Washington D.C., May 29, 2025 – Saint Kitts and Nevis has formally deposited its
instruments of accession at the Organization of American States (OAS), affirming the
Federation’s commitment to advancing human rights protections. The accession covers
two major Inter-American conventions: the Inter-American Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (CIADDIS)
and the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons.
The official ceremony, held at OAS headquarters, marked a significant milestone in the
Federation’s human rights journey. Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis,
Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, underscored the importance of this step,
emphasizing her country’s dedication to inclusion and dignity for all.
“Saint Kitts and Nevis is making history” with the accession of these two instruments, as
it “reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles enshrined” in them, she said.
“Our nation, though modest in size, harbors a boundless ambition to ensure that every
citizen, regardless of age or ability, is afforded dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.
This vision is not merely aspirational; it is the cornerstone of our policies and initiatives,”
Ambassador Henry-Martin stated.
OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin welcomed the action taken by Saint Kitts and
Nevis, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared experiences across the
region.
“We need to promote more cooperation among member states to share best practices
and experiences on how to treat persons with disabilities and make progress in the
scientific and technological search for treatment, as well as participation of people with
disabilities themselves in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of measures,”
said Secretary General Ramdin.
Regarding the Convention on the Rights of Older Persons, Ramdin added, “We should
not forget that persons coming at that age have served the nation, the country for many,
many decades before, and they deserve, in whatever capacity they had engaged in
society, to be treated well.”
Ambassador Henry-Martin also highlighted the Federation’s ongoing efforts to align
national frameworks with the principles of the Conventions.
“Recognizing the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities, our government
has embarked on a comprehensive review of the 2017 Disabilities Policy, which,
although not formally approved, is being updated with technical assistance from the
United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
(UNECLAC). A new Disabilities Bill is being drafted, with both the policy and legislation
expected to be completed by December of this year,” she stated.
She further noted significant collaborations between the Ministry of Aging and
Disabilities, the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP), the St. Kitts Nevis
Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ade’s Place, Nevis Community-Based
Rehabilitation (CBR), and the Ministry of Social Development. These partnerships have
created training and job placement opportunities for persons with disabilities.
One of the major highlights was the implementation of the thriving Seniors’ Day
Programme by the Ministry of Aging and Disabilities, which now serves six communities
across the Federation. As Ambassador Henry-Martin noted, the programme is “fostering
social engagement, physical well-being, and lifelong learning. The mobility bus recently
gifted to us will also serve persons with disabilities, ensuring accessible transportation
for all.”
With the accession, Saint Kitts and Nevis joins the growing regional movement to
eliminate discrimination and promote equal rights for older persons and persons with
disabilities.
The Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons was
adopted by the OAS General Assembly in 2015 and entered into force in 2017. It has
been ratified by Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El
Salvador, Mexico, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay.
The CIADDIS was adopted in 1999 and entered into force in 2001. It has been ratified
by Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the
Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
