Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality and strengthening legal protections for women and girls during a recent session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Delivering the country’s national statement, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner emphasized the importance of examining the strength and effectiveness of legal systems to ensure women and girls have meaningful access to justice.

Addressing delegates, Turner said the priority theme of this year’s Commission is both timely and relevant, noting that reviewing legal frameworks helps identify and correct laws that may unintentionally perpetuate discrimination or expose vulnerable individuals to further harm.

“The Government of Antigua and Barbuda fully recognizes the indispensable role that legislation plays in advancing gender equality and social inclusion,” Turner said.

He highlighted several key pieces of legislation that form part of the country’s efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote equality.

Among them is the Domestic Violence Act 2015, which broadened the definition of domestic violence to include various forms of abuse beyond physical violence and requires police to formally document and file reports for all cases of domestic or intimate partner violence.

Turner also referenced the Sexual Offences Act 1995, which criminalizes sexual violence, as well as the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act, strengthened through amendments in 2010 and 2015 to enhance penalties and protections against human trafficking.

In addition, he pointed to the Electronic Crimes Act 2013, which addresses offences committed in digital spaces, including forms of abuse that increasingly affect women and girls online.

While acknowledging the progress made, Turner noted that improving access to justice remains an ongoing process. He highlighted the establishment of a Model Sexual Offences Court in 2019, developed with support from the Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening Project.

The specialized court was created to address delays in sensitive cases, improve case management, and provide stronger support mechanisms for vulnerable complainants.

Turner concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s legal and justice systems remain inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all.

He said these efforts form part of a broader goal of building a society where women and girls are protected, empowered, and able to thrive.