39th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The UK delivered the statement on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the 39th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), sharing recommendations to improve their human rights record.
Thank you, Madam President.
The United Kingdom welcomes the progress made by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in tackling modern slavery. We commend the creation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit and the Sexual Offense Unit.
However, we remain concerned by the continued prevalence of sexual offences and domestic violence against women and young girls and implore the Government to strengthen mechanisms to hold perpetrators to account. We also urge the Government to decriminalise consensual same-sex relations, whilst legislating against LGBTQ+ discrimination.
We recommend that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:
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Amend the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2011 to ensure there are proportionate penalties for all modern slavery related crimes;
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Ensure that all perpetrators of abuse towards women and girls are held to account and implement capacity building training for police officers and other law enforcement officials in gender-based violence and sexual abuse reporting;
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Amend the Education Act to explicitly allow for retention and re-integration of school-aged mothers and pregnant girls into the formal education system.
Thank you, Madam President.