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YouTubeDefending human rights at the United Nations Human Rights Committee, Geneva
When one hears about Jamaica, it generally elicits two opposing reactions – either that of a beautiful island of beaches and reggae, or one of the most dangerous places in the world. Unfortunately, both are true. Jamaica faces serious justice issues – it has the third highest murder rate per capita in the world and in 2010 – 1 in 5 of all victims were killed by the police (323 persons).
This was one of the many issues recently brought up at the United Nations Human Rights Committee review of Jamaica. As a Cuso International volunteer with Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) through its Access to Justice program, I coordinated the Jamaican civil society advocacy effort that reported on issues such as extrajudicial killings, children’s rights, gay rights, persons with disabilities, and discrimination.
After two weeks of quiet lobbying in Geneva, it was a victorious moment when all of the UN Committee’s concluding recommendations could be directly linked to our report. It was another great moment when we received a high commendation from the Committee for the excellent quality of our submission. Our briefing report was declared a “best practice” that should be used by other reporting NGOs.
Being present in Geneva also opened up avenues for future advocacy efforts. For example, our meetings with the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions and the UN Special Rapporteur on torture enabled us to file ‘letters of allegation’ that could lead to a UN sanctioned country visit. Also, meeting the NGO Group on the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) will greatly aid Jamaican civil society in preparing an alternate report to the CRC (expected within two years).
Read the Jamaican Civil society report presented to the Human Rights Committee.
By Kimberley Byers
Cuso International volunteer with Jamaicans for Justice.
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