CMNT_TITLE

The Committee takes note of the first report of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

1. Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Convention. Prohibition of discrimination and establishment of a national policy. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Constitution and the Protection of Employment Act are currently the main instruments to promote the provisions of the Convention. It also notes that an Equal Opportunity and Treatment in Employment Bill, which appears to prohibit direct and indirect discrimination based on all the grounds contained in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, has been submitted to the National Assembly. It also takes note that a national policy will be tabled at the National Tripartite Committee meeting. The Committee welcomes these initiatives and asks the Government to provide copies of the national policy and of all relevant legislation in its next report.

2. Article 4. Measures affecting individuals suspected of activities prejudicial to the security of the State. The Committee requests the Government to provide information concerning the practical application of this Article as well as specific information on the procedures establishing the right of appeal available to persons covered under Article 4 of the Convention.

3. Parts II to V of the report form. Application of the principles of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information that would enable it to assess the application of the Convention. It therefore requests the Government to provide full information on each of the provisions of the Convention and on each of the questions set out in the report form. Such information could include statistical data disaggregated by sex, race, ethnicity and religion on all aspects of employment and vocational training, reports, guidelines or publications, as well as any other information that may enable the Committee to assess the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice.