In a review by the United Nations Human Rights Council, 27 countries considered The Bahamas policies and culture.
The United Kingdom said The Bahamas should eliminate laws that make capital punishment possible. Chile asked for information about our nation’s co-operation with regional bodies to stop the trafficking of people.
The Netherlands said that despite positive steps with regards to women's rights, our government faces serious challenges, especially when it comes to violence against women.
The Netherlands said The Bahamas should report regularly to the treaty bodies, specifically to the Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and recommended enforcing the Domestic Violence (protection order) Act.
The Bahamas is party to the convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women but our national report is overdue.
Both The Netherlands (and) Mexico recommended reducing the nation’s gender gap and expressed concern that women cannot transfer nationality to their children or spouses.
Australia recommended that The Bahamas establish an independent national human rights institution. The Bahamian delegation said women play a crucial role in society and that allegations of gender discrimination were inconsistent.
The Bahamas delegation said women's rights are protected in several forms, including through the Bureau of Women's Affairs, which considers discrimination accusations. Barbados said many of the conclusions and recommendations can and do strain the limited resources of small countries.
The Bahamas' delegation consisted of six members, including Attorney General Michael Barnett, Ambassador Joshua Sears, Ambassador Vernon Burrows, First Assistant Secretary and Officer-In-Charge, Bureau Of Women's Affairs, Phedra Rahming.
-Tribune
0 comments: