A hearing requested by a local group at the IACHR yesterday heard testimonies of gender-based violence here and at the end of the session the Inter-American human rights body called on Guyana to take action.
At its 191st Period of Sessions at the Organisation of American States’ headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR) hosted a thematic hearing requested by the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF). The GEF delegation was led by its Attorney-at-Law, Chandrawattie Persaud, and also comprised GEF member organisations: Blossom Inc., represented by Dr. Ayodele Dalgety-Dean; Guyana Sex Work Coalition, represented by Kinesha Thom; and SASOD Guyana, represented by Twinkle Paul.
Roberta Clarke, Chair of the IACHR Commission presided over the session.
At the hearing, titled “Impact of Gender-Based Violence on Migrant Women, Sex Workers, and Transgender Women in Guyana,” data was presented on the severity of the situation. The testimony came from several organizations, including Blossom Inc. Sasod Guyana , the Guyana Sex Workers Coalition and Guyana Equality Forum.
One of the key findings discussed was the growing number of gender-based violence cases among migrant women, particularly those fleeing Venezuela. Dr. Ayodele Dalgety-Dean of Blossom Inc. reported a sharp rise in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among Venezuelan migrant women in Guyana.
Blossom Inc. recorded 307 cases of sexual and gender-based violence among migrant women between 2020 and mid-2024. However, the situation is even more dire in the mining regions, particularly Region 7, where 174 cases of sexual violence were documented in just four years. This region, known for its transient population and weak law enforcement presence, has become a hotspot for exploitation and human trafficking, where migrant women are often trapped in forced labor or sex work.
The session heard that 307 cases of sexual and gender-based violence were recorded from 2020 to mid-2024, 174 reported cases of violence were reported in Region 7 between 2020 and 2024 and 41 migrant children were interviewed, revealing the intergenerational impact of violence. Many of these children were either victims themselves or had witnessed violence against their mothers or sisters.
The Guyana Sex Workers Coalition (GSWC) also presented statistics, detailing the systemic violence faced by sex workers. According to Thom the criminalization of sex work under Guyana’s Summary Jurisdiction Offenses Act has created an environment where sex workers (cis gender, trans-gender and migrants) are subjected to violence with little recourse for justice.
GSWC’s 2023 report highlighted 27 instances of gender-based violence against sex workers in just one year. This statistic is part of a broader trend: sex workers in Guyana face frequent physical abuse, with some being brutally murdered in ways that highlight the extreme vulnerability of this group. The deaths of Carmen Rodriguez Serano, a Venezuelan migrant in July 2024, and Shan Simon Hooper , an Afro-Guyanese transgender woman in an execution-style killing, were highlighted as tragic examples of the targeted violence that sex workers endure.
Sex workers are not only subjected to physical violence but also to legal and societal discrimination, with authorities often refusing to take reports of violence or providing minimal support.
The hearing also spotlighted the violence experienced by transgender women in Guyana, with a focus on the precarious legal and social position of the transgender community. Twinkle Wall from Sasod Guyana shared statistics on the abuse faced by transgender women, with 69 instances of abuse documented between 2018 and 2022. These cases ranged from physical assault to discrimination in the workplace, reflecting the structural violence that transgender individuals face in Guyanese society.
The testimony of “Granny”, an Afro-Guyanese transgender woman, exemplified the harsh realities faced by transgender people seeking justice. In February 2023, Granny was attacked by her brother in her own home.
Transgender Women Violence Statistics:
– 69 cases of abuse against transgender women documented from 2018 to 2022 by Sasod Guyana.
– 1 reported attack in February 2023 on Granny, an Afro-Guyanese transgender woman, involving prolonged legal delays and lack of justice.
– High rates of homelessness, unemployment, and migration due to ongoing violence and discrimination against transgender people.
Transgender women also face discrimination in education and employment, which contributes to high rates of homelessness and migration. At least 40 transgender women from Guyana, the hearing heard, have fled the country to seek asylum in Europe and the United States between 2018 and 2024, citing violence and discrimination as their primary reasons for leaving.
The IACHR made a call for urgent action based on the stark statistics presented by the organizations. Recommendations included:
– Strengthening legal protections for migrant women, sex workers, and transgender people in Guyana.
– Decriminalization of sex work to reduce violence and discrimination.
– Enhanced law enforcement presence in high-risk regions, particularly those with transient populations like mining areas.
– Expanded access to services including healthcare, legal support, and victim assistance programs.
– Cross-border cooperation to combat trafficking and exploitation of migrant women and sex workers.
– Legal reforms to protect transgender individuals from violence and ensure access to justice.
In her presentation, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, representing the State highlighted the significant strides made by Guyana in reducing gender-based violence (GBV) and supporting vulnerable populations, including women, sex workers, transgender individuals, and migrants. The presentation emphasized not only the policy reforms and support systems in place but also provided crucial statistical data that underscores the impact of these efforts.
The government’s efforts to combat GBV are backed by a robust set of statistics, showcasing both the scope of the problem and the response measures implemented. In 2023, 69 transgender women accessed gender-based violence services through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. This, she said, indicates growing awareness and support for the LGBTQI+ community, highlighting the importance of specialized services for marginalized groups. Additionally, in the same year, the Ministry provided critical assistance to 363 victims of trafficking and gender-based violence, a significant number of whom were non-nationals, including migrants from Venezuela.
Over 5,000 individuals, according to the Minister, have benefited from free legal advice and assistance through the government’s Legal Pro Bono 500 Initiative, which ensures that victims of GBV can access justice, regardless of their financial situation. This initiative has played a key role in providing legal support to individuals from vulnerable populations, including migrants, transgender persons, and sex workers.
The government has launched a toll-free GBV hotline (914) that has been a critical tool in providing support to victims. The hotline is linked to a network of Survivor Advocates, social services, and law enforcement to provide immediate follow-up services. In 2023, reports to the hotline resulted in numerous interventions, including crisis counseling, emergency shelter, and legal referrals.
The passage of the Family Violence Act in July 2024 marked a pivotal moment in strengthening legal protections for survivors of domestic violence, the hearing heard. The law’s new provisions expand the scope of protection, including cohabiting and same-sex couples, which will have a direct impact on the legal rights of diverse communities. In addition to legal aid, Hope and Justice Centres across the country have been providing essential services for victims. These centres, which were expanded in 2023, assist with legal support, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter. To date, these centres have supported hundreds of survivors, including many from vulnerable groups, such as transgender individuals and sex workers, Teixeira said.
Guyana’s Sexual Offences Court, established in 2017 as the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, has handled an increasing number of cases each year. The creation of this specialized court is reflected in the growing trust survivors have in the legal system, the hearing heard.
