Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, the Hon. Rawdon Turner, speaking at the United Nations on Tuesday afternoon, has reinforced his Government’s commitment to strengthening legal protections for women and girls across Antigua and Barbuda.
He joined several countries from around the globe in delivering their national statements at the UN General Assembly on the occasion of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Minister Turner used the opportunity to highlight a series of legislative measures that Antigua and Barbuda has pursued and adopted in advancing gender equality, improving access to justice for all women and girls and addressing the threat of gender based violence.
“The Government of Antigua and Barbuda fully recognizes the indispensable role that legislation plays in advancing gender equality and social inclusion. As such, we have enacted laws that are both gender-responsive and transformative, aimed at addressing structural barriers that hinder justice and equality,” Minister Turner declared.
He pointed to the Domestic Violence Act of 2015 as a prime example of a legislative framework that is working in the interest of ensuring women and girls are protected. The Act, Minister Turner noted, broadens the definition of domestic violence to include various forms of abuse outside of the traditional scope.
“Additionally, the Sexual Offences Act of 1995 criminalizes sexual violence, while the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act, strengthened through amendments in 2010 and 2015, enhances penalties and protections related to human trafficking. We have also enacted the Electronic Crimes Act of 2013, which addresses emerging forms of violence in digital spaces,” he further outlined.
But while recognizing the considerable strides, Minister Turner was quick to point out that the work is far from over. He said this was among the reasons why the Government in 2019 established a Model Sexual Offences Court.
“This specialized court structure was created to address deficiencies within the justice system, including delays in sensitive cases, while improving case management and strengthening support mechanisms for vulnerable complainants,” he told the global gathering at the United Nations.
He stated these initiatives clearly reflect Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to continuously strengthening the country’s justice system while closing any prevailing gaps that may impede fairness and accessibility for all women.
Joining the Minister during the session were the other members of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation – Leader of Government Business in Parliament’s Upper House and Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Works the Hon. Shenella Govia, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation Sarah Stuart, Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs Jamie Saunders, Project Officer of the Directorate of Gender Affairs Ashlea Ambris and First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations Glentis Thomas.