Discrimination in

Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda is a Sovereign state, sovereign archipelagic country composed of Antigua, Barbuda, and List of islands of Antigua and Barbuda, numerous other small islands. Antigua and Barbuda has a total area of 440 km2 (170 sq mi), ...

refers to all forms and expressions of actions that restrict social participation or deny human rights to specific groups of people in Antiguan and Barbudan society or institutions. Antigua and Barbuda struggles severely with ethnic and gender discrimination, with common issues including the gender pay gap, ethnic discrimination, and discrimination against immigrants.

Gender discrimination

Antigua and Barbuda struggles with gender discrimination. According to the Directorate of Gender Affairs, the most common issue in the country relating to gender discrimination is gender-based stereotypes. In the country, many women head single-parent households, and often have to care for the elderly and other dependents. As women usually occupy lower paid jobs and have high levels of unpaid domestic work, this usually results in high poverty rates in women. In media, women are sexually objectified, but due to the lack of a national media regulatory body, it is hard for complaints to be made. It is also very common for women to be blamed for gender-based sexual violence. As affirmative action does not exist in Antigua and Barbuda, workforce participation for women is hindered.

Ethnic and immigrant discrimination

In 2011, 30% of people in Antigua and Barbuda were immigrants, and 13% were part of an ethnic minority. It is common in Antigua and Barbuda for immigrants to be told to "

go back to where you came from "Go back to where you came from" is a racist or xenophobic epithet which is used in many countries, and it is mainly used to target actual immigrants and falsely presumed immigrants. In contemporary United States, it is directed often at Asia ...

", and people are often insulted for seeking immigration-related services. According to WiredJA, CARICOM nationals are also subject to random stops by immigration officials, especially in the V. C. Bird International Airport. African and CARICOM nationals are also more likely to be discriminated against and forced into human trafficking.

Anti-Barbudan discrimination

Anti-Barbudan discrimination is common in Antigua, especially among government officials and the upper class. Prime Minister

Gaston Browne Gaston Alphonso Browne (born 9 February 1967) is an Antiguan politician serving as the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda and leader of the Labour Party since 2014. Before entering politics, he was a banker and businessman. Early life Brown ...

is a major proponent of this discrimination, in 2020 spreading false claims that Barbuda is in an inbreeding crisis, and encouraging Barbuda Council members to work with health minister Molwyn Joseph to "find a solution". The

human rights Human rights are universally recognized Morality, moral principles or Social norm, norms that establish standards of human behavior and are often protected by both Municipal law, national and international laws. These rights are considered ...

Barbudans The Barbudans are an ethnic group native to the island of Barbuda in the eastern Caribbean, primarily of Fante and other Coromantee ancestry. The Barbudans speak Barbudan Creole and the Barbudan dialect of English. The Barbudans make up the maj ...

are also frequently violated, with proposals made for Barbudans to have to pay for land they already legally occupy, and elections being held when Barbudans do not have access to a polling place within their constituency.

References

{{North America in topic, Discrimination in Society of Antigua and Barbuda Human rights in Antigua and Barbuda