Does Jamaica have a human rights problem? - Chuck says no, Opposition calls claim 'delusional'

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says Jamaica “does not” have a human rights problem, a claim the Opposition is demanding he withdraw, citing police-related fatalities, including 11 civilians killed in 24 hours this week.

"Jamaica does not and I hope will never have a human rights problem," Chuck told the House of Representatives on Wednesday during his sectoral debate presentation. 

The minister pointed to Jamaica's performance under two international accountability mechanisms as evidence of the country's standing, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Periodic Review.

“When we reported to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Periodic Review, we got very good commendation,” he said.

Chuck directed anyone with human rights concerns to the Office of the Public Defender, which he said is empowered to prosecute any human rights breach.

But Opposition Spokesman on Justice Zuleika Jess is contending that Chuck’s declaration appears to be out of touch with several issues confronting Jamaicans, including incidents involving the security forces. 

“To declare on the floor of Gordon House that Jamaica is free of human rights issues is not just a profound error; it is entirely delusional," she said. “Minister Chuck is turning a blind eye to severe issues, exemplified just this week by the horrific reality of 11 citizens fatally shot by the police within a mere 24-hour window. 

“To look at a country where 11 lives are taken by state agents in a single day and say there is no human rights issue is the definition of gaslighting the Jamaican public."

Jess further noted that the Independent Commission of Investigations confirmed that no body-worn cameras were utilised or activated by police officers in any of the 11 fatal shooting incidents,  a finding she described as "a fundamental breach of accountability and protection of rights."

The police report that the incidents involved alleged confrontation by the men killed. 

Jess said the government's posture makes resolution of rights-based issues impossible.

"A country cannot resolve its structural problems if the government refuses to acknowledge they exist," she said, calling on Chuck to retract his statement and pursue what she described as "a comprehensive human rights agenda that genuinely respects and safeguards the constitutional rights of every Jamaican citizen."

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