The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed St. Kitts and Nevis’s leadership in human rights protections during his presentation at the Dialogue of Representatives of Civil Society Organisations at the 55th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda this week. Minister Douglas, accompanied by Ambassador Jacinth Henry‑Martin and other senior mission officials, announced the nation’s accession to two Inter‑American conventions on disability and older persons — a milestone for national and regional justice frameworks.
Dr. Douglas stated, “By acceding to the Inter‑American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, we become the 20th state to ensure the non‑discrimination rights of our citizens with disabilities are legally protected.” He added, “With the Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons — our 13th state party — we affirm our duty to safeguard the dignity and rights of our elders.”
Highlighting domestic reforms, Dr. Douglas noted the government’s 2022 creation of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities, which has since launched critical programmes to raise awareness, increase accessibility, and enhance social inclusion. He emphasised, “Establishing this Ministry was a statement of intent — to speak for the voiceless and to build communities that include every citizen.”
He addressed issues of religious freedom and redress: “Recent legal protections now guarantee our Rastafarian brothers and sisters the right to worship, assemble, and live their faith without fear or prejudice. This is not tokenism — it is justice restored.”
Dr. Douglas also drew attention to gender equality efforts, affirming that the National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan “signals our resolve to build a truly equitable society where opportunity and rights are shared by all, regardless of gender.”
The minister concluded with a powerful affirmation: “St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to evolving beyond symbolic gestures. Our Constitution guarantees rights for all, and today’s accession to these conventions, alongside domestic reforms, demonstrates our resolve to promote justice, support the vulnerable and empower every citizen.”
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