CDB, IDB and Government of Barbados Join Forces to Address Domestic Violence in the Caribbean

Legal experts and development partners have taken a historic step toward a safer and more just region at the recent High-Level Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence in the Caribbean.

Co-hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Government of Barbados, the conference convened Attorneys General, Commissioners of Police, senior legal and policy officials, and national gender machineries to strengthen coordinated action against domestic violence, one of the region's most pervasive human security challenges.

The event, which also included UN Women, UNFPA, CARICOM, and other international partners, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable financing, stronger institutions, and shared accountability to end domestic and gender-based violence across the Caribbean.

Building on Barbados' successful National Consultation on Domestic Violence earlier this year, the Symposium marked a turning point for regional justice reform, culminating in the signing of the Regional Agreement on Legislative and Policy Priorities on Domestic Violence - the first commitment led by multilateral development banks (MDBs) to harmonise laws, policies, and institutional frameworks to better protect survivors.

An indepth session, "State Responsibilities in Addressing Domestic Violence: Tot Lampkin v. Attorney General of Trinidad & Tobago," explored the precedent-setting case and its implications for how Caribbean governments must ensure they fulfill their duty to protect victims. The exchange underscored the growing importance of state accountability in advancing survivor-centred justice.

The Symposium's focus aligns with the Caribbean Development Bank's Gender Equality Policy and Operational Strategy (GEPOS) and is part of the CDB Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP). Both frameworks emphasise building resilient, equitable, and inclusive societies by tackling the root causes of gender inequality and violence.

Dr. Isaac Solomon, Vice-President (Operations), CDB, who spoke at the Symposium opening ceremony explained, "At CDB, we believe there is no sustainable development without safety, and no resilience without justice. Through our Rebirth Agenda and GEPOS, we are driving a bold commitment to make the Caribbean resilient, safe and equitable."

Mr. Anton Edmunds, General Manager, Caribbean Country Department, IDB, expressed, "The IDB is committed to working with Caribbean governments to build resilient institutions, strengthen data systems, and ensure survivor-centred services. Together we can transform courage into coordinated action and drive inclusive change across our communities."

The Honourable Dale Marshall, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Barbados, commended the Symposium as a magnificent forum at which important foundational work on domestic violence was completed. He added that Barbados was pleased to participate in the signing of the Regional Agreement and expressed commitment to working with donor partners and CARICOM states to take forward its outcomes.

"We've had the benefit of victims who were able to say how domestic violence impacted them. I'm very optimistic that going forward, Barbados will be able to put our initiatives for victim protection on a much stronger footing than they currently are," explained Mr. Marshall.

The High-Level Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence in the Caribbean concluded with a set of concrete next steps, including the establishment of a Technical Working Group to draft model legislation and policy guidance. Participants also agreed on a coordinated regional follow-up mechanism to track implementation progress, promote accountability, and sustain collaboration among Caribbean states and development partners.

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Photo caption: Left to right - Dr. Isaac Solomon, Vice-President (Operations), Caribbean Development Bank; the Honourable Dale Marshall, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Barbados; and Mr. Anton Edmunds, General Manager, Regional Country Department, the Caribbean, Inter-American Development Bank, attend the High-Level Symposium to Advance State Responses on Domestic Violence in the Caribbean.