Discrimination in Antigua and Barbuda

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Discrimination in Antigua and Barbuda refers to all forms and expressions of actions that restrict social participation or deny human rights to specific groups of people in Antiguan and Barbudan society or institutions. Antigua and Barbuda struggles severely with ethnic and gender discrimination, with common issues including the gender pay gap, ethnic discrimination, and discrimination against immigrants.

Gender discrimination

Antigua and Barbuda struggles with gender discrimination.[1][2] According to the Directorate of Gender Affairs, the most common issue in the country relating to gender discrimination is gender-based stereotypes.[3] In the country, many women head single-parent households, and often have to care for the elderly and other dependents. As women usually occupy lower paid jobs and have high levels of unpaid domestic work, this usually results in high poverty rates in women. In media, women are sexually objectified, but due to the lack of a national media regulatory body, it is hard for complaints to be made. It is also very common for women to be blamed for gender-based sexual violence. As affirmative action does not exist in Antigua and Barbuda, workforce participation for women is hindered.[4]

Ethnic and immigrant discrimination

In 2011, 30% of people in Antigua and Barbuda were immigrants,[5] and 13% were part of an ethnic minority.[6] It is common in Antigua and Barbuda for immigrants to be told to "go back to where you came from", and people are often insulted for seeking immigration-related services.[7] According to WiredJA, CARICOM nationals are also subject to random stops by immigration officials, especially in the V. C. Bird International Airport.[8] African and CARICOM nationals are also more likely to be discriminated against and forced into human trafficking.[9][1]

Anti-Barbudan discrimination

Anti-Barbudan discrimination is common in Antigua, especially among government officials and the upper class. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is a major proponent of this discrimination, in 2020 spreading false claims that Barbuda is in an inbreeding crisis, and encouraging Barbuda Council members to work with health minister Molwyn Joseph to "find a solution".[10][11] The human rights of Barbudans are also commonly violated, with proposals made for Barbudans to have to pay for land they already legally occupy, and elections being held when Barbudans do not have access to a polling place within their constituency.[12][13][14]

References

  1. ^ a b "Antigua and Barbuda: Freedom in the World 2024 Country Report". Freedom House. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  2. ^ "Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women reviews report of Antigua and Barbuda". OHCHR. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  3. ^ "National Report: Antigua and Barbuda, 2024" (PDF).
  4. ^ "Review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Report" (PDF).
  5. ^ "Country of birth" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 December 2024.
  6. ^ "Q48 Ethnic" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 December 2024.
  7. ^ "Immigration Minister Says Discrimination Against Non-Nationals Will Not Be Tolerated". Antigua News Room. 2020-02-05. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  8. ^ "ANTIGUA | Detained as a Jamaican at Antigua's VC Bird Airport Immigration Hall". WiredJa. 2024-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  9. ^ "Generation Unlimited: the Well-being of Young People in Antigua and Barbuda" (PDF). www.unicef.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-04-01. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  10. ^ jennelsa.johnson (2020-02-13). "PM unapologetic for Barbuda 'inbreeding' comments". Antigua Observer Newspaper. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  11. ^ Michael (2020-02-11). "Public called out after PM made damaging comments insinuating Barbudans' inbreeding". Antigua Observer Newspaper. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  12. ^ Handy, Gemma (2018-03-06). "Snap election in Antigua puts Barbuda's communal land ownership on the ballot". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  13. ^ "Elections: Spring 2018". The Observer. Retrieved 2024-12-23.
  14. ^ "Barbuda: From deserted island to paradise for sale". www.univision.com. Archived from the original on 2021-06-23. Retrieved 2024-12-23.