IMPORTANCE OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION’S ROLE IN LEGISLATIVE REVIEW: A CRUCIAL YET OVERLOOKED NECESSITY

Turks and Caicos, October 7, 2024 – At the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (TCIHRC), we recognize our paramount role in safeguarding and promoting human rights within the nation. Our involvement in reviewing legislative bills is crucial to ensuring that new laws align with international human rights standards and protect the rights of all citizens.

It is important to underscore that the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission is not merely entitled but mandated to review legislation. As stipulated in Section 10(1)(a) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the Commission is to “advise and assist the Government in formulating legislation and administrative directions and procedures in furtherance of the promotion and protection of fundamental rights.” Furthermore, Section 10(1)(g) explicitly empowers the TCIHRC to “make recommendations on the implications of any proposed ordinance, regulation, or government policy that may affect human rights.”

Our expertise in human rights matters provides invaluable insights that can prevent potential violations and ensure that legislation is inclusive and just. Our input can highlight possible areas of concern that may not be immediately apparent to lawmakers, fostering laws that are more unbiased and protective of fundamental freedoms. The absence of our involvement not only diminishes the quality of legislative inspection, but also undermines the very principles of transparency and accountability in governance.

Furthermore, excluding the TCIHRC from the legislative review process can result in the endorsement of laws that may unintentionally infringe upon human rights, which could have long-term negative repercussions for society as a whole. For a society striving for democratic integrity and the protection of individual liberties, our active participation is not just beneficial but essential.

In light of these considerations, it is imperative for the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to institutionalize the Human Rights Commission’s involvement in the legislative review process. This inclusion would not only enhance the quality of the laws passed but also demonstrate a powerful commitment to upholding human rights, thereby fostering a more just and fair society. Ensuring our active role in reviewing bills is a step towards reinforcing the democratic values that underpin the Turks and Caicos Islands’ legal and social systems.

Kabatha Smith

Director Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission