Unit has been working on revisions to the process of recruitment, support, monitoring and termination. For 2024, the Federation commemorated National Foster Care Month in May and the existing foster families and children have received increased capacity building, social engagement and supports.
The National Adoption Committee has been operationalized in keeping with the Child Care and Adoption Act, 2013. Members of the Adoption Committee are appointed by the Probation and Child Welfare Board and carry out policy directions issued by the Board in giving effect to the provisions relating to adoption in the Act.
Reply to paragraph 6 (c) of the list of issues
Monitoring of the placement of children in institutions is undertaken at three levels. The first is that the officer from the Department of Probation and Child Protection Services is required to make regular visits to the facility and to speak with the child and the service providers. Any issues that are identified are documented and reported. The reports are submitted to the Director who would meet with the directorate or administrators of the facilities to address. All reports are submitted to the Probation and Child Welfare Board for their review and determination.
A recommended legislative amendment to improve this area is to the Probation and Child Welfare Board Act which would see the establishment of an oversight committee for placements. The Committee will conduct regular monitoring and annual inspections of all institutions where children are placed.
Reply to paragraph 6 (d) of the list of issues
The Government does not run a State-owned Children’s Home. The Department of Probation and Child Protection Services utilizes NHRC or one sole charity-run Children’s Home which the Government pays a monthly subvention to assist the state with providing placement for children who are in need of care and protection. There is a need for support to establish structures to assist with this population.
Reply to paragraph 7 (a) of the list of issues
The Ministry of Education remains committed to fostering inclusive education for all students, including those with disabilities. To achieve this goal, several key initiatives have been implemented or are currently underway. Teaching assistants have been assigned to classrooms to provide individualized support to students with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in the learning process. Significant investments have been made in acquiring adaptive equipment and resources to create more inclusive and supportive learning environments for students with diverse needs. The Ministry of Education is ensuring that any upgrades to school facilities include enhanced accessibility for all students. These modifications aim to ensure that all students can navigate school environments independently and participate fully in school activities. These initiatives demonstrate the Ministry's dedication to providing equitable and inclusive education for all students, regardless of their abilities.
Currently, primary and secondary students with disabilities such as autism, hearing impairments, visual impairments, and physical disabilities are successfully integrated into mainstream classrooms. These students, possessing intellectual abilities comparable to their peers, thrive in inclusive learning environments.
In addition, to mainstream education provision, three special needs schools and centres within the Federation provide specialized support; namely, the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School, and Autism Spectrum Centre in St. Kitts; and the Cecely Browne Integrated School on Nevis.
Reply to paragraph 7 (b) of the list of issues
Services provided by healthcare and social services are indicated below:
Table 1Healthcare Service Provision for Children and Youth (St. Kitts only)
|
Healthcare Services for children and youth (St. Kitts only) |
Number (where applicable) and description |
|
Pediatric/Developmental Clinics |
2 per week at main hospitals in the Federation. |
|
10 clinics. Child health clinics at 17 health centres each month |
|
|
Vision Clinics that serve pre-schoolers and students |
2 clinics. (One at JNF Hospital, St. Kitts One at Alexandria Hospital, Nevis) |
|
Autism Intervention Centre that serves pre-schoolers and students |
Available. |
|
Child Rehabilitation Clinics |
2 |
|
Mental Health Clinics |
3 |
|
Community health nurses who conduct infant and preschool screens for vision, hearing and/or developmental milestones. |
17 healthcare centres |
|
Pediatricians |
6 |
|
Psychiatrists |
2 available. In St. Kitts and Mental Health Unit in Nevis |
|
Psychologist |
1. St. Kitts only |
|
Physiotherapists |
3 |
|
Social Workers who work with children and youth with SEN and their families |
Social Workers not specific to SEN |
|
Sheltered workshops and other adapted employment settings to youth with severe disabilities and SEN |
Ade’s Place (St. Kitts) receives a subvention from the Government. |
Source: National Child Disability and Special Needs Survey (December 2022)
At the present time there are no services available for preschoolers and students for hearing clinics, early childhood intervention, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists or audiologists. Specialized transportation services are not available to families of children and youth with disabilities and SEN; however, although not specific to SEN, requests for financial assistance for special needs may be requested through partner agencies. There are no measures in place to assist persons with disabilities and SEN to access tertiary education or employment.
Reply to paragraph 7 (c) of the list of issues
L.I.F.T. SKN Program prioritizes vulnerable families earning less than EC$2500 monthly such as Single-Parent Households includingParents with a minor child with a disability and the care takers of persons with disability who meet basic eligibility criteria. Children with disabilities can also access all other Social Assistance programs available.
Reply to paragraph 8 (a) of the list of issues
The Federal Government offers health services to all children free of cost. In February 2023 such services were extended to assist disadvantaged families with children in need of medical treatment outside of the Federation can now access financial assistance from the Children’s Medical Fund.
Reply to paragraph 8 (b) of the list of issues
The presence of pregnancy before the age of adulthood continues to be a challenge for the Federation. In the area of prevention, advocacy and information sharing, the Ministry of Health provides comprehensive prevention and intervention services, and the Ministry of Education through the Health and Family Life Curriculum also contributes to the prevention agenda.
Abortion remains illegal in St. Kitts and Nevis. There have been no formal calls or submissions from the populace for the repeal of this restriction.
School-aged children can only access family planning services with parental consent. Emergency contraception is not available within the public health care system and services for abortion are not provided.
Reply to paragraph 8 (c) of the list of issues
The National Counselling Centre within the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs provides treatment-intervention for various presentations of issues affecting mental wellness and treatment-specialized intervention for specific diagnoses to all children free of cost. The same service is provided in Nevis through Behavioural Health Center u nder the Ministry of Health and the Counselling Unit through the Department of Social Services. The decision to provide this care, free of cost is enshrined in policy and practice.
Additionally, all children can access the Psychiatric and Clinical Psychology Services provided at Joseph N. France Hospital outpatient unit free of cost. Psychiatric clinics are conducted at the Alexandra Hospital outpatient department which serves as the one designated outpatient treatment facility, for persons including children with mental disorders.
Within the education sector, programming is universally applied. There has been an increase in the number of Guidance Counsellors in the system which supports improved mental health outcomes for all students. The field of Guidance and Counseling is female dominated. As such, ensuring boys would have equitable access to male guidance counselors was of concern. The number of qualified male guidance counselors was increased by three during the 2023-2024 academic year. The increase allowed the Ministry of Education to ensure that all six secondary schools had both a male and female guidance counselor thereby ensuring gender balance in service provision for secondary students in the area of guidance counseling.
The gaps in service delivery are the provision of child psychiatry services, child psychologist and clinical counsellors with specialization in the care of children.
Reply to paragraph 8 (d) of the list of issues
St. Kitts & Nevis National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Secretariat is an agency that falls under the Ministry of National Security. It is responsible to ensure that effective prevention, treatment, and other intervention programmes through education and training are made available in Federation.
With the growing concern over the increase in the use, misuse, and abuse of cannabis (marijuana) among youth, St. Kitts & Nevis National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Secretariat held a training session for the Department of Education, Nevis Counsellors in April 2021.
The National Council On Drug Abuse Prevention currently has a Drug Intervention Program created for clients at New Horizon Rehabilitation Centre. The program is a 10-session program. A manual was created utilising evidence-based practices to ensure standardisation, monitoring and evaluation.
Participants of the program will:
Learn the effects of substances on their mind, body, and social interactions;
Learn about stressors-triggers and how to manage them;
Become aware of healthy and practical refusal skills;
Learn coping strategies;
Identify healthy relationships and avoid negative peer pressure;
Develop a positive self-image.
Adolescent Drug Treatment training and certification through an Organization of American States program was completed in 2023, certifying 29 participants from various fields (School Guidance counsellors, Mental Health Professionals, Drug Prevention Officers and similar fields).
Currently, 28 people are being trained in the International Society of Substance Use Professionals Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Core Course, which started in October 2024 and should conclude by December 2024. Certified International Trainers are to train other frontline officers locally in 2025.
Master Training in School-Based Prevention occurred in 2023 and the Trainee is currently the assistant trainer for the Universal Prevention Curriculum Core Course being facilitated in schools.
Plans are underway to utilize the Safe Space Parenting program developed by a master’s level Mental Health Therapist and Parenting and Emotional Processing Coach. This program is structured and follows evidence-based best practices. The sessions are designed to:
Increase awareness of childhood emotional neglect;
Learn about parenting styles and their impact on the child(ren);
Understanding the development of the child and trauma;
Equip parents with tools to create an emotionally safe space for the child(ren) to thrive prosaically.
Reply to paragraph 9 (a) of the list of issues
The Curriculum Development Unit (CDU) has been engaged in the writing and implementation of new curricula in both primary and secondary schools since 2020. Each curriculum writing team included a Special Education representative and the Enhanced Curriculum has been designed to provide inclusive learning and assessment strategies to meet the needs of all learners. To date, the CDU has implemented curriculum on grades 4, 5 and 6 in primary schools and is in the process of piloting curriculum on grade 3. Kindergarten to grade 2 curricula are being written in collaboration with the OECS and will be piloted in September 2025. At the secondary level, curriculum has been introduced on forms 1 and 2 in two subject areas (Mathematics and Social Science). Additionally, the Ministry of Education is currently working with a consultant to include Education for Sustainable Development content and strategies in all curricula.
The Ministry of Education anticipates reviewing the Education Sector Act, 2005 within the next five-year period. Major advancements with respect to the education curriculum, and the professionalization of the system necessitate the proposed review and subsequent revision. Issues of gender equality and equity will be addressed in the review and will inform the revision.
Reply to paragraph 9 (b) of the list of issues
Secondary schools in St. Kitts and Nevis include Form 1 through Form 5. Historically, Form 5 focused on the sitting of regional exams offered by the CXC. As such, Form 5 students primarily registered at school for the subject that they would take regional exams in. For students at the end of Form 4 who were not pursuing CXC exams in Form 5 and had reached the school leaving age of 16, the decision to leave school at the Form 4 level could be taken. The Ministry of Education aims to reduce early school leaving and has taken the policy position that all students must complete a 5-year course of secondary education. Thus, all students irrespective of whether they will take CXC exams are now expected to complete a full 5-year course of study.
The Department of Gender Affairs on both islands facilitate Boys Mentorship Programmes aimed at the empowerment of boys enrolled in secondary schools. Male role models positively influence the boy child through mentor-mentee relationships, training and development sessions. The programmes, which comprise of up to 12 participants per cohort, were launched in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2016 and 2021 respectively. To date, four chapters have been rolled out to secondary schools in St. Kitts, and two chapters on the island of Nevis, with a third chapter launch expected in Nevis shortly.
Reply to paragraph 9 (c) of the list of issues
The Ministry of Education through the TVET Secretariat has made significant efforts to transform technical and vocational education in St. Kitts and Nevis. Significant work has gone into the refurbishing of TVET spaces, building of additional TVET spaces at Gingerland Secondary Schools and AVEC. Provided state-of-the-industry equipment to schools in all areas of TVET. Upgraded the skills levels of TVET teachers by offering scholarship opportunities.
The high drop-out rate at AVEC is of concern to the Ministry, however, efforts are being made to address this matter. Some of these efforts include a revamping of the curriculum, revision to the class schedule that would allow trainees flexibility as they manage school and the life challenges.
Reply to paragraph 9 (d) of the list of issues
To maintain quality, the Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU) has implemented minimum standards for early childhood centres. These standards, which are regularly reviewed, cover facility requirements, staff qualifications, and curriculum quality, ensuring consistent care and learning across registered providers. The ECDU conducts inspections to enforce compliance, with penalties for non-compliance. This system promotes stability, equitable access, and quality in early childhood education, supporting the developmental needs of all children in St. Kitts.
The Early Childhood Development Subvention Policy in St. Kitts, established in 2015, provides financial support to help low-income families access quality early childhood education. Families meeting the income criteria receive a subsidy of XCD$50 per week per child, covering fees at both public and private childcare centres. This subsidy reduces financial barriers and enables greater participation in early learning, fostering developmental growth.
Reply to paragraph 10 of the list of issues
The Ministry of Education enacted its National Safe Schools Policy in March of 2023. The Policy takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of schools and children in response to disasters and emergencies. However, it does not make specific reference to vulnerable groups (i.e. migrant children, persons with disabilities).
Reply to paragraph 11 (a) of the list of issues
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the University of Arizona's Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), has implemented a successful professional development program to enhance the teaching skills of educators working with English Language Learners (ELLs) in our public schools. This program, which ran from 2023 to 2024, equipped over 20 teachers with the necessary pedagogical expertise to create effective ESL lessons and interventions. By empowering these educators, we are better positioned to support Spanish-speaking students in their English language acquisition.
The Ministry of Education is guided by the CRC and in the case of migrant children there are no barriers to school enrollment within the education sector. The Office of the CEO works closely with families to help with school enrollment for all children.
Reply to paragraph 11 (b) of the list of issues
The adoption of the Child Justice Act, 2017 marks a significant step in reforming the child justice system. This Act aims to promote rehabilitation over punishment, emphasizing restorative justice approaches that are more appropriate for children.
The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs St. Kitts and Nevis, in collaboration with the UNDP Partnership of the Caribbean and the European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) Project recently conducted a pivotal training workshop on ‘Restorative Justice, Criminal Mediation and Child Justice’ (11-13 November 2024). This initiative marks a significant milestone in the broader criminal justice reform agenda for St. Kitts and Nevis, aligning with the Commonwealth Declaration on Access to Justice and the Needham Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform.
During a National Stakeholder Engagement conducted in August 2023 in collaboration with the USAID funded OASYS Project, a document of proposed amendments to the Child Justice Act was compiled. Additionally, a review of the juvenile justice system revealed opportunities for closer collaboration, communication and reform. The Year 3 and 4 workplan for OASYS will provide technical support through a consultant to compile the proposed amendments for the Child Justice Act as well as the regulations.
Reply to paragraph 11 (c) of the list of issues
The establishment of the Child Justice Committee has ensured that the Child Justice Act can be fully functional. As such, cases which involve juveniles are heard via this Committee, if the Director of Public Prosecutions does not request otherwise.
Efforts are being made to establish the Family and Juvenile Courts. In the interim, set periods within current court scheduling system are dedicated to handle juvenile issues. This would provide more focused attention on child concerns, reducing delays caused by the regular court schedule.
Reply to paragraph 11 (d) of the list of issues
In St. Kitts and Nevis, the minimum age of criminal responsibility is currently twelve (12) years, consistent with practices other countries in the Caribbean following the adoption of the Child Justice Act, a model piece of legislation developed by the OECS Commission with support from the Commonwealth Secretariat and UNICEF ECA.
The Federation is aware of calls to increase the age of criminal responsibility. This is a matter which would be reviewed during the USAID funded OASYS Project consultancy to amend the Child Justice Act.
Reply to paragraph 11 (e) of the list of issues
In Nevis, efforts are underway to improve children's access to justice, including the provision of free legal aid. A key initiative is the implementation of the Legal Aid Act which establishes a framework to provide free legal assistance to those unable to afford representation, ensuring children in conflict with the law have access to free legal counsel.
The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs has established the Access to Justice Unit which would include public defenders, and a revised Legal Aid and Advice Centre.
Part II
Reply to paragraph 12 (a) of the list of issues
The following are new laws that were passed in St. Kitts and Nevis:
Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act, 2023 was successfully passed on 23rd February 2023;
Anti-Corruption Act, 2023 to define and create criminal offences of corrupt conduct and to create the office of a Special Prosecutor to receive complaints, investigate and prosecute acts of corrupt conduct of persons in public life in Saint Christopher and Nevis was successfully passed on 20th April 2023;
Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2024, was successfully passed in the Federal Parliament in St. Kitts and Nevis on June 14th, 2024. The legislation aims to deter the smuggling of migrants into St. Kitts and Nevis and aligns national laws with the international Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime;
Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was successfully passed in a concerted effort to strengthen the nation’s immigration laws. This significant legislation, complements the passed Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2024, and aims to deter the shielding, harbouring, or transportation of smuggled migrants into St Kitts and Nevis;
ASPIRE Act, 2024 to provide for the establishment of the ASPIRE Fund; the ASPIRE Council for the management of the ASPIRE financial education, savings, and investment programme for the benefit of all youth within the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis; and for related matters was successfully passed on 6th November, 2024.
Reply to paragraph 12 (b) of the list of issues
New institutions and their mandates or institutional reforms in St. Kitts and Nevis are:
In 2022 the establishment of the Disability Unit within the new Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities with a mandate to address all matters related to children and adults with disabilities;
Access to Justice Unit which would include a revised Legal Aid and Advice Centre and the Public Defenders office;
The establishment of a Family Court is envisaged to handle cases related to family law, including child custody and support matters. The court aims to provide a specialized judicial environment that prioritizes the best interests of children in family disputes. There is no clear date when the Family Court will be officially opened.
Reply to paragraph 12 (c) of the list of issues
The National Gender Policy and Action Plan was finalized in September 2021 with UNESCO's support and serves as a guiding framework for achieving gender equality in St. Kitts and Nevis. It addresses discrimination and inequality faced by all across social, economic, political, and environmental spheres, emphasizing human rights, inclusivity, and gender equality.
Key Features:
Guiding Principles- Human rights, leaving no one behind, and gender equality with women's empowerment.
Strategic Goals are focused on 10 policy domains:
Social agents (culture, family, religion, media).
Agriculture, fisheries, and food security.
Climate change and environment.
Decent work and economic growth.
Education for all.
Eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination.
Health and well-being.
Leadership and decision-making.
Rule of law and justice.
Special groups for gender mainstreaming.
The Action Plan includes gender mainstreaming, family strengthening, addressing healthcare and education gaps, promoting digital access, and youth-oriented initiatives.
Implementation Progress included the Launch and Stakeholder Engagement Initiated in 2022, with sensitization for senior management in 2023. Gender focal points were nominated across ministries; and capacity-building efforts are to be supported by gender budgeting.
CARICOM’s Gender and Development Programme (G&DP) will provide technical support to enhance capacity in gender-responsive data collection, analysis, and application, supporting the policy's effective implementation and the identification of disparities in key sectors.
In December 2022, St. Kitts and Nevis partnered with the United Nations (UN) and three other Eastern Caribbean countries (Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Grenada) to pilot a US$2.9mn Resilient Caribbean: Engaging and Training Youth, Strengthening Integrated Social Protection Sector Delivery Joint Programme. The two-year project, will seek to respond to current challenges facing Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including limited contributory social protection coverage, access for high numbers of workers in the informal sector, and lack of coherent and gender-responsive labour market programming. Through enhancing access to social protection, the initiative will reduce the vulnerabilities of households and increase their capacity to respond to climate-related risks, increase the social safety net for workers in the informal economy, particularly young workers, and support the transition to formal employment by empowering youth to enter the labour market through entrepreneurship and skills development pathways
The CDU has been engaged in the writing and implementation of new curricula in both primary and secondary schools since 2020. Each curriculum writing team included a Special Education representative and the Enhanced Curriculum has been designed to provide inclusive learning and assessment strategies to meet the needs of all learners. So far, the CDU has implemented curriculum on grades 4, 5 and 6 in primary schools and is in the process of piloting curriculum on grade 3. Kindergarten to grade 2 curricula are being written in collaboration with the OECS and will be piloted in September 2025. At the secondary level, curriculum has been introduced on forms 1 and 2 in two subject areas (Mathematics and Social Science). Additionally, the MoE is currently working with a consultant to include Education for Sustainable Development content and strategies in all curricula.
St. Kitts and Nevis Rapid Assessment on Child Labour was conducted in December 2023 by an ILO External Collaborator, Social Development Specialist to assess the current prevalence of child labour, and/ or the levels of risk and vulnerability of children to child labour and provide key information to support the country’s further development of a Country Acceleration Action Plans (CAAP). National Tripartite Committee on Child Labour convened its first meeting in June, 2024.
In 2024 UNECLAC sponsored Technical Assistance in the form of a consultant who is currently updating the St. Kitts and Nevis Special Needs Policy to a Disability Policy and drafting of the first ever St. Kitts and Nevis Disability Bill.
Currently developing a National Disability Survey in collaboration with UNSD to capture data on all persons to inform policies and programs, gather data on different types of difficulties or health problems experienced by children and adults with disabilities, including self-care difficulty; and the impact this may have on their daily lives, such as the effect on their ability to participate to inform policies and programs.
The introduction of sign language at all sittings of the National Assembly in 2022 and at the Prime Minister’s Press Conference with Cabinet Ministers in 2023.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration is in the process of formalizing the Migration Governance Indicators for Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Ministry is hopeful that from these MGIs the National Migration Policy will be developed by November, 2026.
Development of a Diversion Registry and Legislative Amendments to the Child Justice Act, 2017 and Child Care and Adoption Act, 2013 for diversion programs through funding under the OECS/USAID Opportunities to Advance and Support Youth for Success Project is ongoing through to 2026.
In June 2024 CARICOM conducted stakeholder consultations to develop a comprehensive regional migration policy framework. Recognizing migration as a key driver of development, the framework seeks to enhance cooperation, address migration challenges, and optimize benefits, building on the free movement regime established by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Prompted by migration challenges like irregular movements and protection needs, CARICOM Heads of Government, in collaboration with UN agencies, initiated this effort during the 2019 Special Summit on Crime and Security. These consultations also prepare for the Regional Review of the Global Compact on Migration in November 2024.The consultations aim to address migration governance complexities and align with global frameworks, focusing on:
Border management, justice, and protection;
Labour migration and socio-economic development;
Climate change and migration drivers;
Integration and social cohesion;
Data management and policy evaluation.
Engagement includes CARICOM states, UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. The goal is to create a robust policy and action plan, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact on Migration, while providing benchmarks for regional and national reviews in 2024 and 2026. St. Kitts and Nevis have established a Working Group consisting of a Focal Point from each Ministry.
Reply to paragraph 12 (d) of the list of issues
The following accessions were made without reservations, demonstrating the country's commitment to international human rights standards:
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) on September 21, 2020, Saint Kitts and Nevis became the 171st state party to the UNCAT;
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on 17th October, 2019 became state party to CRPD.
Part III
Data, statistics and other information, if available
Reply to paragraph 13 of the list of issues
Response was not received from the substantive Ministry in time for the report submission.
Reply to paragraph 14 (a) of the list of issues
The occurrence of Child Marriages in Saint Kitts and Nevis is extremely rare, it is reported that one case may have occurred in the past 10 years and none within the last 3 years.
Reply to paragraph 14 (b) of the list of issues
Reports of Child neglect, physical abuse and sexual exploitation and abuse as reported and investigated by the Department of Probation and Child Protection Services is as follows:
|
Year |
Neglect |
Physical Abuse |
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse |
|
2023 |
50 |
24 |
33 |
|
2024 |
45 |
21 |
35 |
Please note that the information management system used prior to 2023 experienced significant data loss. This has compromised the Department’s ability to report prior to this date.
No data was received from the other stakeholders by the submission deadline for the report.
Reply to paragraph 14 (c) of the list of issues
The Department of Probation and Child Protection Services does not collect or track this data. Changes in the legal guardianship due to a parent’s migration is often an informal transaction between family members. There is no legislation to mandate the submission of guardianship request change through the department or the Court.
Similarly to above, the Department does not track or collect this data. The extended family household is one of the most common family structures in St. Kitts & Nevis, next to female-headed single-parent household. Children are often raised in homes with aunts, uncles and grandparents, these structures offer the required stability and security needed for optimal child growth.
Children in Institutions Data
St. Christopher Children’s Home
|
Year: 2023 |
|
|
Age 8-16 years old |
|
|
Male |
Female |
|
3 |
2 |
|
Total: 5 |
|
Year: 2024 |
|
|
Age 9-17 years old |
|
|
Male |
Female |
|
3 |
6 |
|
Total: 9 |
New Horizon Rehabilitation Centre
|
Year |
Male |
Female |
|
2023 |
3 |
0 |
|
2024 |
4 |
4 |
|
Total |
7 |
4 |
We do not have data for 2022.
Children in Foster Care Program
Foster Homes
There were 40 in 2023 and 33 in 2024
Children in Foster Care Program
|
Year: 2023 |
|
|
Age 7 months - 20 years old |
|
|
Male |
Female |
|
22 |
31 |
|
Total: 53 |
|
Year: 2024 |
|
|
Age 1-18 years old |
|
|
Male |
Female |
|
18 |
20 |
|
Total: 38 |
Foster Care Allowance
The payments for the Foster Care Allowance from 2019-2023 is as follows:
|
Foster Care Allowance 2019-2023 |
|
|
2019 |
$293,403 |
|
2020 |
$239,500 |
|
2021 |
$273,700 |
|
2022 |
$234,300 |
|
2023 |
$280,400 |
|
Total |
$1,321,303 |
Reply to paragraph 14 (d) of the list of issues
Children with disabilities who are attending mainstream schools.
Figure 1: Special Education Needs by Sex (as at December 2022)
Source: National Child Disability and Special Needs Survey - St. Kitts and Nevis (December 2022)
Overall figures reveal that boys are disproportionately represented in the areas of special education need; and represent 67%, whereas girls accounted for 33%. This is particularly evident in cognitive/intellectual challenges where boys accounted for 66.4%, compared with girls who represented 33.6%. Similarly, boys greatly outnumbered girls in the area of autism spectrum disorder at 84.6% in comparison to 15.4% of girls. Twice as many boys as girls were recorded as having developmental delays, representing 68% and 32% respectively.
Reply to paragraph 14 (e) of the list of issues
Teen Mothers Data in St. Kitts and Nevis
Table 2 Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis – Teenage Mothers by Country (2020-2022)
|
Year |
St. Kitts |
Nevis |
St. Kitts and Nevis Combined Total |
||
|
No. |
% |
No. |
% |
||
|
2020 |
37 |
95% |
2 |
5% |
39 |
|
2021 |
30 |
75% |
10 |
25% |
40 |
|
2022 |
34 |
79% |
9 |
21% |
43 |
|
Total |
101 |
21 |
122 |
Source : Ministry of Health .
Please note that teens include the ages of 18 and 19.
Reply to paragraph 14 (f) of the list of issues
In January of 2020, the USAID sponsored Communities, Families and Youth Resilience Program conducted a study of communities in the Federation that shed light on the causes of youth involvement in delinquent activity. Of those surveyed in the 10 to 29 age group, youth in high-risk communities across the Federation were using marijuana or other illegal drugs at a rate of 47.8 percent. Youth not in high-risk communities admitting to using marijuana and other drugs represented 23.7 percent. Youth who participated in the program at the Endline Study showed a reduction in the use of marijuana or other illegal drugs (30.5 percent rate).
No other data in this regard is currently available.
Reply to paragraph 14 (g) of the list of issues
We do not have data on the number of children living in poverty.
Reply to paragraph 14 (h) of the list of issues
Data for 2020-2021 are not readily available.
Table 3Early Childhood Education, Private and Public Nursey and Pre-School Admissions 2021-2022
|
Type of Centre |
Age Group |
Type of Early Childhood Provision |
|||||||||||||||
|
Nursery |
Pre-School |
Total |
|||||||||||||||
|
Sex |
|||||||||||||||||
|
<1 M |
F |
1 M |
F |
2 M |
F |
3 M |
F |
4 M |
F |
5 M |
F |
M |
F |
M |
F |
Children |
|
|
Government Day Care |
30 |
44 |
64 |
49 |
87 |
93 |
86 |
93 |
78 |
85 |
3 |
0 |
181 |
186 |
167 |
178 |
712 |
|
Government Pre-School |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
36 |
19 |
33 |
26 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
69 |
45 |
114 |
|
Government Nursery |
3 |
1 |
12 |
10 |
16 |
21 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
31 |
32 |
1 |
3 |
67 |
|
Private Day Care |
6 |
1 |
17 |
15 |
12 |
14 |
18 |
21 |
14 |
11 |
1 |
2 |
35 |
30 |
33 |
34 |
132 |
|
Private Urban Day Care |
9 |
17 |
27 |
28 |
33 |
38 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
69 |
89 |
3 |
6 |
167 |
|
Private Urban Pre-School |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
27 |
40 |
29 |
22 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
57 |
62 |
119 |
|
Private Rural Nursery |
19 |
21 |
28 |
13 |
22 |
27 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
69 |
61 |
3 |
0 |
133 |
|
Private Rural Pre-School |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
6 |
46 |
35 |
41 |
45 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
6 |
89 |
85 |
187 |
|
Total |
67 |
84 |
148 |
115 |
177 |
199 |
220 |
217 |
195 |
189 |
7 |
7 |
392 |
404 |
422 |
413 |
1631 |
|
Summary |
|||||
|
Government |
Boys |
Girls |
Private |
Boys |
Girls |
|
Pre-School |
237 |
226 |
Pre-School |
185 |
187 |
|
Nursery |
212 |
218 |
Nursery |
180 |
186 |
|
Total |
449 |
444 |
Total |
365 |
373 |
|
Grand Total |
893 |
Grand Total |
738 |
||
|
Overall Total |
1631 |
Table 4Early Childhood Education, Private and Public Nursey and Pre-School Admissions 2023-2024
|
Type of Centre |
Age Group |
Type of Early Childhood Provision |
|||||||||||||||
|
<1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Nursery |
Pre-School |
Total |
|||||||||
|
Sex |
|||||||||||||||||
|
M |
F |
M |
F |
M |
F |
M |
F |
M |
F |
M |
F |
M |
F |
M |
F |
Children |
|
|
Government Day Care |
23 |
22 |
74 |
73 |
88 |
84 |
98 |
83 |
80 |
89 |
11 |
11 |
185 |
179 |
189 |
183 |
736 |
|
Government Pre-School |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
22 |
29 |
28 |
23 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
51 |
52 |
107 |
|
Government Nursery |
4 |
7 |
9 |
20 |
15 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
28 |
32 |
1 |
1 |
62 |
|
Private Day Care |
10 |
12 |
18 |
18 |
41 |
33 |
42 |
34 |
40 |
50 |
15 |
23 |
69 |
63 |
97 |
107 |
336 |
|
Private Urban Day Care |
39 |
16 |
37 |
39 |
33 |
34 |
10 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
109 |
89 |
10 |
6 |
214 |
|
Private Urban Pre-School |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
32 |
30 |
49 |
51 |
9 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
90 |
87 |
179 |
|
Private Rural Nursery |
28 |
32 |
29 |
27 |
30 |
31 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
87 |
90 |
7 |
1 |
185 |
|
Private Rural Pre-School |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
5 |
45 |
36 |
49 |
32 |
12 |
17 |
5 |
5 |
106 |
85 |
201 |
|
Total |
104 |
89 |
167 |
177 |
216 |
194 |
257 |
220 |
246 |
245 |
48 |
57 |
487 |
460 |
551 |
522 |
2020 |
|
Summary |
|||||
|
Government |
Boys |
Girls |
Private |
Boys |
Girls |
|
Pre-School |
241 |
236 |
Pre-School |
310 |
286 |
|
Nursery |
216 |
212 |
Nursery |
271 |
248 |
|
Total |
457 |
448 |
Total |
581 |
534 |
|
Grand Total |
905 |
Grand Total |
1115 |
Reply to paragraph 14 (i) of the list of issues
We do not have data for (i).
Reply to paragraph 15 (a) – (d) of the list of issues
The Child Justice Reported that in 2023 two (2) males were arrested and in 2024 six (6) males were arrested and one (1) female making it a total of seven (7) children arrested in 2024:
Six (6) children all males were referred to diversion programmes in 2024;
Currently, there are 3 males held in pretrial detention for 2 months;
Serving a sentence in detention, including information on the length of the sentence.
Juveniles at New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre by Age and Sex (as of 12 May 2022)
|
Age |
Sex |
Type of Offence/Order |
Location |
Date Admitted |
Date Discharged |
Length of Time |
|
17 |
Female |
Care and Protection |
St. Kitts |
25/02/2020 |
17/07/2022 |
2 years, 4 months |
|
16 |
Male |
Malicious Damage |
Nevis |
10/03/2019 |
12/05/2022 |
3 years, 2 months |
|
17 |
Male |
House Breaking and Larceny |
St. Kitts |
28/07/2021 |
11/09/2022 |
1 year, 1 month |
|
17 |
Female |
Care and Protection |
St. Kitts |
27/06/2020 |
18/08/2022 |
2 years, 1 month |
|
17 |
Male |
Murder |
St. Kitts |
08/10/2021 |
Unknown |
Unknown |
|
17 |
Male |
Building Breaking and Larceny |
St. Kitts |
04/10/2021 |
28/03/2022 |
5 months |
|
16 |
Male |
Unlawful Carnal Knowledge |
St. Kitts |
07/01/2021 |
15/11/2021 |
10 months |
|
15 |
Female |
Care and Protection |
St. Kitts |
10/02/2021 |
Unknown |
Unknown |
|
17 |
Male |
Unlawful Carnal Knowledge |
St. Kitts |
25/01/2020 |
31/05/2024 |
4 years, 4 months* |
|
17 |
Male |
Unlawful and Malicious Wounding with Intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm |
St. Kitts |
23/11/2021 |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Reply to paragraph 16 of the list of issues
The St. Kitts and Nevis Voluntary National Review of 2023 reports that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis undertook a Situation Analysis on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in 2022 to evaluate the existing framework and to identify policy and strategies for ESD implementation in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The annual Youth Forum provides opportunities to advance youth development. The forum is attended by school students, representatives of youth groups, faith-based organisations, etc and is an opportunity for youth to engage with ministers of government to learn more about government programmes and activities that directly impact them and explore topical issues. Young people are able to provide perspectives on matters that directly affect them. In 2024, the Pre-COP29 Youth Forum was guided by the theme Climate Action and YOU(th) with the aim to educate youth on holistic climate action and to explore with them the connection between climate, sustainability, and youth. The forum comprised climate experts, mental wellness professionals, students and youth leaders to explore current national policy, share insights and cultivate actionable, youth-led solutions that are based in inclusivity and full-scale representation.
The Youth Forum follows the commitments made at the National Youth Spotlight Dialogue held during COP28 last year. It is also in keeping with the mandate of the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA).
Reply to paragraph 17 of the list of issues
Saint Kitts and Nevis Immunisation Record
Cross-sector indicators
Geographic area: Saint Kitts and Nevis
Indicator: Percentage of surviving infants who received the third dose of DTP-containing vaccine
Unit of measure: % (Units):
202196.
202296.
202396.
Cross-sector indicators.
Geographic area: Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Indicator: Percentage of children who received the 2nd dose of measles-containing vaccine, as per administered in the national schedule.
Unit of measure: % (Units):
202194.
202293.
202394.
Source: https://data.unicef.org/country/kna/
Data on reported cases as it relates to child protection to the Child Protection Services Unit are not available for 2021 and 2022. Below are the data collected for 2023
|
Child Protection Service Unit Statistic on reported cases in 2023 |
|||
|
Category |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Physical Abuse |
5 |
17 |
22 |
|
Neglect |
39 |
32 |
71 |
|
Sexual Abuse |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Sexual Assault |
4 |
14 |
18 |
|
Assault |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Indecent Assault |
4 |
4 |
|
|
Unlawful Carnal Knowledge |
1 |
10 |
11 |
|
Juvenile Delinquency |
38 |
19 |
57 |
|
Verbal Abuse |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Emotional Abuse |
3 |
3 |
6 |
Excerpt from The Population and Housing Census Summary Report St. Kitts and Nevis from the Department of Statistics, Ministry of Sustainable Development, June 2024
Population by Broad Age Groups by Island, 2022
|
Age Group |
Island |
Total |
|
|
St Kitts |
Nevis |
||
|
Under 15 |
7,267 |
2,473 |
9,740 |
|
15 - 64 |
27,281 |
9,237 |
36,518 |
|
65 plus |
3,590 |
1,472 |
5,062 |
|
Total |
38,138 |
13,182 |
51,320 |
Table: Dependency Ratios by Island, 2022
|
Ratio |
Island |
Total |
|
|
St Kitts |
Nevis |
||
|
Youth Dependency |
26.6 |
26.8 |
26.7 |
|
Old Age Dependency |
13.2 |
15.9 |
13.9 |
|
Total Dependency |
39.8 |
42.7 |
40.5 |
|
Aged - Child |
49.4 |
59.5 |
52.0 |
Population by Age Group and Sex St Kitts and Nevis, St Kitts, Nevis 2022
|
Age Group |
Sex |
Total SKN |
Age Group |
Sex |
Total St Kitts |
Age Group |
Sex |
Total Nevis |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
||||||||
|
0 - 4 |
1,407 |
1,398 |
2,805 |
0 - 4 |
1,043 |
1,047 |
2,090 |
0 - 4 |
364 |
351 |
715 |
||
|
5 - 9 |
1,686 |
1,668 |
3,354 |
5 - 9 |
1,242 |
1,258 |
2,500 |
5 - 9 |
444 |
410 |
854 |
||
|
10 - 14 |
1,866 |
1,715 |
3,581 |
10 - 14 |
1,408 |
1,269 |
2,677 |
10 - 14 |
458 |
446 |
904 |
||
|
15 - 19 |
1,735 |
1,633 |
3,368 |
15 - 19 |
1,310 |
1,223 |
2,533 |
15 - 19 |
425 |
410 |
835 |
||
|
20 - 24 |
1,954 |
2,088 |
4,042 |
20 - 24 |
1,498 |
1,622 |
3,120 |
20 - 24 |
456 |
466 |
922 |
||
|
25 - 29 |
2,047 |
2,369 |
4,416 |
25 - 29 |
1,559 |
1,790 |
3,349 |
25 - 29 |
488 |
579 |
1,067 |
||
|
30 - 34 |
1,960 |
2,208 |
4,168 |
30 - 34 |
1,493 |
1,638 |
3,131 |
30 - 34 |
467 |
570 |
1,037 |
||
|
35 - 39 |
1,900 |
2,096 |
3,996 |
35 - 39 |
1,425 |
1,587 |
3,012 |
35 - 39 |
475 |
509 |
984 |
||
|
40 - 44 |
1,789 |
1,941 |
3,730 |
40 - 44 |
1,362 |
1,496 |
2,858 |
40 - 44 |
427 |
445 |
872 |
||
|
45 - 49 |
1,680 |
1,853 |
3,533 |
45 - 49 |
1,248 |
1,344 |
2,592 |
45 - 49 |
432 |
509 |
941 |
||
|
50 - 54 |
1,650 |
1,659 |
3,309 |
50 - 54 |
1,186 |
1,198 |
2,384 |
50 - 54 |
464 |
461 |
925 |
||
|
55 - 59 |
1,561 |
1,613 |
3,174 |
55 - 59 |
1,118 |
1,197 |
2,315 |
55 - 59 |
443 |
416 |
859 |
||
|
60 - 64 |
1,359 |
1,423 |
2,782 |
60 - 64 |
969 |
1,018 |
1,987 |
60 - 64 |
390 |
405 |
795 |
||
|
65 - 69 |
1,091 |
1,102 |
2,193 |
65 - 69 |
805 |
800 |
1,605 |
65 - 69 |
286 |
302 |
588 |
||
|
70 - 74 |
619 |
586 |
1,205 |
70 - 74 |
441 |
414 |
855 |
70 - 74 |
178 |
172 |
350 |
||
|
75 - 79 |
354 |
415 |
769 |
75 - 79 |
245 |
284 |
529 |
75 - 79 |
109 |
131 |
240 |
||
|
80+ |
342 |
553 |
895 |
80+ |
228 |
373 |
601 |
80+ |
114 |
180 |
294 |
||
|
Total |
25,000 |
26,320 |
51,320 |
Total |
18,580 |
19,558 |
38,138 |
Total |
6,420 |
6,762 |
13,182 |
Reply to paragraph 18 of the list of issues
For the Legislative year 2025, the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs has identified the following areas for reform:
Age of Sexual Consent to further protect against early sexual exposure and exploitation;
Mental Health Act to establish differentiation between chronological and developmental age.