Overview of Human Rights in Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a parliamentary democracy. Elections have been considered free and fair by international observers. The government works to respect the civil and human rights of its citizens; however problems persist. Prison conditions in Port of Spain and Golden Grove Remand Prisons are extremely harsh and inhumane. Overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and high levels of violence by inmates and at the hands of prison guards, are all issues which need addressing. Mistreatment at the hands of police continue to be reported.  In recent years, scores of people were fatally shot by police.  As well, there has been a rising crime rate in the country, including a spate of kidnappings of prominent individuals that has gained increasing local and international attention.  Inadequate services for homeless children and people with disabilities are also areas of concern to human rights organizations.  That said, Trinidad and Tobago has a good record of human rights. 

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

57th out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.