Gov’t to Focus on Safeguarding Citizens’ Rights

The Government will, this year, focus on piloting legislation and policies aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of citizens, in keeping with Jamaica’s commitment to international human rights agreements.

These include: the National Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy; enactment of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Legislation; and completing the parliamentary review of the Sexual Offences Act.

This was announced by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in his Throne Speech delivered during Thursday’s (April 14) Ceremonial Opening of Parliament, for the 2016/17 legislative year, at Gordon House.

The Governor-General said work to complete the development of a comprehensive plan to eliminate gender-based violence will also be undertaken. This, he indicated, will be advanced through a National Strategic Action Plan.

In underscoring the importance of this engagement, the Governor-General said it aims to create a safe and non-threatening environment that is free from all forms of gender-based violence.

The Governor-General said the Government is also cognisant of the pivotal role of boys and men males in maintaining a healthy society.

“It is to this end that there will be the establishment of a Service and Programme Desk within the Bureau of Gender Affairs to focus specifically on issues relating to men, especially young males,” he indicated.