Displaying 48076 - 48100 of 58160 recommendations found
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:PortugalPortugalRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOEIIssue:
- Sexual exploitation / slavery
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Accede to the ICCPR and its two OPs; to the ICESCR and its OPs and the three OPs to the CRC.ExplanationIt cannot be overly emphasized how firmly committed we are to adhering to international standards in relation to human rights. It must be reiterated that lack of adequate resources, both human and financial, often stymies responses deemed to be necessary by the international community.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 13) The ratification of the OPs to the CRC is currently under discussion by the government. A review of our legislation was conducted several years ago, and, it was noted that some elements of the legislation would require adjustment as it relates to the OP on children in armed conflict. This is currently being reviewed and the government will consider signing the OPs and declare any possible reservations with regard to children in armed conflict.
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ArgentinaArgentinaRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Take all necessary measures to end all forms of discrimination still existing in Saint Kitts and Nevis and analyse the possibility of creating a specific law on discrimination based on disability, language, sexual orientation, gender identity or social status.ExplanationNoted.ImplementationUN Compilation:
Para 8) Although the Government did not support universal periodic review recommendations associated with LGBTQI rights, Saint Kitts and Nevis has shown some openness to dialogue on the issue.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 7) HRW stressed that Saint Kitts and Nevis did not have any comprehensive laws that prohibited discrimination on grounds of gender identity and sexual orientation, including in the employment, housing, access to education, and health care contexts. In this lacking legal context, discrimination against LGBT people seeped into everyday activities, whether it was availing of services such as health care, school, or riding a bus, or social activities such as going to the movies or shopping. Discrimination in the workplace can also occur. Notably, LGBT persons who faced discrimination in any sector lacked any legal avenue to seek redress for themselves or accountability for perpetrators.
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
Type:Review DocumentationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:Reference AddressedContents:JS2 explained that the Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis did not protect persons of different sexual orientation or gender identity from discrimination but reserved this protection for persons only on the basis of traditional grounds such as: race, sex, religion, etc. It recommended that Saint Kitts and Nevis amend the Constitution to include sexual orientation and gender identity as part of the classification of persons who must be protected from discrimination. [Para 12] -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:NeglectedContents:Recommended that Saint Kitts and Nevis swiftly implement the new Domestic Violence Bill (2014). [Para 28] -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UruguayUruguayRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:10th session, February 2011Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Carry forward a national awareness-raising campaign which includes mechanisms to facilitate the access of women to justice, the establishment of specialized courts, comprehensive care services for victims and national programmes to combat stereotyping of women and girls, including at the level of formal and informal education.ExplanationWith regard to the rights of women and children, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis would seek to strengthen those entities responsible for the promotion of the rights of women and children by adopting practical advances in these areas. Through various pieces of legislation, the Departments of Gender Affairs and Labour had sought to set appropriate standards for the treatment of women and continued to ensure that the laws relating to the promotion of their protection were fully implemented. The Department of Probation and Child Protection Services was one of the government's principal arms for ensuring that the rights of children were safeguarded, especially with respect to those minors in need of care and protection, those in conflict with the law, as well as matters of foster care, adoption and related issues. The Offences against the Persons Act criminalized acts of rape and sexual abuse. The Counseling Department of the Ministry of Health, Social and Community Services and Gender Affairs provided support and counseling for victims of crime -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:PhilippinesPhilippinesRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Continue recent momentum by working on the ratification of the OPs to the CRC and consider ratifying other core instruments such as the ICCPR and the ICESCR.ExplanationNoted. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:HondurasHondurasRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIACSIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Sign and ratify the ICCPR.ExplanationNoted. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Timor-LesteTimor-LesteRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupIssue:
- Criminal laws on same-sex sexual practices
- Rights of same-sex desiring persons
Type:RecommendationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Decriminalize consensual sexual relations between persons of the same sex.ExplanationNoted. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:GermanyGermanyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
Type:RecommendationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Ensure unhindered access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights, including for adolescents.ExplanationNoted. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MontenegroMontenegroRegional groupEEGIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Ratify the OP-CRC. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:IranIranRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupOICIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Women's participation
Type:RecommendationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Promote women’s participation in decision-making process as well as those of persons with disabilities and the youth. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- HIV and AIDS
Type:Review DocumentationSession:10th session, February 2011Status:N/AContents:"In 2007, the National AIDS Secretariat in the Ministry of Health established a Human Rights Desk as a country level mechanism to receive and respond to complaints related to human rights violations against the community of Persons Living with HIV (PLWHIV). [Para 39]" -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Sexual abuse
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:10th session, February 2011Status:Reference AddressedContents:"... In 2002, CEDAW expressed concern about the persistent high level of violence, particularly domestic violence; the high incidence of sexual abuse of girls particularly by older men; the unwillingness of women to initiate complaints of
domestic violence against husbands and to testify against them because of the unwritten code of family loyalty, which regards such violence as a private matter. [Para 15]" -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:10th session, February 2011Status:NeglectedContents:Take adequate legislative measures to make it easier for women to obtain child support and access to legal aid. [Para 23; CEDAW] -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Adolescent pregnancy
Type:Review DocumentationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:Not Followed up with a RecommendationContents:The United Nations subregional team recommended that Saint Kitts and Nevis ... enact laws protecting against withdrawal or guaranteeing re-entry of pregnant learners into schools. [Para 21]
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Women's participation
Type:Review DocumentationSession:37th Session, January 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:CGNK stressed the right to participle in the decision making of women, … [Para 20]
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:NorwayNorwayRegional groupWEOGIssue:
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:10th session, February 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Cooperate with civil society, non-governmental organizations and other actors to provide sufficient support for victims of domestic violence, inter alia shelters and protection, in order to comply with its international obligations.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 75) The Government offers counselling to victims of abuse and trains police, nurses, guidance counsellors and other government employees on domestic and gender violence.
Para 77) The Department of Gender Affairs has made available three general hotline numbers for persons seeking assistance for themselves or others with respect to domestic violence. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:NorwayNorwayRegional groupWEOGIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:10th session, February 2011Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Bring its legislation into conformity with international human rights obligations, by repealing all provisions which may discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.ExplanationAs for discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, the delegation indicated that Chapter II of its Constitution prohibited discrimination against any person on the grounds of race, tribe, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, and, as such, any person who was of the view that his or her rights had been violated could, at any time, seek redress before the Court. Moreover, there were no challenges to any existing legislation before its courts on the grounds of sexual discrimination. Should any legislation be challenged on such grounds, and if held to be unconstitutional by the Court, the Government would have to be guided by such a ruling.
The delegation emphasized that the Government regarded seriously its commitment to protect all members of society from discrimination regardless of sexual orientation. Notwithstanding the above, the State believed that this was an important issue and would continue to engage the public through a consultative process.ImplementationUN Compilation:
Para 11) The subregional team asserted that the Constitution prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex, race, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed, but that no specific legislation addressed discrimination on the basis of disability, language, sexual orientation gender identity or social status. UNESCO underscored that no sufficient measures had been taken to address persisting discriminations.
Para 15) The subregional team stated that societal negative attitudes towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community impeded the operation of organizations working for such individuals and their free association. It asserted that public discourse on the rights of such individuals indicated that there remained strong sentiment against homosexuality and gay marriage, and reported that the former Prime Minister had publicly advocated a review of the country's anti-sodomy laws and tolerance for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals
Stakeholder Summary
Para 10) JS2 reported that during the 2011 review, despite several recommendations made to decriminalize consensual same sex relations, Saint Kitts and Nevis stated that a popular "mandate" was necessary for state protection of the rights of sexual minorities, and that continued criminalization of consensual sex under sections 56 and 57 of the Offences against the Person Act was justified because of "strong opposition" by citizens to repeal these laws.
Para 11) JS2 affirmed that subsequent to UPR 2011, acts of violence committed against persons because of their sexual orientation or gender identity continued to occur, and persons who defended the rights of these individuals were often subjected to verbal attacks. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SpainSpainRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOEIIssue:
- Sexual exploitation / slavery
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:10th session, February 2011Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Sign and ratify the two International Covenants (ICCPR, ICESCR), CAT, CRPD and their respective OPs, and CED, and ratify the two OPs to CRC and CEDAW and its OP.ExplanationWith regard to ratification of human rights instruments, the delegation indicated that Saint Kitts and Nevis had approached the consideration of the recommendations in a realistic manner, committing only to those actions that were within its ability and competence to implement and maintain. The delegation also stated that Saint Kitts and Nevis could not commit, in the short term, to signing and ratifying new treaties without undertaking a meticulous assessment of the resources essential to fulfilling its obligations under them.
The work on this aspect of the human rights framework had already commenced. As a part of this process, the Special Committee on Conventions and Treaties would consider these matters and make recommendations to the Cabinet. Notwithstanding that Saint Kitts and Nevis was not yet a Party to all of the instruments, it continued to adopt best practices, and remained committed to the ideals of the Conventions.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 57) Since its first UPR review, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis has held consultations with a large cross section of the society including persons with disabilities to assess the needs of this group of individuals, usually considered as a marginalized group.
Para 58) The aim was to more fully engage persons with disabilities and their representatives to discuss the international CRPD.
UN Compilation:
Para 1) The United Nations subregional team for Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) noted that, during the 2011 universal periodic review of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the country received numerous recommendations to ratify or accede to various international human rights treaties and that, although Saint Kitts and Nevis accepted some of those recommendations, it had not ratified any additional core United Nations international human rights treaties.
Para 2) OECS encouraged Saint Kitts and Nevis to accede to all core United Nations human rights instruments as soon as possible, in accordance with the recommendations issued in the 2011 universal periodic review. It indicated that the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis had not yet acceded to OP-CRC-SC, although this recommendation had been accepted during the 2011 universal periodic review.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 1) Amnesty International (AI) stated that during its first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in January 2011, Saint Kitts and Nevis had accepted recommendations to consider the ratification of the ... OP-CRC-SC ... and to review national legislation to ensure compliance with the principles and provisions of the Convention. AI highlighted that despite this commitment, at the time of writing, Saint Kitts and Nevis had not yet ratified these Optional Protocols.
Para 2) AI stated that in its first review, Saint Kitts and Nevis had not expressed a clear position on recommendations to consider signing and ratifying a number of core international human rights standards, including ICESCR ... AI asserted that the government had taken no action in this respect, and that the ratification of these treaties was still outstanding.
Para 3) JS2 reported that subsequent to UPR 2011 the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis had promised to sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and that this was still pending. It considered that in so doing the Government had largely failed to adequately promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities as per recommendation 76.30 delivered in its UPR 2011 -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:GhanaGhanaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Sexual exploitation / slavery
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:AcceptedContents:Consider ratifying the OPs-CRC.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 13) The ratification of the OPs to the CRC is currently under discussion by the government. A review of our legislation was conducted several years ago, and, it was noted that some elements of the legislation would require adjustment as it relates to the OP on children in armed conflict. This is currently being reviewed and the government will consider signing the OPs and declare any possible reservations with regard to children in armed conflict.
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ChileChileRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Sexual violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:AcceptedContents:Continue to deepen measures and plans to eradicate sexual and domestic violence, including strengthening awareness programmes to prevent this scourge.ExplanationThe Domestic and Sexual Violence Complaints and Response Protocol has been completed and reviewed by legal drafter. The document has been transmitted for consideration and approval by the Cabinet during the month of March. This is one of the activities to mark International Women's Day.
Funding has been received from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for sensitization training for men on gender based violence. Training commenced on February 15th 2016 at Her Majesty's Prison and a second training will be conducted in the community. Funds will also be used for production of Public Service Announcement (PSAs).
ImplementationNational Report:
Para 43) Domestic violence is the most common form of gender-based violence which predominantly affects women and girls. Within the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, several institutions and agencies are involved in providing service to victims of domestic violence, facilitating the report of incidents to the relevant authorities.
Para 44) Through assistance from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), The Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Complaints and Response Protocol was launched in November, 2018. The policy educates key stakeholders in the healthcare, education, childcare, social support, legal and criminal justice system sectors and provides guidelines for training on the appropriate procedures to follow when a crime of this nature materializes. It addresses first response procedures, best practices for law enforcement, emergency and medical services, social services, victim advocacy and legal action. The Department of Gender Affairs has held various sensitization workshops, consultations and panel discussions, aimed at increasing the awareness of stakeholders about this Response Protocol and its use throughout 2019. Para 45) Saint Kitts and Nevis is also an avid participant of the annual 16-day campaign on Violence against Women and Girls. The 16-Day Campaign which was observed in the Federation from November 25 to December 10, 2019 was designed to demonstrate solidarity with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, raise awareness, prevent the occurrence wherever possible, and advocate for relief and justice for the victims.
Para 46) In 2018, the Special Victims Unit (SVU) relocated to a more conducive, safe and comfortable space for victims to report incidents of sexual violence without fear of reprisals. In addition, the Department of Gender Affairs in partnership with several faith-based organisations, provide financial support and temporary shelters for victims of domestic violence who have no alternate housing solution. This rental allowance covers a period of three months.
Para 47) Different public campaigns were also lead by the Ministry of Gender Affairs which featured primarily on popular call-in radio programmes. Guest panelists included staff from the Special Victims Unit of the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force, and the National Men’s Council.
Para 48) Collaboration with the Ministry of Education resulted in the involvement of primary school children in public service announcements to condemn domestic violence and promote a kinder, gentler society; and secondary school children in public awareness raising activities, such as marches and street theatre.
Para 83) … the Ministry [of Social Services] has a directory of private lawyers who have indicated an interest in providing pro-bono services to victims of domestic violence.
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:GermanyGermanyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Ratify core international human rights instruments, including the ICCPR and its OPs, ICESCR ...ExplanationIt cannot be overly emphasized how firmly committed we are to adhering to international standards in relation to human rights. It must be reiterated that lack of adequate resources, both human and financial, often stymies responses deemed to be necessary by the international community. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UruguayUruguayRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Ratify the ICCPR and its OPs.ExplanationIt cannot be overly emphasized how firmly committed we are to adhering to international standards in relation to human rights. It must be reiterated that lack of adequate resources, both human and financial, often stymies responses deemed to be necessary by the international community. -
State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ParaguayParaguayRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:RecommendationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Take the necessary measures to combat domestic violence, including the creation of shelters for victims.ExplanationThe Domestic and Sexual Violence Complaints and Response Protocol has been completed and reviewed by legal drafter. The document has been transmitted for consideration and approval by the Cabinet during the month of March. This is one of the activities to mark International Women's Day.
Funding has been received from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for sensitization training for men on gender based violence. Training commenced on February 15th 2016 at Her Majesty's Prison and a second training will be conducted in the community. Funds will also be used for production of Public Service Announcement (PSAs).
ImplementationNational Report:
Para 43) Domestic violence is the most common form of gender-based violence which predominantly affects women and girls. Within the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, several institutions and agencies are involved in providing service to victims of domestic violence, facilitating the report of incidents to the relevant authorities.
Para 44) Through assistance from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), The Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Complaints and Response Protocol was launched in November, 2018. The policy educates key stakeholders in the healthcare, education, childcare, social support, legal and criminal justice system sectors and provides guidelines for training on the appropriate procedures to follow when a crime of this nature materializes. It addresses first response procedures, best practices for law enforcement, emergency and medical services, social services, victim advocacy and legal action. The Department of Gender Affairs has held various sensitization workshops, consultations and panel discussions, aimed at increasing the awareness of stakeholders about this Response Protocol and its use throughout 2019. Para 45) Saint Kitts and Nevis is also an avid participant of the annual 16-day campaign on Violence against Women and Girls. The 16-Day Campaign which was observed in the Federation from November 25 to December 10, 2019 was designed to demonstrate solidarity with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, raise awareness, prevent the occurrence wherever possible, and advocate for relief and justice for the victims.
Para 46) In 2018, the Special Victims Unit (SVU) relocated to a more conducive, safe and comfortable space for victims to report incidents of sexual violence without fear of reprisals. In addition, the Department of Gender Affairs in partnership with several faith-based organisations, provide financial support and temporary shelters for victims of domestic violence who have no alternate housing solution. This rental allowance covers a period of three months.
Para 47) Different public campaigns were also lead by the Ministry of Gender Affairs which featured primarily on popular call-in radio programmes. Guest panelists included staff from the Special Victims Unit of the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force, and the National Men’s Council.
Para 48) Collaboration with the Ministry of Education resulted in the involvement of primary school children in public service announcements to condemn domestic violence and promote a kinder, gentler society; and secondary school children in public awareness raising activities, such as marches and street theatre.
Para 83) … the Ministry [of Social Services] has a directory of private lawyers who have indicated an interest in providing pro-bono services to victims of domestic violence.
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State Under Review:Saint Kitts & NevisSaint Kitts & NevisRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Domestic violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:23rd session, November 2015Status:Reference AddressedContents:JS2 recommended that Saint Kitts and Nevis adopt laws that allow for state intervention and independent prosecution of perpetrators of domestic violence, without the victim having to lodge a complaint ... [Para 25]