Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2013: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

摘要

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a multi-party, parliamentary democracy. Government control lies with the prime minister and his cabinet. Vincentians returned Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves to office for a third term in December 2010 elections. International observers assessed the vote as generally free and fair. Security forces reported to civilian authorities and generally did not commit human rights abuses. The most serious human rights problems were occasional police use of excessive force and gender- based violence. Other human rights problems included official corruption, lack of government transparency, discrimination, and child abuse. The government took steps to punish officials who committed abuses, and there was not a widespread perception of impunity for security force members.