Central America & the Caribbean

Ley 779, enacted in 2012 and amended in 2013, introduced stalking (acecho) and harassment (acoso) into the Penal Code as forms of psychological violence against women when committed by individuals who have or had a personal relationship with the victim. These acts are punishable by one to three years of imprisonment. The penalty increases to three to five years if the victim is a minor or if aggravating circumstances exist, such as abuse of authority or repeated conduct.

The 2024 Constitution of Nicaragua establishes a strong framework of fundamental rights, including guarantees relevant to gender equality, family, and women’s protection. Article 27 affirms equality before the law, and Articles 48, 73, and 82 enshrine unconditional equality between men and women, prohibiting all forms of labor and social discrimination based on gender. Article 5 elevates human dignity as a guiding principle, and Article 36 protects physical, psychological, and moral integrity by prohibiting torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

The Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala recognizes the equality of all persons and provides specific protections for women and families. Article 4 states that all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights, and that men and women, regardless of marital status, have equal rights and responsibilities.

Section 3 of the Constitution of Belize (the “Constitution”) provides that every person in Belize is “entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual” regardless of sex.  Section 16 of the Constitution also prohibits any laws that are discriminatory or have discriminatory effect and defines “discriminatory” to include discrimination based on sex. 

Section 15 (Protection from Discrimination on Grounds of Race etc.) of the Constitution of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis prevents provisions of law that are discriminatory in nature or effect, as well as discrimination by individuals acting under the law, or on behalf of public office or authority. “Discriminatory” includes discrimination based on gender.

Constitution of Saint Lucia, Chapter I Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms: Section 1 Fundamental rights and freedoms and Section 13 Protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, etc.

Chapter 1 of the Constitution of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines guarantees that all individuals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are entitled to basic rights and freedoms, regardless of race, origin, political opinion, color, creed, or sex. These rights are protected so long as they do not infringe on the rights of others or the public interest, as outlined in the Constitution.

Article 42 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba (the "Constitution of Cuba") provides that all persons are equal before the law and must receive the same protection and treatment from the authorities. This article guarantees that all individuals enjoy the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities without any discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ethnic origin, skin color, religious belief, disability, national or territorial origin, or any other condition or personal circumstance that implies a distinction detrimental to human dignity.

The Constitution states that all fundamental constitutional rights and freedoms are guaranteed free from sex discrimination. These freedoms include equal treatment before public authorities and equality under the law. Chapter 1, Part IV addresses exceptions related to affirmative action and other legislation. While generally no legislation may be enacted based on sex discrimination, such legislation may be enacted if reasonably justifiable in a society that has respect for rights and freedoms of the individual.

The Counter-Trafficking Act of Saint Lucia is designed to prevent and combat the trafficking of women and children. The Act criminalizes trafficking and related acts such as assisting, conspiring, or directing others, with penalties of up to EC$100,000, five years’ imprisonment, or both upon summary conviction.