Barbados Appoints Kerryann Ifill as First Human Rights Commissioner

Historic Appointment for Barbados

Bridgetown, Barbados – The Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill, former President of the Senate, has been officially appointed as Barbados' first Human Rights Commissioner. Her groundbreaking appointment, approved by Cabinet, took effect on December 1, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the nation's commitment to human rights.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Attorney General Dale Marshall met with Ifill at Parliament on the eve of International Human Rights Day to discuss the establishment and role of the new office.

Mandate and Independence of the New Office

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner is designed to be an independent body, crucial for strengthening national protections. Prime Minister Mottley emphasized that while safeguards exist in the workplace, there are still gaps in other areas of public life that the new office will address. Attorney General Marshall underscored the importance of the appointment, noting that establishing a Human Rights Commissioner's Office is now considered a 'gold standard' for countries.

The Commissioner's responsibilities will include:

• Promoting awareness of human rights
• Monitoring human rights complaints
• Ensuring human rights standards
• Developing, coordinating, and implementing policies and programmes that promote the observance of human rights

Ifill expressed her honor in taking up the role, highlighting the personal significance of the work. She indicated that the Commission would provide independent oversight and broad public education on human rights, with the coming months dedicated to preparing the groundwork for the office, including suggesting a legislated human rights framework.

A Distinguished Career in Public Service

Kerryann Ifill brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of public service to her new role. She served as President of the Senate of Barbados from 2012 to 2018, becoming the first woman, the youngest person, and the first person with a disability to hold that position. Ifill, who lost her sight at the age of four, was also the first blind person to graduate from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and holds an MBA from Durham Business School.

Her career has been marked by tireless advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities. She has served as President of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, President of the Barbados National United Society of the Blind, President of the Caribbean Council for the Blind, and Vice-Chair of the Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum. In 2023, she was awarded the national honor of the Order of Freedom of Barbados.

Context of the Commission's Establishment

The establishment of a Human Rights Commission was a key recommendation from the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC), which presented its report in October 2024. The CRC's mandate included developing a new constitution for a republican Barbados and expanding the bill of rights. While Barbados' 1966 Constitution outlines fundamental rights and freedoms, and various domestic laws address human rights, the new Commission aims to fill existing gaps, particularly concerning discrimination in areas beyond employment.

The Prime Minister specifically invited Commissioner Ifill to consider legislation to protect citizens from discrimination in areas of activity other than employment, where protection currently exists under the Employment Rights Act.