Eighty complaints were received by the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) Investigative Unit over the last year and there were varying degrees of resolution.
This was disclosed by ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack during a press conference on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the reconstituting of the body in March last year.
He said that eleven complaints were withdrawn, indicating some disputes could be settled informally; seven investigations concluded, and three cases were closed. Meanwhile, 23 cases are still being investigated. Five cases required police intervention and another 10 were directed to external agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each complaint. Twenty-six cases are awaiting investigation and two have bene resolved through conciliation.
“Emphasizing conciliation and mediation has allowed for amicable solutions in instances where both parties are cooperative, demonstrating the effectiveness of these dispute-resolution mechanisms. However, the process is not without challenges. For example, complainants may not provide the basic details required for a proper investigation to commence, undermining the work of the department”, he said.
In response to severe instances that threaten societal harmony based on ethnic or racial discord, the Chairman said that the Commission takes decisive actions by referring such matters to the Police or other relevant agencies.
“The Investigative Unit’s unwavering commitment to resolving discrimination issues has been clear throughout the year. Through meticulous investigations, resolution facilitation, and strategic collaborations, the Commission is dedicated to promoting an equitable society where every individual’s rights are safeguarded, highlighting our ongoing commitment to justice and the dynamic nature of our work in fostering an inclusive community”, he added.
The chairman said that the Commission has also undertaken a campaign to tackle racism in its early stages through school engagements, by instilling in the younger generation the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation for diverse ethnicities.
Through school outreaches, the ERC has taken its message of harmony and good relations to dozens of primary and secondary schools.
“Over the past year, we have reached over 8000 students from coastal schools in the first phase, and this year the model will be extended to all other regions of Guyana. These school visits have provided a crucial opportunity to engage with the next generation of leaders and change-makers, equipping them with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to create a more harmonious and cohesive society”, the chairman said.
