Human Rights Day Message from TCI Human Rights Commission

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, December 11, 2021 – Article one of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” As the world celebrates Human Rights Day, with a focus on equality, the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission is addressing the areas of inequality existing on the Island.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission said that the people most impacted

were the elderly, those who work on minimum wage, women, children, and the disabled – all considered the most vulnerable.

It announced that it will address inequalities through media releases, outreach programs, and reports and recommendations from the government. Its primary focus is on the standard of living in the TCI. This will bring light to housing inequality, minimum wage, facilities for the elderly and disabled, special needs education, and school placement.

The Commission is pleased with the advances made over the years. And pledges to continue working to end all kinds of discrimination, address inequalities, encourage participation and solidarity, and promote sustainable development.

The Human Rights Commission stated that it will play a leading role in meeting the requirements for a post-COVID world, where there is equality and non-discrimination. It added that the COVID-19 crisis was fueled by structural discrimination.

In addressing inequalities, specifically pandemic inequality, the Commission sees the need to protect economic, social, and cultural rights. It added that a new social contract for a new era, a more robust welfare system, and advances in education are all needed in this regard.

The Commission stated that everyone has a role in ensuring the voices of the most affected and vulnerable are involved in recovery efforts: individuals, civil society, private sectors, and grass-roots communities.

Regarding sustainable development, the Commission added that the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement are cornerstones of a recovery where no one is left behind.