Monitoring & Investigations

The TCIHRC is committed to monitoring the human rights state across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our monitoring exercises include:

• Regular Inspections: Conducting inspections of detention facilities such as His Majesty’s Prison, police stations, and the Detention Centre. Detention facilities undergo quarterly monitoring, while children’s homes, elderly care facilities and mental health institutions are visited on a more annual basis
• Case Investigations: Following up on individual complaints and cases to ensure justice and resolution
• Thematic Monitoring: Focusing on specific human rights issues, such as the rights of children, women, and marginalized groups.

We encourage the public to participate in our monitoring efforts by:

• Submitting Complaints: If you experience or witness human rights violations, we encourage you to submit a complaint through our online form or contact us directly
• Filing Petitions: An individual or group can directly petition the commission by emailing tcihumanrightscommission@hrc.tc

Conducting investigations is another key component of our scope of work at the TCIHRC. It is our duty to protect and advance human rights standards within Turks and Caicos, ensuring that each individual’s rights are upheld. This in mind, we are at times required to conduct thorough and impartial investigations based on received complaints of human rights violations.

We investigate a wide range of human rights issues which include, but aren’t limited to, discrimination, unlawful detention, freedom of speech, and access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and housing.

1. Filing a Complaint
   Anyone who believes their human rights have been violated can file a complaint with the TCIHRC. Complaints can be submitted online, via email, or in person at our office.

2. Preliminary Assessment
   Upon receiving a complaint, a preliminary assessment is conducted to determine if there is a human rights infringement. If there is, we may proceed with a formal investigation, or act as mediators between the involved parties should they decided to resolve amicably.

3. Investigation
   Our investigation team collects evidence, conducts interviews, and reviews relevant documents. We ensure confidentiality and protection for all parties involved.

4. Findings and Recommendations
   After completing the investigation, we compose a summary outlining our findings and recommendations. This report is shared with the complainant and the accused party, and necessary actions are taken to resolve the issue.

5. Follow-Up
   We conduct several followups on the entities at fault to ensure thorough resolve

• Confidentiality: Your identity and personal information are protected throughout the investigation.
• Fair Treatment: All parties are treated with respect and impartiality.
• Representation: You have the right to be represented or accompanied by a person of your choice during interviews and proceedings.
• Information: You will be kept informed about the progress and outcome of the investigation.

Filing a complaint with the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission is straightforward:

1. 1. Online: Submit a Complaint Form through our secure online portal.
   2. Email: Send a detailed account of your complaint to tcihumanrightscommission@tcihrc.tc
   3. In Person: Visit our office at Suite C-104, Cabot House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI to speak directly with an investigator.