36th Universal Periodic Review: UK statement on Jamaica

Thank you, Madam President,

The United Kingdom welcomes Jamaica’s engagement with the UPR process, and we recognise the progress made in the area of media freedom.

However, we remain concerned by reports of abuses in the correctional system and the high rate of fatal shooting incidents involving the security services. We urge the Government to continue to work to reduce fatal shooting incidents, including by strengthening the Independent Commission of Investigations, and ensuring that the Jamaican correctional system adheres to international human rights standards.

We recommend that Jamaica:

Respond constructively to the anticipated Government Taskforce report on the long-term incarceration of mentally ill people in Jamaican prisons and address the systemic failures identified by the Independent Commission on Investigations;

Improve effectiveness of victim identification and support for victims of human trafficking by developing victim-centered, trauma-informed procedures in law enforcement operations, investigations and criminal justice proceedings, and increase efforts to investigate, prosecute, and convict traffickers; and

Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.

Thank you.