Universal Periodic Review 29: Barbados
This UK statement was delivered during the 29th session of the Universal Period Review during the discussion of Barbados' Human Rights Record on 19 January 2018.
The Universal Periodic Review takes place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The UK thanks Barbados for its continued commitment to the UPR process.
We welcome Barbados’ commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, especially the rights of children. However, further progress is needed to tackle violence against women and prevent discrimination against LGBT people.
We welcome the de facto moratorium on the use of capital punishment, but note that courts in Barbados continue to pass death sentences. We urge Barbados to amend the necessary legislation so as to abolish the mandatory death penalty.
We have three recommendations:
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Develop a national action plan to combat human trafficking, ensuring that it is allocated sufficient human and financial resource.
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Adopt an open, merit-based selection process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.
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Repeal all legal provisions which discriminate against persons on the grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity, including relevant language in the Sexual Offences Act.