…two-thirds selected are female; three-quarters of participants are from Government agencies
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance has announced that 300 applicants have been shortlisted from over 1000 applications received for the 2025 International Human Rights Law Certificate Course, the second of its kind to be hosted by the Ministry. 
The course, which begins next Monday, is designed to introduce participants to the fundamental concepts and frameworks of international human rights law. Classes will be held three times weekly via Zoom, with select in-person sessions scheduled in the capital city. The programme will run for six weeks, culminating in a graduation ceremony on December 10 — in observance of International Human Rights Day.
Developed entirely within the Ministry in collaboration with partners from the United Nations, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and other national agencies, the course offers participants a comprehensive foundation in international and regional human rights law. It will cover topics such as the history and development of human rights, key legal instruments, and the rights and obligations of duty bearers and rights holders. Participants will also explore Guyana’s constitutional and institutional human rights framework through lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises.
Participants range from senior professionals to young community advocates. The Ministry noted that this inclusivity reflects its broader mandate to promote participation, equality, and diversity in governance and public education.
Female majority
The 2025 cohort, like the inaugural 2024 batch, features a strong female majority, with two-thirds of participants being women. According to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon Gail Teixeira, this demonstrates the growing interest of women in governance and human rights issues.
“So, you know, in Parliament, we have one third. The minimum of women MPs is one-third of the members of Parliament. In this case, we have the reverse. We have two-thirds female and one-third male. And so, this comes into the broader context of Guyana, where we have to work more assiduously to get more males involved in these programmes. Because when you’re dealing with CEDAW, for example, in the course, or you’re dealing with civil and political rights, or you’re dealing with issues of sexual and domestic violence and so on, we have to work with our males to try to reduce the levels of violence, not only against women and children, but violence generally in society,” the Minister said.
The Minister also revealed that participants were drawn from all ten administrative regions, ensuring a balanced national representation. While most are from Region Four, there is notable participation from hinterland and interior regions such as Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, as well as coastal areas.
In terms of educational background, the course boasts a diverse academic profile. Most participants possess diplomas or bachelor’s degrees, but the Ministry has also recorded applications from individuals with PhDs, postgraduate diplomas, and secondary-level qualifications. “Everybody’s equal in this programme,” Minister Teixeira emphasised. “You can have a master’s and fail, or a secondary education and pass. What matters is what you learn and how you apply it.”
Public Sector dominates
The public sector continues to dominate participation, with approximately three-quarters of the cohort drawn from Government agencies. This, the Minister said, aligns with the goal of building a human-rights-conscious public service that delivers fair and dignified treatment to all citizens. The private sector accounts for 42 participants, while civil society organisations — including NGOs, youth groups, and faith-based bodies — are also represented.
A significant proportion, 30 to 35 per cent, of this year’s participants come from law enforcement and security services, including police officers, prosecutors, and investigators. The Ministry said this is crucial for strengthening national capacity in human rights awareness and enforcement, particularly within the justice and security sectors.
Participants will be evaluated through a 500-word essay and a multiple-choice examination, with a 50 per cent pass mark and an 80 per cent attendance requirement. Those who successfully complete the course will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance during the closing ceremony on December 10, which coincides with the Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Expo.
Given the overwhelming national interest, the Ministry is exploring the possibility of offering the course twice yearly beginning in 2026, ensuring that more Guyanese can benefit from this transformative programme that blends education, empowerment, and civic awareness.
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