39th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Antigua and Barbuda

The United Kingdom welcomes Antigua and Barbuda’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and encourages the Government to continue upholding these rights. We note that some progress has been made on our recommendations since the last UPR and are hopeful this will continue.

The UK is also pleased to note that the death penalty has not been implemented since 1991. We welcome Antigua and Barbuda changing its sentencing guidelines in 2020, which will further reduce the likelihood of the death penalty being applied. We urge the Government to consider what further reform is needed to continue to tackle pressing concerns, such as human trafficking and domestic violence.

We recommend that Antigua and Barbuda:

• Implement legislation to address modern slavery and human trafficking and expedite current cases by providing adequate resources and training for officials to effectively investigate and prosecute cases and protect victims.

• Develop, adopt and implement, in a consultative manner, a national gender policy with measures for the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence against all women, girls, men and boys regardless of legal or migratory status, nationality, gender identity or sexual orientation.

• Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.

Thank you.