Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 39th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Statement by Australia

Tuesday 2 November 2021

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia encourages the continued engagement of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Universal Periodic Review process and commends legislation enacted to protect human rights since the last review, including relating to domestic violence and the protection of children. However, Australia urges it to honour reporting obligations under international human rights instruments to improve the protection of human rights.

Australia recommends that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:

1. Adopt a formal moratorium on the death penalty with a view to ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
2. Establish a National Human Rights Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles as a matter of priority.
3. Decriminalise consensual same-sex relations and review anti-discrimination legislation to ensure it provides comprehensive protection.
4. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
5. Implement legislation on sexual and gender-based violence, including marital rape and other forms of domestic violence and family violence; and ensure victim-survivors can access justice, support mechanisms and necessary services.

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