UPR 25th Session, Geneva, May 2, 2016
As delivered by Anna Naimark
The United States welcomes Her Excellency Rhonda King and the Vincentian delegation to the UPR Working Group.
The United States commends the progress made by St. Vincent and the Grenadines in addressing prison conditions by closing the antiquated and unhygienic Fort Charlotte Prison.
We remain concerned about reports of discrimination and violence against women and LGBTI persons.
We are concerned about reports that police continue to use excessive force, though we believe that police conduct has improved somewhat in the past year.
Lastly, we are concerned about reports of sex trafficking, including the forced prostitution of women and the prostitution of impoverished children by their family members.
Bearing in mind these concerns, we recommend that St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
- Reform laws related to discrimination and violence against women and LGBTI 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.
- Partner with appropriate international agencies to strengthen national capacities to collect, process, and analyze relevant human rights statistical information concerning police misconduct and prison conditions.
- Collaborate with NGOs or other victim advocates to promote a victim-centered approach in the identification of trafficking victims.
(end statement)