Geneva, November 12, 2026.- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today welcomed the landmark judgment by Trinidad and Tobago’s highest court – the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council – declaring the criminalisation of private, consensual same-sex relations in the country to be unconstitutional.
The unanimous decision is a significant milestone for human rights and equality, said the High Commissioner, adding it strengthens the principles of dignity, privacy, non-discrimination, and equal protection under the law.
“I hope the judgment will help remove a longstanding source of stigma, exclusion, barriers and violence experienced by Trinidadians and Tobagonians based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” Türk said.
The judgment upheld the findings of lower courts in Trinidad and Tobago that the prohibitions on private, consensual same-sex conduct in the country’s criminal law are not reasonably justifiable in a society which has a proper respect for the rights and freedoms of the individual.
“It is a powerful reminder that meaningful human rights progress is often achieved through the sustained efforts by individuals and communities to ensure their rights and the rights of others are upheld. We applaud and congratulate them, and we commend their courage,” the High Commissioner said.
The UN Human Rights Regional Office for the Caribbean stands ready to work with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to take swift and concrete steps to ensure full implementation of the judgment, and to take robust action to end discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ people.
“I also urge other Caribbean States to decriminalise consensual same-sex relations between people above the age of consent,” Türk said. “This would align with the strong regional trend of repealing outdated and harmful colonial laws and with the principle of equal treatment for everyone, regardless of who they are or whom they love.”