Protecting the Rights of Civil Society in Saint Kitts and Nevis (55th OAS General Assembly)

Chair, Secretary General, Dignitaries, Excellencies, Colleagues, and Observers, I greet
you with all protocols observed:

Saint Kitts and Nevis has long demonstrated a significant commitment to protecting the
rights of our citizens and residents. This was further demonstrated when, on May 28 of
this year, we deposited at the Organization of American States, two instruments of
accession to major Inter-American human rights conventions: the Inter-American
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with
Disabilities and the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older
Persons.

As a result, Saint Kitts and Nevis became the 20th country to join the former, which is
the first legally binding international instrument specifically addressing the rights of
persons with disabilities, reaffirming fundamental rights and freedoms, including the
right not to be discriminated against due to disability.

Saint Kitts and Nevis also became the 13th country to join the Convention on Protecting
Older Persons, aimed to promote, protect, and guarantee the full recognition and
exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms for older people.
Beyond these international commitments, the government continues to enact domestic
measures, and in August, 2022, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and
Disabilities was established for a focused approach to issues affecting the vulnerable
community, to enhance public awareness, institute programs and policies, promote
accessibility, and ensure stronger participation of all of society.

While the Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis guarantees freedom of religion, and in
response to felt challenges and periods of marginalization faced by the Rastafarian
community over several decades, the current administration has enacted progressive
legislation to ensure that members of the Rastafarian community are able to assemble,
worship, and practice their faith and way of life freely and without apprehension.
Additionally, Saint Kitts and Nevis has approved and commenced the implementation of
the National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan. This policy underscores the
government’s unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality and creating an
equitable society.

Saint Kitts and Nevis remains resolute in its dedication to promoting all human rights,
access to justice, advancement and inclusion for all people, and to empowering our
citizens

Thank you, Chair.