UPR Sexual Rights Database

Noted.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago ultimately seeks to recognise the human rights of all citizens, which includes the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered and Intersexed (LGBTI) community. The development of law is a dynamic process which adapts to the development of any given society. The issue of discrimination based on sexual orientation is one which remains a matter of concern in the forefront of the mind of the GOTT. Trinidad and Tobago is seen as a leader in the region in relation to the manner in which it addresses the changing needs of its population.
The HIV/AIDS high risk groups including the LGBTI community have been recognized in the National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS. This policy contributes to ongoing national efforts to decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS and to mitigate its impact. It does so by setting standards for managing HIV in the workplace and promoting structures and programmes to reduce discrimination.
With regard to cases of violence against a member of the LGBTI community, Section 4 of the Constitution enshrines fundamental human rights and freedoms, namely, the right of the individual to life, liberty and security of the person. Every person has the right to equality before and protection of the law. A person also has the right to respect for his private and family life. The exercise of these rights is guaranteed free from discrimination based on race, origin, colour or sex.
With particular reference to violence against the LGBTI community, the definition of rape in the Sexual Offences Act, 1986 was amended by Act 31 of 2000 to reflect a gender neutral position with regard to the complainant and the victim. This amendment serves to include protection for victims of violence in same sex relationships.

The Government seeks to recognise the human rights of all citizens, which includes the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community. The development of law is a dynamic process which adapts to the development of any given society. The issue of discrimination based on sexual orientation is one which remains a matter of concern in the forefront of the minds of the GOTT. Trinidad and Tobago is seen as a leader in the region in relation to the manner in which it addresses the changing needs of its population. While this issue may be the subject of much public debate it is not one which will be ignored. The law must evolve and grow to suit the needs of a continually developing society. In that regard, in recent debates on the Statutory Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2010 in Parliament, the GOTT recognised the need for a definitive debate on the protection of same sex couples.

Noted.

Noted.
With regard to the Optional Protocol to the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, definitive steps have been taken to address the relevant issues under the OP within domestic legislation such as the Trafficking in Persons Act, 2011 and the Children Act, 2012.

Noted.
Trinidad and Tobago received various recommendations in relation to raising the age in the definition of a "child" in domestic legislation and further raising and unifying the age of consent to marriage in Trinidad and Tobago's various Marriage Acts, as well as making said age of consent the same for males and females.
Under the Children Act, 2012 the "age of a child" is raised to the internationally accepted standard of 18 years. This however, does not affect the age of consent in relation to marriage in domestic legislation, which is an ongoing issue of debate for Trinidad and Tobago. The GOTT has recognized that this is a specific human rights issue which must be addressed in Trinidad and Tobago. In an effort to bring domestic legislation in line with international standards and taking into account the multi-ethnic diversity which exists in Trinidad and Tobago's population, there are currently nationwide public consultations being conducted in relation to this issue.

Recognizing the specific issue of a gender pay gap in Trinidad and Tobago, during the aforementioned UNGA Side Event on Women's Political Participation, the Honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago indicated her intention to introduce a gender-responsive budget and adopt an enhanced gender responsive methodology to national development planning. The Honorable Prime Minister further stated that this funding will be allocated to all Ministries and sectors as a fundamental step to the achievement of gender equality.