Sint Maarten has hosted its first Human Rights Conference, bringing together representatives from the Council of Europe, Parliament, government, justice institutions, legal professionals, civil society, students and the wider community.
The conference, held on October 9th, focused on how human rights protections operate in practice and what responsibilities come with Sint Maarten’s autonomous status.
Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling said the country must move beyond simply responding to international scrutiny and instead use it to strengthen institutions and correct longstanding shortcomings.
The conference also addressed detention reform, including the ongoing Detention Sector Reform Program, following earlier European Court of Human Rights concerns over prison conditions in Sint Maarten.
Council of Europe representatives also discussed the implementation of judgments relating to detention conditions and life sentences.
The two-day visit included meetings with the Governor, Parliament’s Justice Committee, the Sint Maarten Progress Committee and management at Point Blanche Prison.
The Ministry of Justice says it wants to deepen cooperation with the Council of Europe through technical support, knowledge exchange and institutional strengthening.