Saint Kitts and Nevis Defends Human Rights Progress at UN Review

Geneva, Switzerland – Saint Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and people-centred development during its appearance before the United Nations Human Rights Council under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.

Leading the delegation, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, represented the Federation alongside Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs, Ms Azilla Clarke.

Attorney General Wilkin said he was proud to defend the country’s record of progress, particularly over the past three years, noting that Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to strengthen its human rights framework through constitutional governance, institutional reform and practical implementation.

“It is always an honour to represent Saint Kitts and Nevis on the international stage, and especially meaningful to do so alongside my colleague Ms Azilla Clarke,” the Attorney General stated. “This review provided an opportunity to demonstrate how our human rights commitments are being translated into real improvements for our people.”

During the interactive dialogue, the delegation highlighted national advances in areas including access to justice, gender equality, protection from gender-based violence, social protection reform, environmental human rights, and institutional coordination for the implementation of international recommendations.

Several Member States commended Saint Kitts and Nevis for its constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council and for the progress achieved in strengthening laws, policies and public institutions. The Federation also received recommendations aimed at further enhancing human rights protection and implementation, which the Government has welcomed as part of its continuous improvement process.

Ms Clarke addressed key issues related to gender equality, social protection and safeguarding vulnerable groups, underscoring the Government’s commitment to survivor-centred services, coordinated policy action and long-term social development.

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis reiterated that while challenges remain, its approach to human rights reform is grounded in realism, national ownership and sustainability. As a small island developing State, the Federation continues to prioritise steady and practical progress supported by international cooperation.

The Universal Periodic Review is a peer-review process through which all United Nations Member States assess each other’s human rights records every four and a half years.

Saint Kitts and Nevis will now consider the recommendations received and determine those to be accepted and implemented through its national mechanisms and line ministries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a central and indispensable role in this process, providing leadership in coordination, preparation and engagement throughout the Universal Periodic Review. Through its guidance and organisation of inter-ministerial inputs, the Ministry ensured that Saint Kitts and Nevis presented a coherent national position. Going forward, the Ministry will continue to anchor the implementation and follow-up process, working closely with the Attorney General’s Office, line ministries and statutory bodies to translate accepted recommendations into practical reforms and sustained institutional action.