Advancing anti-torture efforts and human rights-compliant policing in the Eastern Caribbean

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 12 September 2025 |

Officials from across the Eastern Caribbean came together this week to support efforts to prevent and address torture and other ill-treatment, and to reinforce human rights-compliant policing.

Representatives from key ministries in Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia participated in a two-part capacity building event in Basseterre, hosted by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, supported by CTI and co-organised with the Caribbean Community Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR CARICOM), in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). 

Segment 1: Strengthening human rights protection and addressing torture in the Eastern Caribbean region 

Held on 8–9 September 2025, the first segment focused on promoting awareness of UN human rights mechanisms and strengthening authorities’ knowledge of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). The workshop was opened by the Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, alongside Michelle Brathwaite (OHCHR CARICOM), Gayethri Pillay (CTI), and H.E. Ambassador Colin Murdoch (OECS). 

Over two days, discussions combined practical guidance and peer exchange on:

  • engaging effectively with UN human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), treaty bodies, and the role of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRFs). 
  • UNCAT obligations and implementation measures, with an emphasis on translating international standards into practice across institutions. 
  • good practices and challenges related to ratifying and implementing UNCAT in the Eastern Caribbean, including reflections on regional cooperation needs. 

The segment underscored how coordinated engagement across ministries, justice institutions and security services can help convert international obligations into tangible progress at national level, thereby safeguarding human dignity and rights, building public trust and strengthening the rule of law. 

Segment 2: Training on investigative interviewing to strengthen law enforcement and human rights-compliant policing

Held on 11–12 September 2025, the second segment sought to support Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Dominica in advancing strong law enforcement and justice systems through a human-rights-compliant approach to policing and rendering justice. 

Law enforcement personnel from the three participating States were trained in investigative interviewing. This is a reliable and well-established method for questioning victims, witnesses, and suspects of crime. It has been proven to strengthen investigation outcomes while reducing risks of torture and ill-treatment, particularly during the early stages of custody and criminal investigations. Participants were encouraged to learn from one another and build cooperation. 

Opened by Police Commissioner James Sutton (Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force) and Gayethri Pillay (CTI), the training featured expert practitioners Dr William Cecconello (Psychologist, CogJus – Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Cognition and Justice) and Fernando Guzzi (Police Commissioner, Santa Catarina, Brazil). 

Over two days, participants:

  • explored the benefits of investigative interviewing as an alternative method to coercive interrogation techniques, and an effective tool to prevent torture and other ill-treatment in the criminal justice system. 
  • strengthened their knowledge and capacity on how to plan and prepare, build rapport with interviewees, and enhance questioning to ensure effective and ethical interviews.

The week concluded with a certificate presentation and moment of shared commitment to continued peer learning and practical cooperation in support of safer, more effective, and human rights-compliant justice systems in the Eastern Caribbean. 

CTI welcomes continued dialogue with States interested in joining and implementing the Convention. For more information or to explore how CTI can support your country, please contact info@cti.international.