Bahamas faces Human Rights Panel in Switzerland, AG Pinder leads delegation

By Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

#TheBahamas, May 5, 2023 – The Bahamas Human Rights Record was on Wednesday examined under the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and lingering concerns fall on gender based violence, LGBTI equality and the need for a Human Rights Office.

The conducting of the reviews were to be based on a national report from The Bahamas submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), as well as information provided by independent human rights experts, groups, and stakeholders.

The event will take place in Geneva, Switzerland and Ryan Pinder, Bahamian Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, will lead the country’s delegation.

It’s the fourth time since The Bahamas is taking part in the UNHRC review.

Prior to the event, countries had submitted questions for The Bahamas.

The United Kingdom’s question is: “What steps are the Government of The Bahamas taking to amend the Sexual Offences Act and the definition of rape in Section 3 to include the criminalization of marital rape?”

Germany asked: “How does the Commonwealth of the Bahamas plan to tackle the increase in cases of sexual and gender-based violence?”

They also asked about the office of the ombudsperson for Human rights for which the Bahamas Government tabled a bill.

“When will the Commonwealth of The Bahamas introduce the long-planned office of an ombudsperson for human rights?”

The US asked: “What steps is the government taking to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, particularly domestic and intimate partner violence?”

Additionally, Spain asked: “In order to fight discrimination against LGBTI people, does the government of The Bahamas plan to take measures to ensure the protection of all, regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual identity?”

And Belgium asked: “What other steps will the government of The Bahamas take to address the high prevalence of gender-based violence? Are The Bahamas considering criminalising marital rape in all circumstances?

Bahamas representatives were expected to outline steps to establish commitments from previous reviews as well as highlight recent human rights developments in the country.