A/HRC/23/11
moratorium on the death penalty it urged Barbados to amend the legislation to abolish the
mandatory death penalty. It made recommendations.
88.
The United States of America, while appreciating Barbados’ commitment to protect
all members of society from harassment, discrimination and violence regardless of sexual
orientation, was concerned about reports of discrimination and harassment against members
of the LGBT community. It was concerned about the criminalization of same-sex sexual
activity between consenting adults and failure to prohibit discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity. Additionally, it expressed concern at allegations of
excessive use of force by the police and delays in transmitting case files; and about
legislation on transitional crime being inconsistent with international standards because it
requires migration as a necessary element of human trafficking. It made recommendations.
89.
Uruguay welcomed progress in human rights in Barbados, including the
implementation of policies for youth and the elderly, the national poverty reduction
strategy, the development of major economic and social indicators, including the reduction
of child mortality, access to education and health, placing Barbados among countries with a
high Human Development Index. Uruguay made recommendations.
90.
Namibia commended Barbados on criminalizing human trafficking through the
enactment of national legislation and the signing of the Palermo Protocol, on its proactive
engagement in environmental issues, particularly climate change, and on ensuring that it
continued to enjoy a high Human Development Index, despite the challenge of poverty. It
asked how Barbados intended to expand the Identification, Stabilisation, Enablement and
Empowerment Bridge Programme. Namibia made recommendations.
91.
Barbados noted that many of the questions raised during the dialogue had already
been addressed in its opening statement. It stated, however, that it would try to respond to
some of the recurring issues.
92.
With regard to the death penalty it was recalled that the Government was working
toward abolishing mandatory death sentences. The Barbados delegation noted that although
some believed it important to formally state that there was a moratorium, it believed that it
was more important not to have executed anyone for 29 years.
93.
On the issue of discrimination against women, Barbados noted again that detailed
information on the situation of women had been provided and that this information
indicates that there has been considerable movement on this issue. Legislation was either
already in place or being prepared on issues such as domestic violence. Additionally, the
person in the police service responsible for addressing violence against women was herself
a woman.
94.
In relation to HIV/AIDs, there was a massive Government programme which
included a television campaign with the participation of celebrities from music and sports.
Transmission from mother to child was eliminated in Barbados as mothers were provided
with free medical care. Technology permitted the prevention of such cases.
95.
On questions regarding video recordings of interviews in police custody, Barbados
stated that the Government remained committed to introducing such recordings and that to
this end substantial preparatory work has been undertaken, including the construction of
special physical facilities and the acquisition of support equipment, training of police and
amendment of legislation.
96.
Regarding youth, a national youth policy has been debated in Parliament and a
constant effort had been made to eliminate poverty among youth. Poverty was addressed in
its two facets: in cases where it could not be eliminated altogether because of specific
circumstances the Government would intervene to ensure minimum living conditions and
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