Human Rights Council
Thirty-third session
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review * *
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Contents
Page
Introduction3
I.Summary of the proceedings of the review process3
A.Presentation by the State under review3
B.Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review5
II.Conclusions and/or recommendations11
Annex
Composition of the delegation20
Introduction
1.The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fifth session from 2 to 13 May 2016. The review of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was held at the 2nd meeting on 2 May 2016. The delegation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was headed by the Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, Inga Rhonda King. At its 8th meeting held on 6 May 2016, the Working Group adopted the report on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
2.On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Latvia, Mexico and Mongolia.
3.In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents were issued for the review of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:
(a)A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/25/VCT/1);
(b)A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/25/VCT/2);
(c)A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/25/VCT/3).
4.A list of questions prepared in advance by Liechtenstein, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. Additional questions raised during the dialogue by Costa Rica, Jamaica, Montenegro and Uruguay are summarized in section I B below.
I.Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A.Presentation by the State under review
5.The delegation noted that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines looked forward to engaging with the international community during the review process. It hoped to bring a fuller appreciation of the practical challenges faced by small island developing States in fulfilling their human rights obligations.
6.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a plural and fully inclusive parliamentary democracy. Over sixty per cent of senior positions in Government were held by women. There was an active free press, with three weekly, independent newspapers published.
7.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had prepared its report for submission to the second cycle of the universal periodic review based on community and focus group consultations.
8.Since the previous review, it had progressively sought to advance human rights by strengthening its national institutional and legislative legal framework.
9.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had adopted its present Constitution on the basis of the British one, at the time of its independence. Under the Constitution the protection of the right to life, personal liberty and freedom of conscience, expression, association and movement were guaranteed. Protection was provided from slavery, torture, inhuman treatment, deprivation of property, arbitrary search or entry, and discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed and the protection of the law secured, including the right to a fair hearing and presumption of innocence.
10.In 2009, the Government, in collaboration with stakeholders locally and within the diaspora, had unsuccessfully attempted constitutional reform via a referendum. The proposed reforms included the creation of a human rights commission and an ombudsman, as well as numerous innovations in governance and human rights. Outside of its consideration in the context of constitutional reform, there had not been any national consultations on the topic of the establishment of a national human rights institution.
11.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had ratified several key international human rights treaties since the previous review. During the thirty-first session of the Human Rights Council, the delegation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had outlined the country’s intention of establishing a national mechanism for reporting and follow-up. The delegation was pleased to report that Cabinet was considering the proposal, which should be passed very soon. The mechanism would review and expedite compliance with outstanding treaty obligations. Additionally, the delegation reiterated the sentiments expressed by other States of the Caribbean Community to the Council for an accompanying offer of additional technical and capacity-building support in that regard.
12.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines indicated that, as a sovereign State, it must protect the most vulnerable and needy among its population within its existing and available resources. As outlined in its national report, several pieces of forward-thinking legislation and policy measures had been introduced. Similarly, within subregional groups such as the Caribbean Community and the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States, there was the added responsibility of attempting to harmonize laws to allow for better regional integration and cooperation. Nevertheless, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had prioritized the enactment of three new pieces of legislation, namely the 2015 Domestic Violence Act, the 2010 Child Care and Adoption Act and the 2011 Status of Children Act aimed at strengthening the domestic legal human rights framework.
13.By ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and complying with the Beijing Platform for Action, the Governments comprising the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States had again committed to their quest to eradicate violence against women. The Domestic Violence Act, which had been passed by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in May 2015, was a manifestation thereof.
14.On 19 April 2016, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had launched its National Child Protection Policy Framework in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The Government had also established a division strictly for the protection and rehabilitation of children. Similarly, efforts were being made to complete minor amendments to and harmonization of existing legislation. The establishment of the National Committee on the Rights of the Child to regulate the State’s national machinery on the protection of children nationally had also recently been approved. As outlined in its national report, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had implemented a series of measures to monitor and oversee the welfare of juvenile offenders. The legislation and policy framework for child justice would be tabled for consideration by the Parliament soon and would seek to provide ample diversion and detention modalities using restorative practices.
15.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also continued to strengthen its national policy framework on gender-based violence. An ongoing anti-violence campaign, launched in 2014, focused on increasing children and communities’ awareness of gender-based violence issues. The Victims’ Support Programme had been established to provide psychosocial and socioeconomic support to victims.
16.The country continued to implement forward-looking policies aimed at improving and ensuring an adequate standard of living for all, as articulated in its national report. It continued to support education and health, including sexual reproductive services.
17.The country also continued to strive to achieve zero hunger and zero undernourishment.
18.Despite the fiscal challenges that the devastating effects of floods and storms over the past five years and the worldwide economic crisis had entailed, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines refused to be prevented from striving to do its best to ensure that all of its citizens enjoyed their fundamental rights and freedoms and lived in a fair and just society and to realize increased social and economic development.
B.Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
19.During the interactive dialogue, 46 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. All written statements of the delegations, to be checked against delivery on the United Nations webcast archives, are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council when available.
20.The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognized that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had made progress in the incorporation of the gender perspective in health, education, agriculture and social services.
21.Algeria welcomed the improvements since the first review in the fields of domestic violence and discrimination against women, and measures to ensure access for persons with special needs to the mainstream educational system.
22.Argentina praised Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for progress made in the fight against domestic violence. It recalled that a person was last sentenced to death in the islands in 1993.
23.Australia commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for acceding to a range of international human rights instruments and the opening of the Belle Isle prison. It remained concerned by the conditions at the old prison in Kingstown. It regretted that violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons had not been addressed appropriately.
24.The Bahamas considered noteworthy the efforts to ensure the right to education; the enactment of domestic violence legislation; the inclusion of human rights training in the curriculum of the police force; the construction of a new correctional facility conforming to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules); and the priority accorded to poverty eradication.
25.Barbados congratulated Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for adopting legislation on domestic violence and on the care and adoption of children. Barbados urged Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to establish a national human rights institution.
26.Brazil praised Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for efforts to protect foreigners and citizens from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and the training of police, migration and labour officials on that matter. It encouraged the formal abolition of the death penalty.
27.Canada commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on its passing of the Domestic Violence Act in 2015 and encouraged the country to implement the provisions thereof fully and promptly.
28.Chile welcomed the adoption of laws on domestic violence and the care and adoption of children, the implementation of the poverty reduction plan and human rights training for public officials. It also noted the steps taken to establish a mechanism for reporting and monitoring.
29.Colombia stressed the commitment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to advance in the implementation of the recommendations received during the first cycle, in particular the measures taken in the area of the rights of children and the national plan of action on gender-based violence.
30.The Congo noted that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were not yet party to Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It considered that the international community should provide technical assistance to the country in the area of human rights.
31.Costa Rica was concerned by the absence of an independent electoral body, the underrepresentation of women in elected positions and the delay on reporting to treaty bodies. It asked if the death penalty might be abolished in national legislation in the near future.
32.Cuba commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for passing legislation to address violence against women and for its housing policy. It recognized the challenges faced by small island developing States and considered it necessary for the international community to provide any assistance that the country might request.
33.Denmark recognized progress made by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the protection and promotion of human rights since its first review. It encouraged the country to take advantage of the expertise provided by the human rights treaty bodies through an increased focus on reporting to the relevant committees.
34.Ecuador recognized the priority given to the eradication of poverty. It welcomed efforts for the implementation of a national action plan to fight gender violence that provided greater guarantees of interim measures for the protection of victims.
35.Egypt commended the strategy to eliminate discrimination against women, the adoption of the law to combat domestic violence and efforts to facilitate schooling at the primary and secondary levels. It encouraged Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to foster the human rights legislative framework.
36.France welcomed the engagement of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the area of human rights and invited the authorities to continue their reforms in order to ensure full respect of human rights in the country.
37.Germany commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its achievements, in particular with regard to the strengthening of the protection of the rights of women and children and encouraged it to continue to invest in those areas.
38.Ghana noted the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and a national action plan to end gender-based violence, as well as the establishment of the National Committee on the Rights of the Child. It remained concerned, however, about reports of violence against women and girls.
39.Greece noted progress achieved in the field of domestic violence, including the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act, which broadened the definition of domestic violence and strengthened the child protection mechanisms.
40.Guatemala noted with satisfaction the adoption of the new law on domestic violence but remained concerned that the legislation did not criminalize sexual harassment in all areas. It indicated that steps should be taken to adopt legislation to fully ensure the principle of gender equality.
41.Haiti noted progress made in reducing gender-based violence, improving detention conditions and ensuring access to adequate housing.
42.Honduras noted the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and efforts to achieve universal access to primary and secondary education and to guarantee cultural diversity and the protection of cultural heritage.
43.Responding to comments, the delegation acknowledged the development assistance that the country had received from Cuba and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. It referred in particular to assistance from Cuba in the area of health care. Cuba had helped the country with the construction of a hospital, loaned doctors and nurses and provided training and ophthalmic services. Both Cuba and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela had also been major contributors to the construction of the soon-to-be-opened international airport and had contributed to the success of the country’s education revolution.
44.With respect to same-sex relationships, the delegation indicated that provisions on the matter had existed for a long time and that the precepts underlying them had overwhelming public support in the country’s Christian society espousing Judaeo-Christian values in the Caribbean context. The delegation acknowledged, however, that changes in those values were occurring, particularly among sections of young people, largely as a consequence of influences from outside. The matter was therefore always under review. However, all national sensitivities must be appreciated within the context of the existing value system. It was important to note that there had been no imprisonments in that regard. To conclude, there was currently no public or legislative appetite to revise any of the laws that prohibited sexual activities between consenting adults.
45.Referring to comments made by one delegation on the need to implement legislation to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons against violence, the delegation reiterated that every citizen in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was afforded protection against violence, which was ensured under the Constitution and existing criminal laws.
46.With respect to the death penalty and the moratorium on the death penalty that had been recommended, the delegation indicated that it would be hard to support a moratorium currently. The Constitution enshrined the constitutionality and legitimacy of the death penalty within the Vincentian context. It was a sentence whose legality had been affirmed, reaffirmed and recognized by countless appellate courts over the years, up to and including the British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. It was supported by the overwhelming majority of citizens, as evidenced by opinion polls, public consultations and the statements of the governing and opposition political parties. The sentence was limited to the most serious crimes committed in the country and, even then, was rarely carried out. It was nonetheless a valid component of the country’s body of laws, as enshrined in the Penal Code and upheld in the Constitution. The delegation also noted that the common law had shaped the current state of the death penalty in the country. The Privy Council had said that if someone was awaiting the death penalty for more than five years, their sentence must be commuted to life imprisonment. It was almost impossible to complete all appeals to the highest courts, including international bodies, within five years. As such, persons sentenced to death were essentially, in practical terms, being given life sentences. Additionally, the Court of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the final Court of Appeal, affirmed that the death penalty could only be invoked in cases that could be described as the worst of the worst. The delegation also noted that, since 1993, no one had been put to death.
47.Regarding comments made on the amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on the crime of aggression and delays in meeting reporting obligations, the delegation noted that, unfortunately, capacity was a major issue for a small country. Recognizing the dire need to increase its legislative output, the Government had recently funded two students to complete legislative drafting training at the masters level. It was hoped that the increased capacity would help Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in ratifying international agreements with greater speed. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had nonetheless ensured that the human rights commitments contained in the various international treaties were implemented in a practical way.
48.With regard to corporal punishment, the delegation referred to information contained in paragraph 38 of its national report. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had taken steps to reduce the rigidity by which corporal punishment was administered in the school system through the revised Education Act of 2009, whereby only a principal or head teacher could administer punishment to a student. An amendment was also proposed in the drafted Child Justice Bill, which addressed alternative forms of punishment and rewards using restorative practices and diversion for juveniles in conflict with the law.
49.Indonesia welcomed progress made since the first review. It noted that, despite the financial challenges, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continued to take measures to advance social security, education and health-care standards.
50.Italy commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its commitment to protecting the rights of women and children, including the adoption of the Children Care and Adoption Act and the Domestic Violence Act.
51.Jamaica asked about the delegation’s views on a concern raised by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights that textbooks developed at the Caribbean level, continued to have a “European perspective” and did not sufficiently reflect the specific history of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
52.Malaysia noted the commitment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to improve the human rights situation, and the constraints and challenges that the country had been facing.
53.Maldives welcomed the country’s efforts to implement the recommendations from the first review, despite challenges as a small island developing State. It urged the country to continue seeking technical support from the United Nations and the international community.
54.Mexico welcomed the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and a plan of action to end gender-based violence. It further welcomed efforts to mainstream gender in various areas and the establishment of a national committee for the protection of children.
55.Montenegro highlighted achievements in reducing hunger and undernourishment. It asked about actions taken to establish rehabilitation programmes and support services for victims of human trafficking, as well prosecution and punishment of offenders.
56.Morocco noted with satisfaction the accession by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to international human rights treaties during the past six years. It welcomed the country’s efforts to protect the rights of children and combat domestic violence.
57.Namibia welcomed the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and the national action plan to address gender-based violence. It was pleased to note that the death sentence had last been carried out in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 1993.
58.The Netherlands welcomed efforts by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to advance women’s rights and the rights of the child. It indicated however, that, as noted by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, there was room for improvement in the protection of rights in same-sex relationships.
59.Nicaragua welcomed improvements in the legal and institutional framework and the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving the human rights of women and children.
60.Pakistan believed that the Status of Children Act, the national action plan to end gender-based violence and the Domestic Violence Act would further contribute to the protection and promotion of rights of children and women.
61.Panama recognized the efforts by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and its commitment to promote, protect and respect fundamental human rights. It valued the work to harmonize national legislation in specific areas.
62.The Philippines acknowledged progress and noted challenges and constraints being faced by the country as a small island developing State particularly vulnerable to various global economic shocks. It called on the international community to extend assistance to the country.
63.Portugal commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for achieving universal access to primary and secondary education. It took note with appreciation of the fact that since 1995 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had applied a de facto moratorium on the death penalty.
64.Sierra Leone highlighted the establishment of a poverty reduction strategy and the Domestic Violence Act. It encouraged Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen its regional collaboration in combating trafficking in persons, expedite juvenile justice legal reforms and maintain its de facto moratorium on the death penalty.
65.Slovenia welcomed information on social security measures to assist those in need, particularly the Home Help for the Elderly Programme. It further commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its achievements in realizing the right to food and the right to education.
66.South Africa commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, in particular for the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act, as well as the implementation of human rights education campaigns, including a reproductive rights awareness campaign.
67.Spain congratulated Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for the creation of the national committee for children’s rights, the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and the signature and ratification of a number of international human rights instruments, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
68.Trinidad and Tobago welcomed measures to submit outstanding reports in connection with human rights obligations and applauded the engagement in the work of the Council through the participation and support from the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund to Support the Participation of Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in the Work of the Human Rights Council.
69.The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and efforts in addressing child abuse. It encouraged the country to develop an effective response to juvenile offending, in order to ensure that its laws, policies and practices were in compliance with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
70.The United States of America commended the progress made by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in addressing prison conditions. It remained concerned about reports of discrimination and violence against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and about reported use of excessive force by police and sex trafficking, including forced prostitution of women and prostitution of impoverished children by their family members.
71.Uruguay inquired about the possibility of designing a strategy for the elimination of stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes that discriminated against women. It expressed concern that corporal punishment of children remained legal in all environments. It asked about planned steps to align legislation with the recommendations made by the Committee on the Rights of the Child.
72.The delegation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thanked again all States that had submitted questions in advance, as well as for the valuable contributions made during its second review. It noted that the constructive comments and kind support would be useful in their common quest towards further promoting and protection of human rights for all in the country.
73.The delegation thanked the members of the troika for their support throughout the entire review process and OHCHR for producing the various compilations that guided the review.
74.It acknowledged that there were still some gaps that required additional attention. Since the previous review, it had progressively sought to improve human rights by strengthening its national and legislative legal framework in an all-inclusive approach.
75.Referring to comments made by one delegation to introduce legislation promoting gender equality in employment, the delegation reported that efforts were ongoing. Reference was made to the Equal Pay Act, which required equal pay for equal work performed by men and women. The Protection of Employment Act further stipulated that an employer could not dismiss an employee based on sex, marital status, pregnancy or maternity leave. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines planned to introduce social protection legislation to remove all social status barriers and stigmas from individuals based on their socioeconomic conditions or status. The delegation also referred to the legislation and policy framework for child justice.
76.The delegation noted that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines would closely consult civil society and other stakeholders in the follow-up, as it had done in preparing for the review.
77.Responding to a question from Jamaica on a concern raised by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, the delegation agreed that there were not enough textbooks reflecting the specific history of the country. It noted that, as a member of the Caribbean Community, several textbooks developed in the Caribbean, with a broad focus on the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean, were utilized in the schools. It noted, however, that it was hoped that, as investment into education continued, the country would publish at an even higher rate.
78.Saint Vincent and the Grenadines affirmed its commitment to the principles of equality and non-discrimination, as enshrined in its Constitution. With those fundamentals in mind, and having regard to the ever-evolving human rights norms and standards, the delegation noted that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines recommitted itself to ensuring that the human rights of the citizens were protected.
79.The country was fully committed to cooperating with the international community and the international human rights mechanisms, especially the universal periodic review process. It noted that the questions, comments and recommendations received were very valuable to it in the process of human rights self-assessment. The delegation welcomed the constructive spirit in which the recommendations were given and offered to carefully and seriously consider each of them.
II.Conclusions and/or recommendations ***
80. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below will be examined by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-third session of the Human Rights Council in September 2016:
80.1 Ratify all international instruments concerning human rights (Congo);
80.2 Consider ratifying international human rights treaties that it is not yet a State party to (Philippines);
80.3 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal);
80.4 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Italy);
80.5 Accede to or ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which promotes international commitment in abolishing the death penalty (Honduras);
80.6 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, as to bring legislation into conformity with the de facto situation (Netherlands);
80.7 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Montenegro) (Uruguay);
80.8 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the formal abolition of the death penalty in the country (Portugal);
80.9 Accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and abolish the death penalty in the domestic legislation (Mexico);
80.10 Consider ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with a view to abolish the death penalty (Namibia);
80.11 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Spain);
80.12 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Ghana) (Portugal);
80.13 Ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, taking into account the situation of victims of domestic violence in the country (Brazil);
80.14 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Spain);
80.15 Advance in the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (Chile);
80.16 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (Costa Rica) (Denmark) (Ghana) (Guatemala) (Honduras) (Uruguay) (Portugal) (Italy);
80.17 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on a communications procedure (Uruguay) (Portugal);
80.18 Accede to the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Ecuador);
80.19 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Sierra Leone) (Ghana);
80.20 Ratify the already signed International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Spain);
80.21 Ratify ILO Convention No. 169 (Sierra Leone);
80.22 Ratify ILO Convention No. 189 (Sierra Leone);
80.23 Submit its first report to the Committee against Torture which is overdue since 2002 (Denmark);
80.24 Submit long overdue reports to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Committee against Torture and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Sierra Leone);
80.25 Extend standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders (Montenegro);
80.26 Extend an open and standing invitation to Special Rapporteurs and Representatives with a view to making progress in the fulfilment of human rights commitments made (Panama);
80.27 Consider issuing a standing invitation to the special procedures (Slovenia);
80.28 Continue to seek the needed technical assistance to enable it to meet its various human rights commitments (Sierra Leone);
80.29 Pursue its efforts to harmonize its national legislation with international human rights standards (Morocco);
80.30 Harmonize its national legislation with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, including measures of cooperation with the Court and to investigate the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes (Costa Rica);
80.31 Take appropriate steps to facilitate the adoption of legislation on gender equality (Maldives);
80.32 Adopt, without delay, a new legislation that fully incorporates the principle of equality of women and men as well as a prohibition of discrimination on the basis of gender in the public and private spheres (Germany);
80.33 Step up efforts towards the adoption of legislation fully in line with the principle of gender equality (Greece);
80.34 Consider adopting legislation that fully incorporates the principle of equality of women and men, as well as a definition and prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex and gender in the public and private spheres (Namibia);
80.35 Amend national legislation to grant women equal rights to men, in regard to passing citizenship to their foreign spouse (Panama) ;
80.36 Reform the legislation on family life, especially the law on legal marriage age, which sets it at 15 years for girls and boys and which should be raised to 18 years, at a minimum (Congo);
80.37 Reform laws related to discrimination and violence against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, including by repealing provisions which may be used to criminalize consensual, same-sex sexual activity between adults, and establishing a law criminalizing domestic violence (United States of America);
80.38 Enact legislation and take necessary measures to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and social status (Mexico);
80.39 Enact legislation prohibiting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, including removing laws criminalising consensual same sex activity (Australia);
80.40 Decriminalize homosexuality and oppose all forms of discrimination and abuse against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons (Italy);
80.41 Adopt a legislation that criminalizes specifically sexual harassment in all spheres, including in the work place (Guatemala);
80.42 Initiate a comprehensive process of legislative reform in order to guarantee equality between men and women as well as to define and prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex and gender in the public and private spheres (Honduras);
80.43 Consider taking steps to decriminalize consensual same sex relations and abolish any discriminatory legislation and practices against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (Brazil);
80.44 Decriminalize homosexual relations between consenting adults (Spain);
80.45 Abolish section 148 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes consensual sexual practices between persons of the same sex, as a step towards decreasing discrimination of same-sex relationships (Netherlands);
80.46 Establish a national human rights institution based on the Paris Principles (Algeria);
80.47 Act to establish a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles, as per the recommendations from its 2011 universal periodic review appearance (Australia);
80.48 Advance in the establishment of a human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Chile);
80.49 Establish a human rights institution (Guatemala);
80.50 Continue its efforts to strengthen the current National Human Rights Association — established in 1986, in line with the Paris Principles (Indonesia);
80.51 Step up, with the support of OHCHR and other international partners, the activities to establish a national human rights institution in conformity with the Paris Principles (Panama);
80.52 Take the necessary measures in order to establish a National Human Rights Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles (Portugal);
80.53 Create a national human rights institution in conformity with the principles relating to the status of national human rights institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles) (Uruguay);
80.54 Establish a mechanism to monitor the implementation of recommendations of international human rights mechanisms (Guatemala);
80.55 Work on setting up a national mechanism for the reporting and the follow up in the framework of the international human rights instruments (Haiti);
80.56 Accelerate the establishment of a National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (Indonesia);
80.57 Develop and implement a National Action Plan for Human Rights to further ensure systematic and comprehensive approach for the promotion and protection of human rights, with the full engagement of civil society (Indonesia);
80.58 Strengthen the role and capacity to act of the Child Protection Unit with the support and assistance of the international community in order to allow it to fully fulfil its mission (Morocco);
80.59 Strengthen its commitment for implementing all its programs and policies in the social sector (Haiti);
80.60 Ensure comprehensive human rights training for teachers with a view to preventing any excessive use of force (South Africa);
80.61 Put an emphasis on the training of those responsible for the protection of the rights of women and children (Haiti);
80.62 Seek and avail itself of international technical assistance opportunities in training, data collection and analysis, to support national reporting under the international human rights instruments (Bahamas);
80.63 Enhance gender equality in the public and private sectors (Egypt);
80.64 Take concrete measures to ensure gender equality in political life, including through the establishment of a quota system for Parliament and Ministries (Algeria);
80.65 Adopt administrative and legal measures to pursue gender equality in decision-making and elected positions (Costa Rica);
80.66 Consider the implementation of initiatives aimed at identifying needs on the situation of gender related human rights, in order to acquire information to strengthen the national legislation and public policies in this area (Ecuador);
80.67 Intensify efforts to end discrimination against women and increase women participation in the Government, in decision making positions and other segments of society (Malaysia);
80.68 Continue to promote women empowerment (Pakistan);
80.69 Consider and formulate measures to address the very low representation of women in high-level positions, including in politics, as a priority (Slovenia);
80.70 Conduct nation-wide educational campaigns about gender roles and the value of women and girls (Slovenia);
80.71 Adopt legislation on gender equality that fully incorporates the principle of equality between women and men, as well as the definition and prohibition of discrimination based on sex and gender (Uruguay);
80.72 Take measures to prevent violence and discrimination against persons based on their sexual orientation and gender identity (Chile);
80.73 Consider the abolition of the death penalty in its legal system and proceed with the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Argentina);
80.74 Abolish in law the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (France);
80.75 Step up efforts to abolish the death penalty (Panama);
80.76 Consider the possibility of the abolition of the death penalty in its statutes (South Africa);
80.77 Consider establishing a formal moratorium on death penalty (Slovenia);
80.78 Establish a formal moratorium on the death penalty with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Australia);
80.79 Consider taking all necessary steps to introduce a de jure moratorium of capital executions with a view to fully abolish the death penalty (Italy);
80.80 Adopt an official moratorium aiming at the formal abolishment of the death penalty in the country (Portugal);
80.81 Implement public awareness campaigns in regard to the absence of deterrent effects of the application of the death penalty and the progressive introduction of a moratorium aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Spain);
80.82 Consider prohibiting corporal punishment of children in all settings (South Africa);
80.83 Prohibit all corporal punishment of children, including at home, at schools, and as a sentence in courts and work towards a general understanding that corporal punishment of children is not beneficial but rather detrimental to their development (Germany);
80.84 Introduce the legislative measures and policies necessary to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of boys and girls, including explicit prohibition of corporal punishment both in public and private spheres, as previously recommended (Mexico);
80.85 Take the necessary steps to ensure the prison in Kingstown meets international minimum standards and adheres to the Mandela Rules (Australia);
80.86 Adopt measures to combat the problem of police abuse, through norms aiming at sanctioning such conduct and to prevent such abuses, strengthening the training of law enforcement officials (Spain);
80.87 Take immediate steps to bring conditions at all detention facilities, including Her Majesty ’ s Prison and Fort Charlotte Prison, into line with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Canada);
80.88 Partner with appropriate international agencies to strengthen national capacities to collect, process, and analyse relevant human rights statistical information concerning police misconduct and prison conditions (United States of America);
80.89 Strengthen measures taken to combat human trafficking (Egypt);
80.90 Collaborate with NGOs or other victim advocates to promote a victim-centred approach in the identification of trafficking victims (United States of America);
80.91 Take measures to reduce the backlog of cases before the courts in order to ensure that justice is served promptly and efficiently and that accused persons are guaranteed due process (Canada);
80.92 Pursue efforts to reform the justice system with a view to guaranteeing access to justice to all, including through providing qualified staff (Egypt);
80.93 Undertake actions to improve the competency and capacity of its judicial sector including sensitizing judicial personnel on issues concerning vulnerable groups (Malaysia);
80.94 Establish a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre to ensure detention separate from adults and the safety of juvenile offenders whilst in detention and to equip them to be productive citizens on release into society (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
80.95 Continue strengthening its successful social programs in favour of its people (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
80.96 Undertake socio-economic development programs that focus on education, job creation and poverty eradication under the National Economic and Social Development Plan 2013-2025 (Malaysia);
80.97 Pursue efforts to promote the right to work with a view to combating unemployment whose rate has reached 18.8 percent (Egypt);
80.98 Effectively implement the Zero Hunger Challenge Initiative to reduce hunger and malnutrition (Cuba);
80.99 Continue to improve access to education through various programs and initiatives (Pakistan);
80.100 Continue and strengthen health education and family life programs, such as education on appropriate sexual and reproductive health for every age, and access to sexual and reproductive health, including contraceptive methods (Colombia);
80.101 Combat the high rate of teenage girls ’ pregnancy, which put at risk their rights to health and education (Congo);
80.102 Adopt measures to empower girls and boys to make conscious decisions regarding their health and well-being through mainstreaming of sexual and reproductive health education (Slovenia);
80.103 Design and implement measures to allow the exercise of cultural and religious life of ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Rastafari and Garifuna, without obstacles or stigmatization (Colombia);
80.104 Recognise the importance of Island of Balliceaux for the Garifuna people as a site of remembrance, and ensure and promote the relations of those people with the Island as noted by the Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights (Honduras);
80.105 Seek assistance, as appropriate, to support ongoing efforts to preserve its tangible and intangible cultural heritage (Trinidad and Tobago);
80.106 Strengthen the implementation of the National Action Plan to end gender-based violence, in cooperation with civil society organizations and other interested parties, and ensure better access to health care and social services for victims, in particular rural women (Colombia);
80.107 Combat gender-based violence through its National Action Plan, Domestic Violence Act and anti-violence outreach programs (Malaysia);
80.108 Allocate sufficient technical, human and financial resources for the effective implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender-based violence (Philippines);
80.109 Promote public awareness and education on provisions under the new Domestic Violence Act of 2015 (Bahamas);
80.110 Implement comprehensive guidelines under the Domestic Violence Act to ensure a coordinated response for victims of violence by police, courts, health and social welfare agencies (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
80.111 Undertake a public advocacy campaign to combat gender-based violence, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders (Canada);
80.112 Implement targeted training for law enforcement officials on responding to cases of domestic violence, and ensure that all allegations are fully investigated (Canada);
80.113 Take steps to ensure the provision of adequate shelter, including staffing and durable resources, for victims of domestic violence (Canada);
80.114 Continue strengthening programs to combat domestic violence, including an awareness-raising plan (Chile);
80.115 Continue the actions taken to reduce domestic violence and violence against women in all its forms (Cuba);
80.116 Take all necessary measures to promote the rights of women and to effectively combat domestic violence (France);
80.117 Reinforce measures to combat violence against women, including legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and the Domestic Violence Act and by awareness raising campaigns (Germany);
80.118 Institute measures to prevent and effectively respond to all incidents of violence, sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking of women and girls, as well as introduce measures to effectively investigate, prosecute and punish all perpetrators (Ghana);
80.119 Enact a comprehensive strategy in order that the rights of children are further protected and widened (Greece);
80.120 Increase efforts to keep children in schools and protect them from sexual exploitation or forced and unlawful employment (Malaysia);
80.121 Increase the minimum age of marriage which is 15 for girls and 16 for boys to an age which is in line with international standards (Algeria);
80.122 Raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 (Sierra Leone);
80.123 Increase the minimum age of employment to 16 years in line with the observations of the ILO (Honduras);
80.124 Review, adopt and implement the pending draft national policy on persons with disabilities to ensure non-discrimination in education, employment and healthcare (Maldives);
80.125 Continue developing and implementing measures that allow the inclusion of persons with disabilities (Argentina);
80.126 Try to address the intractable problem of providing education and health services to certain categories of children with disabilities, with appropriate assistance from regional and international partners (Jamaica);
80.127 Ensure that research on how the education of children with disabilities can be implemented through mainstream educational settings, is included in the planned comprehensive implementation plan for persons with disabilities. Regional and international experiences and best practices could be incorporated into such a study (Jamaica);
80.128 Promote strategies for the mitigation of climate change and disseminate those through school programs (Haiti).
81. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.
Annex
Composition of the delegation
The delegation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was composed of the Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, Ms. Inga Rhonda King.