A/HRC/16/14
92.
Haiti noted with appreciation the fact that Jamaica had ratified most of the main
human rights instruments. It also noted the national policies established to benefit
vulnerable groups. Haiti made recommendations.
93.
Barbados noted that Jamaica made great progress in achieving most of the targets set
in the MDGs and commended the various legislative measures that have been taken.
Barbados stated that greater collaboration at both the national and international level was
required in addressing issues of crime in Jamaica, because of difficulties in policing of
borders of islands. Barbados called on the treaty bodies and OHCHR to work with Jamaica
in preparing reports and providing technical assistance for implementation of
recommendations.
94.
Mauritius welcomed the achievement of some MDGs. Mauritius commended
Jamaica for inter alia ratifying international human rights instruments and requested to
know whether Jamaica will consider other instruments, in particular, CAT. For the purposes
of learning from best practices, Mauritius requested to receive more information on the
human rights in police training programmes, in particular whether the lectures were from
the academia of from the police force and whether such courses were meant for new
recruits or covered the whole police hierarchy. Mauritius made recommendations.
95.
Ecuador welcomed the self-scrutiny of Jamaica recognizing its limitations in terms
of public security and noted the situation in prison services emphasized by the Special
Rapporteur on Torture. It commended the numerous initiatives in favour of gender equality
and women empowerment. Ecuador welcomed the achievements relating to health. It made
recommendations.
96.
Bangladesh stated that it was assured of Jamaica’s political will to promote and
protect human rights and acknowledged the financial constraints faced by Jamaica, as
reiterated by the delegation. Bangladesh stated that Jamaica has already achieved MDG-2
and was on track to fulfil MDG-6. Bangladesh stated that some treaty bodies expressed
concern at the existence of gender inequality in the labour market despite measures
adopted. It stated that Jamaica was frequently hit by hurricane and storms, which
downsized its achievements. Bangladesh made recommendations
97.
The Jamaican delegation expressed its gratitude to other delegations. It noted that
sensitive issues have been raised with high levels of respect and pointed out that as a
democratic State; Jamaican Legislators did not have the luxury of disregarding the wishes
of its people. On issues raised, Jamaica stated that the concerns of the deteriorating
situation for human rights defenders were ill-founded and that the Government had
nominated a champion of human rights for United Nations recognition. It added that it has
implemented legislation in relation to equal pay for men and women and invited states to
look at the relevant legislation. The delegation also stated that the events at West Kingston
have been a painful experience and that appropriate investigations were ongoing. The
delegation stated that despite the many challenges faced by Jamaica, its commitment to the
fundamental principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights remained unshaken.
II.
Conclusions and/or recommendations
98.
The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue and listed
below have been examined by Jamaica and enjoy its support:
98.1. Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography (Morocco) ( Mexico); ratify CRC-OP-SC (Spain) (Republic of
13
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents