Public questions power of Human Rights Commission

Some members of the public have expressed concern that the Human Rights Commission Bill 2025 does not grant the Commission sufficient authority to effectively carry out its duties.

A key concern raised during public consultations is that the Commission appears to lack real enforcement power.

During a public consultation held in Tortola on March 16 at Maria’s By the Sea, one participant questioned, “What teeth does this Bill have, besides just accepting complaints, publicising and making a fuss?”

“In the Virgin Islands, we are at a stage where you can make as much noise as you want, your human rights can be violated, but if the powers that be ignore you, then you’re still violated,” he continued.

“So besides bringing attention to a particular issue, investigating, or even determining at the Commission level that something is wrong, what power does it have to not just facilitate change but to make change?” he concluded.

Security and Justice Policy Advisor for the Deputy Governor’s Office, Alva Agard, acknowledged that this concern has been raised before.