Antigua and Barbuda Set for Vice Chair Role in Commonwealth Human Rights Forum
Minister Kiz Johnson calls for fairness, inclusion and public trust as she opens two-day conference ahead of CHOGM.
Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to serve as Vice Chair of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (CFNHRI), as representatives gather in the country to discuss stronger partnerships and investment in human rights.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Kiz Johnson, opened the Forum’s Biennial Conference on Thursday, October 29, stressing that national development must also deliver fairness, inclusion and dignity.
The two-day meeting at the John E. St. Luce Centre brings together member institutions, Commonwealth organisations and civil society ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. It is being held under the theme “Partnerships to accelerate investment in human rights.”
Welcoming delegates on behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, Johnson said economic progress must be accompanied by institutions that earn the confidence of the people they serve.
“As a small island state, we understand that strong communities are built not only through economic development, but also through fairness, inclusion, and institutions that inspire public trust,” she said.
Johnson emphasised that human rights should be evident in everyday life, including people’s access to opportunities, their participation in society and their ability to live with dignity and security.
With Antigua and Barbuda set to take on the Forum’s Vice Chair role, she highlighted the continuing importance of national human rights institutions in addressing inequality, social vulnerability and the growing effects of the triple planetary crisis.
She said these institutions help promote accountability and strengthen democratic participation, while ensuring that vulnerable people have a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
The minister also welcomed the Forum’s Chair, Samoa’s Ombudsman, Hon. Vui Clarence Nelson; UK Deputy Commonwealth Envoy Rupert Dewey; and John Virgoe, Director of the Governance and Peace Directorate at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
The conference concludes on Friday, October 30.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/30/antigua-and-barbuda-set-for-vice-chair-role-in-commonwealth-human-rights-forum. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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