The United States says it remains deeply concerned about reports of extrajudicial killings and “the continuing discrimination, violence, and exploitation against vulnerable groups” here.
Guyana’s human rights record came under focus in the Swiss city of Geneva yesterday before the United Nations Human Rights Council in the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under which the human rights record of each state is extensively reviewed every four years. Each member state is required to produce a national report in accordance with a UN Human Rights Council resolution and Guyana complied. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett led Guyana’s delegation. Several countries had beforehand asked a number of questions.
In its statement to the UPR Working Group on Guyana, Washington says it remains deeply concerned about the continuing discrimination, violence, and exploitation against vulnerable groups especially women, children, members of the gay and lesbian community and indigenous communities. It added that it appreciates and takes due note of the information provided by the delegation regarding government efforts in this regard.
The Obama administration also pointed out that despite the passage of the Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence remains a concern due to ineffective implementation of the law. “Children continue to be exposed to violent and exploitative environments, including sexual abuse and prostitution”, the US said. The country’s representative also noted that sexual minorities continue to be discriminated against under provisions in the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act.
The US said that discrimination in employment and economic activities are considered by numerous Afro-Guyanese to be endemic problems. It recommended that Guyana strengthen and enforce its various commitments to embracing its cultural diversity and ensuring the safety of and equal opportunities for all citizens.
In welcoming the Guyanese delegation, the US commended it for its committed participation in the process. It also commended Guyana’s efforts toward establishing a national, independent human rights institution and said it looks forward to its nomination and establishment.
However, the US said, it remains concerned with reports of extrajudicial killings and the use of excessive force by police. “Widespread police brutality, impunity, and a lack of accountability undermine the effectiveness of the country’s security forces. The United States recommends that Guyana provide human rights training for officers, and increase the capacity of the Police Complaints Authority to investigate these allegations using prompt and impartial proceedings”, the US representative said.
Several other countries posed questions on issues such as the phantom squad, torture, capital punishment, violence against women and gay and lesbian rights. Britain and Sweden posed questions on the investigation of phantom squad activities and links to government officials and the security forces.
There was no widespread local publicizing of the preparation of the report that was submitted to the UN or an invitation for civil society input. Georgetown had also not publicized yesterday’s session. Office of the President Press Officer, Kwame McCoy said yesterday he could not say whether any statement will be issued by either the government or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. \
According to the UN human rights web site, “The UPR was created through the UN General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council itself. It is a cooperative process which, by 2011, will have reviewed the human rights records of every country. Currently, no other universal mechanism of this kind exists.
The UPR is one of the key elements of the new Council which reminds States of their responsibility to fully respect and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The ultimate aim of this new mechanism is to improve the human rights situation in all countries and address human rights violations wherever they occur.”
