This update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in St. Kitts and Nevis from October 2024 to October 2025.
General
St. Kitts and Nevis strengthens human rights obligations with new regional treaty ratifications
On 28th May 2025, St. Kitts and Nevis ratified two key Inter-American human rights conventions: the Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities, marking a significant step in advancing equality and inclusion.
With these ratifications, the country became the 13th state party to the Convention on Older Persons and the 20th to join the Disabilities Convention. St. Kitts and Nevis is also the second CARICOM member, after Haiti, to ratify the latter instrument.
Adopted in 1999 and 2015 respectively, the two conventions are the first legally binding regional instruments safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and older persons. They require states to eliminate discrimination, promote autonomy, and ensure access to justice and full participation in society.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) welcomed the move and reiterated its commitment to provide technical assistance.
UN Committee calls for stronger action to protect children from violence
In January 2025, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child reviewed St. Kitts and Nevis’ second periodic report, raising concern over a sharp increase in reported cases of child violence, including bullying, stigmatisation, and discrimination. The Committee called on the government to update its national strategy to prevent and combat child abuse, adopt a comprehensive action plan, and ensure mandatory reporting of all forms of violence.
It further urged the state to effectively implement the Domestic Violence Complaints and Response Protocol, finalise the National Protection Protocol, and establish accessible reporting mechanisms such as toll-free helplines and child-friendly focal points. The Committee also recommended that all child abuse cases be promptly investigated using a multisectoral, child-sensitive approach, ensuring justice, protection from re-victimisation, and reparations for victims.
In addition, the Committee highlighted the need to enhance digital literacy and online safety, in line with its General Comment No. 25 on children’s rights in the digital environment, and called for safeguards around the use of artificial intelligence. It also encouraged greater civil society involvement in planning and monitoring child rights policies.
Peaceful Assembly
March in Basseterre to protest corruption and call for transparency over the Special Sustainability Zones project
On 26th September 2025, dozens of people in Basseterre held the Citizens’ Awareness March to denounce corruption, poor governance, and economic hardship. The protest was organised by former government advisor Jefroy Morrishaw, who has become increasingly critical of Prime Minister Terrance Drew following a dispute over the handling of a legal case involving investor Phillipe Martinez of MSR Media.
Protesters carried signs condemning alleged irregularities in the Special Sustainability Zones (SSZ) project, which has drawn heightened scrutiny since the SSZ Authorisation Act 2025 was passed by the Nevis Island Assembly on 11th August 2025. The Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) has called for the law’s repeal, arguing that it fails to protect Nevisian patrimony and allows insufficient oversight of major developments on the island.
According to media reports, the Federal Government rejected claims that the Prime Minister could unilaterally authorise projects in Nevis. It clarified that any development requires the consent of the Premier and the Nevis Island Assembly before proceeding.
Protesters also cited limited transparency in projects such as Christophe Harbour, the Prison Project, and the Development Bank, as well as healthcare shortages and a stalled housing initiative that produced only two of 2,400 promised homes.