U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Barbados

43rd Session

Delivered by Christen Kucharski

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

The United States welcomes the delegation of Barbados led by the Honourable Kerry D. Symmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Senior Minister Coordinating the Productive Sectors.

We commend Barbados’ support for human rights and democracy but continue to have certain concerns.

While not generally enforced, Barbadian law permits penalties of up to life in prison for men convicted of consensual same-sex conduct. Barbadian women earn significantly less than men. Although Barbadian law prohibits discrimination based on gender, it does not mandate equal pay for equal work. Furthermore, criminal defendants are commonly detained 5 to 7 years or more before cases go to trial.

We recommend that Barbados:

1. Decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults.
2. Legally mandate equal pay for equal work.
3. Address lengthy pre-trial detention concerns by ensuring all detentions are consistent with international obligations and commitments.

We wish Barbados a successful UPR.

I thank you.