The United Kingdom has urged Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen protections against discrimination and violence affecting LGBTQ+ people and ensure equal rights regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The recommendation was delivered by Kumar Iyer, the UK’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organization and United Nations, during Antigua and Barbuda’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Nov. 6.

Britain called for stronger legal and policy safeguards, including for LGBT+ people, as part of broader efforts to ensure everyone can enjoy their human rights without discrimination.

“We urge the government to consider what further reform is needed to continue to tackle pressing concerns, such as ensuring equal rights for all and domestic violence,” Iyer said.

The UK also recommended that Antigua and Barbuda maintain its longstanding practice of not carrying out executions and review death penalty legislation with a view to abolition.

Iyer welcomed changes to sentencing guidelines introduced in 2020, saying they would further reduce the likelihood of the death penalty being applied.

A third recommendation called on the country to continue strengthening existing structures to ensure judicial independence is respected and upheld.

The statement opened with congratulations to Antigua and Barbuda for successfully organising the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting earlier in the week.

Iyer also welcomed the country’s participation in the human rights review and said Britain looked forward to continued engagement on the issues raised.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: UK urges Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen protections for LGBTQ+ people.