Bogotá, Colombia – Ms. Nerissa Williams, Permanent Secretary (Ag) in the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, and Ms. Azilla N. Clarke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs, represented the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Youth Protection Seminar hosted under the European Union’s EL PAcCTO 2.0 Programme in Bogotá, Colombia, from March 25–27, 2025.
This high-level seminar brought together policymakers, justice system actors, and youth development specialists from Latin America and the Caribbean to share strategies for strengthening protection systems for children and young people, particularly in the face of organised crime and social vulnerability.
The participation of the two Permanent Secretaries underscored Saint Kitts and Nevis’s continued commitment to advancing justice sector reform and social development policies that are responsive to the needs of youth and aligned with international human rights obligations, including Sustainable Development Goals 16 and 5.
Discussions across the three-day programme addressed a range of thematic areas, including the gendered impact of organised crime on adolescents, restorative justice and juvenile diversion programmes, and multi-tiered prevention strategies. Sessions of particular interest to the Saint Kitts and Nevis delegation included panels on restorative juvenile justice practices, community-based prevention models, and the role of public policy in promoting youth resilience.
Reflecting on the experience, PS Williams stated,
“This seminar presented a valuable opportunity to engage with regional partners on practical solutions that can strengthen our national justice response to youth vulnerability. It reinforces the importance of a coordinated, rights-based approach across institutions.”
PS Clarke highlighted the cross-cutting relevance to her Ministry’s work, noting,
“The insights gained reaffirm the importance of integrated policy development between the justice and social sectors. Our collaboration at the national level is critical to ensuring that prevention, protection, and rehabilitation services effectively support our young people.”
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis extends its appreciation to the organisers of the seminar, including the European Union, EL PAcCTO 2.0 Programme, and the Government of Colombia, for facilitating this timely exchange. Lessons learned will contribute to national efforts to enhance social justice, expand restorative mechanisms, and reduce the risks faced by children and youth in contact with the law.
