A/HRC/17/2
Saint Kitts and Nevis
517. The review of Saint Kitts and Nevis was held on 28 January 2011 in conformity
with all the relevant provisions contained in Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, and was
based on the following documents:
(a)
The national report submitted by Saint Kitts and Nevis in accordance with the
annex to resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/10/KNA/1 and
A/HRC/WG.6/10/KA/1/Corr.1);
(b)
The compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)
(A/HRC/WG.6/10/KNA/2);
(c)
The summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/10/KNA/3).
518. At its 18th meeting, on 8 June 2011, the Human Rights Council considered and
adopted the outcome of the review of Saint Kitts and Nevis (see section C below).
519. The outcome of the review of Saint Kitts and Nevis comprised the report of the
Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/17/12), the views of Saint Kitts
and Nevis concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, and its voluntary
commitments and replies presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary to
questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in
the Working Group (see also A/HRC/17/12/Add.1).
1.
Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or
conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome
520. Saint Kitts and Nevis stated that its participation in and cooperation with the
universal periodic review reflected its high regard for human rights, which were
fundamental to its progress. This exercise offered opportunities for thorough introspection
and candid deliberation regarding the status of human rights on the ground.
521. Saint Kitts and Nevis was mindful of the tight rope that its Government must walk
as it sought to balance the rights of individuals against the imperatives of the State. The
universal periodic review had provided insight on how the Government, through its
institutions, could continue to enhance its human rights mechanisms for the benefit of all its
citizens.
522. Saint Kitts and Nevis had given careful consideration to the recommendations
proposed during the interactive dialogue. While some recommendations brought to the fore
the challenges that Saint Kitts and Nevis had previously identified and was already in the
process of addressing, others highlighted additional ideas for advancing the promotion and
protection of human rights for all, including such marginalized groups as the poor, women,
children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
523. With regard to the ratification of human rights instruments, Saint Kitts and Nevis
had approached the consideration of the recommendations in a realistic manner, committing
only to those actions that were within its ability and competence to implement and
maintain. The delegation stated that Saint Kitts and Nevis could not commit, in the short
term, to signing and ratifying new treaties without undertaking a meticulous assessment of
the resources essential to fulfilling its obligations under them.
524. The work on this aspect of the human rights framework had already commenced. As
a part of this process, the Special Committee on Conventions and Treaties would consider
these matters and make recommendations to Cabinet. Even though Saint Kitts and Nevis
was not yet a party to all of the instruments, it continued to adopt best practices, and
remained committed to the ideals of the conventions.
162
GE.12-13630
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