Barbados appoints first Human Rights Commissioner

Former President of the Senate, the Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, has been appointed as Barbados’ first Human Rights Commissioner.

Her appointment, approved by Cabinet, took effect on December 1, 2025.

Ifill met briefly with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Attorney General Dale Marshall at Parliament today, on the eve of International Human Rights Day.

Their discussions focused on the establishment of the new Office and its role across traditional and emerging human rights issues.

In a press release issued today, the Prime Minister emphasised the independence of the new post and the contribution it could make to strengthening national protections. She stated that while there were safeguards in place within the workplace, there were still gaps in other areas of public life.

She said: “The Office of the HRC would be independent and welcomed the HRC’s potential contribution to the elaboration of a human rights framework, including a regime to protect citizens from different forms of discrimination. While protection from discrimination in employment currently exists under the Employment Rights Act, legislation was needed to protect citizens from discrimination in areas of activity other than employment, and I have invited the Commissioner to give consideration to this aspect.”

Attorney General Marshall also underscored the importance of the appointment.

“Notwithstanding Barbados’ good record as far as human rights are concerned, it is now the gold standard for countries to establish an Office of Commissioner for Human Rights. A Human Rights Commissioner is involved with promoting awareness of human rights, monitoring human rights complaints, ensuring human rights standards as well as developing, coordinating and implementing policies and programmes that promote the observance of human rights.”

Ifill said she was honoured to take up the role and highlighted the personal significance of the work.

She added that the Commission would provide independent oversight and broad public education on human rights.

“When it is fully in place, the Human Rights Commission of Barbados will serve as an independent body dedicated to promoting, protecting, and upholding human rights across the nation. The Commission will, among other things, conduct investigations into human rights complaints, develop and implement educational campaigns and behaviour change communication to raise awareness about human rights, monitor Barbados’ compliance with international human rights treaties and domestic legislation.”

She said the coming months would be spent preparing the foundation for the Office.

“During the next several months, before we roll out to the public, the Office will be preparing this groundwork, including offering suggestions on a legislated human rights framework. In this regard, we will be taking a look at the human rights operations in regional and international settings.”

Ifill holds an MBA in Management and served as President of the Senate from 2012 to 2018. She received the Order of Freedom of Barbados in 2023, the Silver Crown of Merit in 2018, and the Anthony N. Sabga Award for Caribbean Excellence in 2024.

She has also served in several leadership roles regionally and locally, including President of the Caribbean Council for the Blind, Vice President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Deputy Chair of the National Advisory Committee to Improve the Lives of Persons with Disabilities, Vice Chair of the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum, and President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Barbados South. She also served on the recent Constitutional Reform Commission.

Human Rights Day is observed worldwide on December 10, commemorating the 1948 proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner falls under the Office of the Attorney General and is temporarily located at Baobab Towers, Warrens, St. Michael. (PR)

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