Barbados’ First Human Rights Commissioner Appointed

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

Ms. Ifill’s appointment took effect from December 1, 2025, and will initially be contractual until the post is enshrined by legislation within the next year.

The Human Rights Commissioner met briefly with Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley, and Attorney General Dale Marshall, at Parliament today, on the eve of the International Day of Human Rights. They discussed the role and functions of the new Office within the context of traditional and emerging human rights.

The Prime Minister noted that 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. 

Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley, congratulates Barbados’ first Human Rights Commissioner, the Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, during their meeting at Parliament

She said that while protection from discrimination in employment currently exists under theEmployment Rights Act, legislation was needed to protect citizens from discrimination in areas of activity other than employment, and invited the Commissioner to give consideration to this aspect.

In commenting on Ms. Ifill’s appointment, the Attorney General stated: “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.”

Ms. Ifill welcomed the opportunity to serve as Human Rights Commissioner, noting that “human rights are very near and dear to me” and breaches often occurred in “subtle and sometimes not so subtle” ways.

She noted: “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.

“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.”

Ms. Ifill, who holds an MBA in Management, was President of the Senate from 2012 to 2018. She was awarded the Order of Freedom of Barbados in this country’s Independence National Awards in 2023, one of the highest national honours.  In 2018, she was also awarded a Silver Crown of Merit in the National Honours List, and received the Anthony N. Sabga Award for Caribbean Excellence in 2024.

She has also held several positions in many organisations in Barbados and regionally, 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 Rotary Club of Barbados South. She was also a Commissioner on the recent Constitutional Reform Commission.

Human Rights Day is observed worldwide on December 10 and commemorates the Declaration of Human Rights, which was proclaimed in 1948 in Paris, France.

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner falls under the Office of the Attorney General, and for the time being, it will be located at the Baobab Towers, Warrens, St. Michael. (PR/GIS)