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Distr.

GENERAL

CERD/C/63/CO/10
10 December 2003

Original: ENGLISH

Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination : Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 12/10/2003.

CERD/C/63/CO/10. (Concluding Observations/Comments)

Convention Abbreviation: CERD

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION

Concluding observations of the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

A. Introduction

B. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention

C. Positive aspects

D. Concerns and recommendations

The Committee recommends that the State party review its domestic law so that it complies fully with the Convention.

The Committee recommends that information in this regard be included in the next periodic report.

The Committee draws the attention of the State party to its general recommendation XV concerning the implementation of article 4 of the Convention and requests that detailed information be included in the next periodic report on this issue.

Recalling that racial discrimination and poverty issues intersect, the Committee recommends that the State party include in its next periodic report information on affirmative action measures adopted, in conformity with article 2, paragraph 2, of the Convention, in order to ensure the adequate development and protection of minority groups, in particular the Caribs. The enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, including access to public services, must be ensured for all without discrimination, in accordance with article 5 of the Convention.

The Committee recommends that the State party ensure, as provided in articles 5 and 6 of the Convention, the enjoyment by all of effective protection and remedies against acts of racial discrimination which violate human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights. The Committee further recommends that the State party consider whether the lack of complaints relating to racial discrimination before the High Court is not the result of the victims’ lack of awareness of their rights, the lack of confidence on the part of individuals in the judicial authorities, or the authorities’ lack of attention or sensitivity to cases of racial discrimination. The State party should inform the Committee about its opinion on this issue in the next periodic report.

The Committee encourages the State party to facilitate the activities of non-governmental organizations, in particular in the areas of better enjoyment of human rights and of combating racial discrimination. The State party is encouraged to consult with such organizations during the preparation of the next periodic report.