Reports & Articles

CHILDREN FIRST: WHAT EVERY PARENT AND TEACHER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHILD RIGHTS

September 5, 2025

As the 2025–2026 academic year begins, the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission extends a warm  welcome back to all teachers, students, school administrators, the Ministry of Education, Social Development, and all other departments associated with  providing access to education.

CAN KIDS HAVE A SAY? THE RIGHT OF CHILDREN TO BE HEARD INSCHOOL AND SOCIETY

August 8, 2025

Imagine a classroom where students help shape their lessons, a home where children’s feelings are valued, or a community where young voices are not just heard but respected. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s a right. According to Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), every child has the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them, and for those views to be given due weight in accordance with the child’s age and maturity.

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RESPONDS TO FIRE INCIDENT IN BLUE
HILLS CALLS FOR ONGOING SUPPORT AND URGENT HOUSING
SOLUTIONS

July 27, 2025

The Human Rights Commission expresses deep concern following the fire that occurred in the community of Blue Hills on Thursday, July 24th, 2025. While we are grateful that no lives were lost, the impact has been significant, displacing a community of residents, destroying homes and personal belongings, and affecting families with infants as young as 12 days old. The need for urgent, sustained support is critical.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION PENS ANARTICLE ON A RECENT OPEN HOUSE EVENT

June 28, 2024

The TCI Human Rights Commission is pleased to report on the successful hosting of an open house at the Ocean Breeze Resort on June 19, 2024. This event was a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to engage with residents of the outer islands, providing them with essential access to human rights resources and education.

STATEMENT FROM KABATHA SMITH, DIRECTOR OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS
ISLANDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

May 2, 2025

The Human Rights Commission (TCIHRC) is aware of the video circulating on social media depicting an incident involving Immigration Officers and a male resident. The footage, which shows officers using what appears to be excessive force during an attempted detention, has understandably caused significant public concern and distress.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CHARTS A
PROGRESSIVE PATH FORWARD AFTER A VIBRANT QUARTER

April 11, 2025

The Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (TCIHRC) has concluded a dynamic and impactful quarter,setting the stage for a transformative year ahead. From January through March 2025, the Commission was activelyengaged in advocacy, visibility, and action—bringing human rights to the forefront of public awareness in the TCI.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CONDUCTS FACILITY REVIEW AT HIS MAJESTY’S PRISION, GRAND TURK

February 7, 2025

The Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (TCIHRC) carried out a scheduled review of His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk on January 30, 2025, as part of its mandate to oversee the welfare of individuals in places of detention. The visit focused on assessing the facility’s conditions, following up on previous recommendations, and engaging with prisoners to ensure fair treatment and adherence to human rights standards. In accordance with the Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, and the international treaties to which the country is a signatory, the TCIHRC remains committed to safeguarding human rights in all detention facilities nationwide.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION LAUNCHES TRAINING ON CHILD RIGHTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

January 31, 2025

The Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (TCIHRC) is pleased to announce the commencement of a comprehensive training initiative on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in all government primary schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands. This significant educational program will begin this fiscal quarter in Providenciales and expand to high schools and to other islands in the following quarters.

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES CHANGE TO HUMANITARIAN AWARDS SCHEDULE: AFOCUS ON SUSTAINED IMPACT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

October 29, 2024

The Human Rights Commission of the Turks and Caicos Islands would like to inform the general public that our annual Humanitarian Awards will not be hosted this year. This decision comes as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity and prestige of this esteemed award. After much deliberation, we have determined that hosting the awards every two years will allow us to continue recognizing individuals of the highest caliber—those whose long-term body of work reflects the true spirit of humanitarianism and service. This change will ensure that the award remains meaningful and continues to inspire genuine, sustained contributions to the well-being of our communities.

IMPORTANCE OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION’S ROLE IN LEGISLATIVE REVIEW: A CRUCIAL YET OVERLOOKED NECESSITY

October 4, 2024

At the Turk and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (TCIHRC), we recognize our paramount role in safeguarding and promoting human rights within the nation.  Our involvment in reviewing legislative bills is crucial to ensuring that new laws align with international human rights standards and protect the rights of all citizens.

MRS. KABATHA SMITH APPOINTED AS NEW HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION DIRECTOR

June 13, 2024 – Functions of the Human Rights Commission

The Board of Commissioiners of the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commissionis pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Kabatha Smith as the new Director of the Commission, effective June 13, 2024.

FACILITY AND WELLNESS REVIEWS ON PLACES OF DETENTION

May 22, 2024 – Functions of the Human Rights Commission

The Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (The Commission) makes this following statement to advise the general public and to clarify statements made by certain visiting delegates to the Islands.