Commonwealth Small States Office helps SVG prepare for Universal Periodic Review

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs in collaboration with the Commonwealth Small States Office hosted a three-day working session and stakeholder consultations at the conference room of the National Insurance Services from July 28 -30 July 2026.

The working session and stakeholder consultations provided an opportunity for relevant ministries to enhance national competency regarding the United Nations Human Rights System including reporting procedures, reporting cycles and reporting requirements for the various Human Rights Treaty Bodies for which St Vincent and the Grenadines is a States Party.

Ministries responsible for advancing the right to education, the right to an adequate standard of living, liberty and security of the person, and efforts to combat human trafficking, contemporary forms of slavery, and violence against women, together with representatives from various civil society organisations, participated in the capacity-building exercise.

The exercise provided an opportunity to take stock of national implementation measures, identify existing gaps, and chart the way forward through strengthened collaboration and collective action. The Commonwealth Small States Office continues to provide vital support to St Vincent and the Grenadines for the preparation of its Fourth Report for the Universal Periodic Review, through the National Human Rights Monitoring Mechanism. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs extends its appreciation for the continual support offered by the Commonwealth Small States Office, and the keen participation and contributions of the civil society organisations, key ministries and nominated civil servants. (API)