The Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR) is proud to announce the opening of its new Caribbean Office in Trinidad, a significant milestone in its mission to advance human rights and dismantle systemic barriers to justice across the region.
This office, located in Chaguanas, will serve as a regional hub for advocacy, education, and policy work, with a targeted emphasis on addressing the “savings law” clauses entrenched in many Caribbean constitutions. These clauses often preserve outdated colonial-era laws, hindering progress on human rights and equality. The office will also lead efforts in strategic litigation, using the courts as a tool to challenge and reform laws that fail to align with modern justice standards.
“Human rights challenges in the Caribbean demand strategic, region-specific solutions,” said Dr. Timothy Affonso, Director of CCHR. “Through strategic litigation and a dedicated focus on tackling the barriers created by savings law clauses, we aim to drive significant reforms and protect the rights and freedoms of vulnerable populations across the Caribbean.”
The office will prioritize initiatives that address inequality, amplify marginalized voices, and strengthen civic participation. Special attention will be given to the rights of women, LGBTQ+ communities, and indigenous peoples, ensuring their inclusion in the fight for equitable and just societies. Through its work, CCHR aims to create legal precedents that safeguard universal human rights and advance systemic change.
This initiative highlights CCHR’s unwavering commitment to dismantling oppressive structures and empowering Caribbean communities to advocate for their rights and freedoms.
