WASHINGTON, DC — In a powerful address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council on Wednesday, St. Kitts and Nevis demonstrated its steadfast dedication to human rights principles during the global observance of World Human Rights Day 2025.
Minister Counselor and Alternate Representative Augustine Skerritt articulated the Federation’s unwavering commitment to preserving human dignity, equality, and justice for all citizens. The 2025 theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” served as the foundation for discussions emphasizing how fundamental rights constitute the bedrock of daily existence worldwide.
Skerritt emphasized the nation’s continued alignment with both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core international human rights conventions. As a small island developing state, St. Kitts and Nevis maintains particular awareness of global vulnerabilities, prompting reinforced efforts to protect marginalized communities including Afro-descendants, Indigenous populations, children, women, girls, and persons with disabilities.
The address coincided with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres’ sobering assessment of contemporary human rights challenges. Guterres highlighted concerning trends including shrinking civic spaces and grave rights violations, while simultaneously calling for collective action to strengthen protective institutions.
Both officials underscored the necessity of multilateral cooperation between governments, civil society, and international organizations to transform human rights from theoretical concepts into tangible realities. From basic needs provision to environmental protection and gender empowerment, the comprehensive approach requires universal participation according to both speakers.
Skerritt concluded by reaffirming the Federation’s renewed pledge to recognize, respect, and protect all rights and dignities enshrined in United Nations, Inter-American, and other international agreements, emphasizing that every individual’s contribution remains vital to democratic sustainability regardless of status, gender, ability, or origin.