Grenada - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 35, January 27, 2020
Recommendations by Canada

Overview

According to UPR Info, a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that tracks the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, in the first two cycles of the UPR, Grenada received 207 recommendations, of which 125 were accepted (an acceptance rate of 60%). Canada’s previous recommendations to Grenada were related to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and criminalization of same-sex practices.

Grenada is a parliamentary democracy where elections are considered to be generally free and fair. Freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion are constitutionally guaranteed and usually respected. Despite financial and technical challenges, the Government of Grenada has taken positive steps in recent years to strengthen its human rights framework, especially in relation to the ratification of international human rights instruments, and addressing gender-based violence.

Although progress has been made to strengthen human rights, more remains to be done. Violence against women and girls remains a serious problem in Grenada, despite efforts from the Government to address the issue. Grenada adopted the Domestic Violence Act in 2010, but enforcement has been limited. In September 2018, the police force launched a special victims unit and hotline to report sexual abuse. Gender discrimination and sexual harassment also remain significant issues.

Same-sex practices are still considered illegal in Grenada. According to Amnesty International, LGBTI persons face significant discrimination, violence and abuse due to discriminatory laws and societal norms. In 2016, Grenada held a constitutional referendum in which voters were asked whether they approved an amendment supporting gender equality. It was rejected due to concerns that it might be a step towards the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Finally, Grenada maintains the death penalty in its legislation, even though no executions have been conducted since 1978; the last time a death sentence was imposed was in 2002.

Canada’s Intervention

Thank you, Madam President.

Canada welcomes the positive steps taken by Grenada since its last review, such as the ratification of the Convention against Torture, and encourages further cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and bodies.

Canada recommends that Grenada:

1. Repeal legislation criminalizing consensual same-sex practices between adults.
2. Implement human rights awareness and anti-discrimination education programs, particularly with respect to ending discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
3. Strengthen legislation and public policies aiming to eliminate gender-based violence and gender discrimination, and continue to promote gender equality.
4. Abolish the death penalty.

Canada recognizes Grenada’s efforts to address gender-based violence, such as the launch of a special victims unit and hotline to report sexual abuse, and encourages Grenada to continue efforts to address this issue.