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The Commonwealth of Dominica - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 2019, May 9, 2019
Recommendations by Canada

Background

According to UPR Info, a non-governmental organization that tracks the United Nations Universal Periodic Review to encourage cooperation among all actors, Dominica received 194 recommendations, of which 140 (72%) were accepted. Canada’s previous recommendations were related to the rights of women and children, gender identity and sexual orientation and timely access to justice system and detention conditions.

As a small island developing state, Dominica strives to adhere and conform to the standards upheld internationally, while subject to existing and emerging challenges, including limited human and financial resources, and vulnerability to external shocks. For example, Hurricane Maria left approximately 90% of the housing stock in the island damaged or destroyed in September 2017.

Dominica has demonstrated commitment to addressing human rights concerns and has made some progress since its last Universal Periodic Review, which included recommendations for Dominica to take steps to ensure the provision of inclusive education for all children with disabilities. For instance, Dominica provided financial assistance and duty free concessions for equipment purchased by, or donated to, the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities. Despite this progress, people with disabilities still require greater access to public buildings and mainstream education. The government is currently making provisions for persons with disabilities through its ‘build back better concept’ following the devastating Hurricane Maria.

Of particular concern is the sexual violence against women and children, including within families, which remains a serious issue in Dominica. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexual, domestic and gender-based violence. Yet, most cases are not reported, and those that are only rarely lead to the prosecution and conviction of offenders.

Other human rights concerns include laws that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, timely access to justice, prison overcrowding, and the continued existence of the death penalty, last applied several decades ago.

Recommendations

Thank you Mr. President.

Canada thanks the Commonwealth of Dominica for its presentation. We commend its progress achieved since the last review with regard to people with disabilities. We remain, however, very concerned by high rates of sexual violence against women and children, including within families, as well as by the persistence of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Canada recommends that the Commonwealth of Dominica:

1. Implement a public advocacy campaign to combat sexual violence against women and children, including appropriate training for law enforcement, educators, and medical personnel, as well as effective support and accountability for victims.
2. Advance protections for LGBTI persons by prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, or gender identity.
3. Take further steps to advance the rights of people with disabilities through the implementation of social programs.
4. Adopt legislation to abolish the death penalty.

Canada welcomes Dominica’s efforts to address human rights concerns, as it faces the ongoing challenges of post-hurricane reconstruction. We encourage Dominica to continue to strive towards full implementation of the UPR recommendations.