Antigua and Barbuda compose a multi-party, parliamentary democracy with a bicameral, legislative assembly. General elections are held at least every 5 years on the basis of universal suffrage and secret ballot. Free and fair parliamentary elections in 2004 saw the defeat of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP), which had been in power since 1976, replaced by the United Progressive Party (UPP). 1 woman was elected to the 17-seat House of Representatives, while 2 of 17 Senators are women. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate are women and 2 women serve as Cabinet ministers.

Discrimination on the basis of race, sex, creed, language or social status is prohibited, but social discrimination against women is reported as a problem.

The judiciary is independent in law and in practice. The economy is based on tourism and financial services. Legislation to improve government accountability and transparency has been promulgated following several corruption investigations that were hindered because of the removal of files. The government is the largest employer, and unemployment of 11% to 13% is reported for 2005.

Freedom of speech and of the press are guaranteed and respected. Steps have been taken to de-politicise government-owned media, and the active media offer a range of opinion. Initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS include training and education as part of a national plan.

Free, compulsory, universal education is provided for children aged 5 to 16. More than 95% of school-age children attend compulsory school, and increasing numbers of students complete a secondary education. Schools face many shortages, and parents often have to provide materials such as desks and chairs. Shared textbooks are provided, but parents also purchase books.

Corporal punishment is used in schools and is a subject under review in the reform process that is currently under way. Efforts are being made to allow girls to return to school after giving birth. Some programmes are in place, but the social stigma prevents many from completing their education. A TV programme, Teen Talk, conducted by children for a child audience, is planned to encourage behavioural change among young people to prevent HIV/AIDS.

A 2-year programme begins at age 3. No other statistical information is provided in official statistics.

Education begins at age 5 and continues for 7 years. As part of the poverty alleviation strategy, a programme of free school uniforms for all students in primary and secondary schools has been instituted and plans are in place to provide a national school meal programme.

A 5-year secondary education programme begins at age 12. Access to secondary education is still limited and not freely available to all children. The issue of placement exams for secondary school students has been opposed by many, but the system remains in place because of a shortage of places. Several classrooms have been built to increase capacity, but more are needed.

No tertiary education is available in Antigua or Barbuda. Students studying abroad are mainly in the USA (240), Cuba (102), the UK (79), Canada (41) and Jamaica (26).

The Constitution prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in education and employment, but the provisions are not effectively enforced. Children with disabilities are educated in special schools. A school for juvenile offenders has been established offering classes in crafts, computers and auto repair.

The country is a signatory of the 1951 U.N. Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. The government but has not established a system to provide protection to refugees, but it cooperates with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. There are no programmes to teach children of foreign nationalities in their own languages; all students are educated in the national language.

Women are well represented in the public sector, holding 54% of public service positions, including more than half the top positions (permanent secretaries). Workshops to encourage women to become active in politics have been held.

A high incidence of sexual harassment is reported by employees in both the private and public sectors. Sexual harassment is illegal but is rarely prosecuted. 50% of households are headed by women, most of whom are single parents. Violence against women is a matter of public concern. The issue has become higher profile since the rape and beating of the leader of the Senate took place in her home. The Domestic Violence Act provides penalties for domestic violence. Workshops to increase awareness of the rights of women in cases of domestic violence have been provided for police officers, magistrates and judges.

The minimum age for employment is 16, which harmonises with the provisions of the Education Act. Persons under age 18 must have medical clearance to work and may not work later than 10 pm. The Labour Commissioner's office investigates accusations of exploitative child labour. The problem of street children is just beginning to surface.

Workers have the right to form trade unions, and approximately 75% of workers are union members. The right to organise and bargain collectively is respected, and collective contracts have been negotiated. The Labour Code applies equally to workers in the country's free trade zones. The Industrial Relations Court may limit the right to strike. Workers who provide essential services must give 21 days' notice of intent to strike. An injunction may be issued if the national interest is deemed to be threatened. The International Labour Organisation has requested that the government reduce its extensive list of essential services, which effectively prohibits the right to strike of many employees.

The minimum wage has been set at $2.22 (EC$6.00) an hour for all categories of labour. The minimum wage barely provides an adequate standard of living for a worker and family. A 48-hour, 6-day work week is allowed, but the standard is 40 hours in 5 days.