U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
39th Session
The United States welcomes the delegation from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
We recommend St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
1. Reform the law to include provisions that expressly prohibit the use of children for prostitution, pornography, or pornographic performances.
2. Reform laws under section 146 and 148 of Criminal Code of 1988 related to discrimination and gender-based violence against women and LGBTQI+ persons, including by repealing provisions that may be used to criminalize consensual, same-sex sexual activity between adults, and establishing a law criminalizing domestic violence.
3. Within the next 12 months, reform labor code to prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace while ensuring its effective enforcement.
We commend St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ continued commitment to the promotion of human rights. Improvements can still be made to address the sexual exploitation of children, discrimination and gender-based violence against women and LGBTQI+ persons, and to improve conditions in prison.
Thank you.