A/HRC33/15
29.
In September 2015, in order to build on the progress achieved under the Millennium
Development Goals, Trinidad and Tobago had joined the rest of the international
community in adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and had embarked
on the implementation of that global development agenda in the context of the
Government’s national development plan, “Vision 2030”.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
30.
During the interactive dialogue, 56 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present report.
31.
The Netherlands welcomed the ongoing parliamentary debate on equal rights and
non-discrimination with regard to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex
community. Since discrimination based on sexual orientation remained prevalent, the
Netherlands highlighted the need to improve the fulfilment of the rights of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.
32.
Nicaragua highlighted the reforms and improvements in the areas of children’s
rights, the rights of persons with disabilities and combating human trafficking, as well as
efforts towards the restitution of women’s rights. It commended the ratification of the
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the establishment of an
interministerial committee to oversee its implementation. Nicaragua encouraged Trinidad
and Tobago to pay particular attention to vulnerable groups.
33.
Nigeria noted the broad consultations, involving national institutions and nongovernmental organizations, carried out during the compilation of the report of Trinidad
and Tobago. It highlighted the fact that the recommendations accepted during the previous
universal periodic review had been implemented. Nigeria commended the Trafficking in
Persons Act, which provided for the establishment of a counter-trafficking unit, and noted
the review of the Administration of Justice Act and the establishment of a Juvenile Court.
34.
Norway, noting the legislative reforms relating to violence against women, said that
the high level of gender-based violence nevertheless remained a concern. Norway was also
worried about the continued stigmatization of and discrimination against lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, as well as those living with HIV. It noted with
concern that Trinidad and Tobago had failed to outlaw child marriage.
35.
Pakistan noted that, despite resource constraints, Trinidad and Tobago had made
efforts to implement the majority of the recommendations made during the first cycle of the
universal periodic review. It commended the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities and stressed that the Children Act, 2012, the child protection
units, the National Health Card system and policies related to the elimination of
discrimination against women would contribute to the promotion and protection of human
rights.
36.
Panama acknowledged the efforts made to combat corruption and recognized that it
was a systemic problem hindering the full enjoyment of human rights. It highlighted
achievements in the field of children’s rights and the rights of persons with disabilities.
37.
Paraguay welcomed the significant legislative progress made, but urged further
action to eliminate discrimination against women, to empower women in decision-making
processes and to eradicate violence against women. Paraguay was worried by the fact that,
in certain cases, 12-year-old children could marry legally.
38.
The Philippines acknowledged the enactment of the Trafficking in Persons Act in
accordance with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons,
Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against
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