Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 37th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Statement by Australia

19 January 2021

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia acknowledges Saint Kitts and Nevis acceding to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and encourages steps to ratify OPCAT.

Australia is deeply concerned the death penalty remains part of the Saint Kitts and Nevis legal framework.

We encourage action to promote and protect the rights of LGBTI persons, including through legislative reform and engagement with initiatives such as the UN Free and Equal campaign.

Australia recommends Saint Kitts and Nevis:

1. Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
2. Repeal all provisions of law criminalizing sexual activity between consenting adults, including those of the same sex, and take legislative and other measures to protect victims of violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. Implement legislative frameworks to address domestic and sexual violence against women and girls and take further steps through education and social protection measures, such as training of law enforcement personnel and judicial officers, sensitizing the media, and educating the public.

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