The United States State Department annual human rights report has said that the most serious human rights problem in Saint Lucia include long delays in investigating reports of unlawful police killings.
The report pointed specifically to the 2010-2011 alleged police killings, stating that there was limited progress in the inquests and other investigations into the 12 deaths that occurred during that period.
It stated that the abuse of suspects and prisoners by the police, and continued postponements of trials and sentencing are also some serious human rights issues facing the island.
The report did not fail to mention other human rights facing the Eastern Caribbean island which includes: violence against women, child abuse, and discrimination against persons based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pointing to the alleged unlawful police killings, the report said that despite an investigation was conducted by CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) which concluded in May, no report from the investigation was released.
Meanwhile, it said although the government took some steps to prosecute officials and employees who committed abuses, the procedure for investigating police officers was lengthy, cumbersome, and often inconclusive.
The report also pointed to the delays in the judicial system, and the reluctance of witnesses to testify, and strong public and political support for the police as contributing to the overall inability of the government to address allegations in a timely manner.