WASHINGTON, Apr 24, CMC -The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) says it welcomes efforts by Antigua and Barbuda to combat youth, domestic and gender-based violence.
In addition, the principal, autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), said that it has also taken note of the proposal to expunge criminal records for persons deprived of liberty for certain offences.
“Moreover, the Commission welcomes actions undertaken by the State to address discrimination against women,” said the IACHR in its 2025 annual report released here, saying also that as it relates to challenges, it notes with concern that the Office of the Ombudsman remains without a substantive office holder.
In addition, the Commission notes that the juvenile curfew remains in effect without any defined end-term and that it is also concerned about disputes over land governance and consultation in Barbuda.
In relation to human rights institutions, the IACHR notes that Antigua and Barbuda has an Office of the Ombudsman, which is a member of the Caribbean Ombudsman Association, the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions, and the International Ombudsman Institute.
It said that the functions of the Ombudsman include investigating administrative complaints against government departments and statutory bodies.
However, it notes that there has been no substantive Ombudsman since December 2024, as the mandate of the most recent Ombudsman ended.
“According to public information, the government is searching for a suitable candidate to assume the Office. Moreover, the State has yet to establish a National Human Rights Institution in accordance with the Paris Principles.”
The IACHR said regarding citizen security, for the period April 7 to 30, Antigua and Barbuda implemented a gun amnesty aimed at addressing gun violence and improving public safety. “According to public information, seven firearms and seven rounds of ammunition were surrendered during the amnesty. In addition, in July, the State acceded to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Arrest Warrant Treaty, which provides for the cooperation of States in the arrest and surrender of requested persons.
In July last year, Antigua and Barbuda announced the maintenance of this curfew for children and adolescents, with the IACHR noting that “this measure remains without a specified end-term”.
Regarding women´s human rights, particular attention is drawn to the pending trial before the High Court on the constitutionality of the Offences Against the Person Act.
The IACHR said that this 163-year-old law permits abortion only when the mother’s life is at risk and imposes penalties of up to ten years in prison for women who undergo abortions and up to two years for those who assist them.
“Although the Attorney General’s interpretation through a full judicial process in the form of a trial. In February 2025, the Court of Appeal confirmed this ruling; therefore, the constitutional challenge is expected to proceed to trial in the High Court.
“On the other hand, efforts have been undertaken to address violence and discrimination against women,” the IACHR added.
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