COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

 

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION


Barbados

284. At its 1028th meeting, on 10 March 1994 (see CERD/C/SR.1028), the Committee reviewed the implementation of the Convention by Barbados based on its previous report (CERD/C/131/Add.13) and the consideration thereof by the Committee (see CERD/C/SR.890). The Committee noted that no new report had been received since 1985.

285. Members of the Committee noted that a reservation made by Barbados at the time of accession implied that the provisions of the Convention could not be invoked in the courts, which affected the implementation of articles 2, 4, 5 and 6 of the Convention. In view of that situation, the Government of Barbados should be requested to consider the possibility of withdrawing that reservation. Members also referred to the lack of legislative measures to improve the socio-economic mobility of Barbadians of African origin and the absence of legislation clearly prohibiting racist acts, as required under article 4 of the Convention. Members of the Committee wished to know what action had been taken to ensure equality in access to education; whether human rights issues had been integrated into school curricula; and what kind of appeals could be filed with the Privy Council as a result of a decision of the High Court.

Concluding observations

286. At its 1037th meeting, on 15 March 1994, the Committee adopted the following concluding observations.

287. It is regretted that Barbados has not submitted a report on the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention since 1988 and has not responded to the Committee's invitations to participate in a dialogue with it since 1986. The State party, therefore, is requested to comply fully with its reporting obligations under article 9 of the Convention and to submit its periodic reports without further delay. The wish is expressed that these reports be presented by representatives of the State party.

288. The wish is expressed that the next report of the State party should contain further information on the implementation of articles 2 and 4 of the Convention as regards the adoption of legislative and other measures to prevent racial discrimination and racially motivated acts.

289. The State party is requested to respond to the various comments made by members of the Committee during the examination of the seventh periodic report of the State party as regards the implementation of articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Convention. In this regard, information is sought on the measures taken to improve the economic and social position of different ethnic groups within the country, including those of African origin; the availability of remedies to victims of discrimination; and measures to strengthen human rights education and training.

290. It would be appreciated if the State party's next periodic report contained information as to whether it is considering withdrawing its reservation to the Convention.

291. The Committee draws the attention of the State party to the amendment to article 8, paragraph 6, of the Convention, which was approved by the fifteenth meeting of States parties and by the General Assembly in its resolution 47/111, and encourages the State party to expedite its action formally to accept that amendment.