The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday formally adopted the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Guyana, marking the conclusion of the country’s Fourth Cycle Review. The adoption took place in Geneva at 10:00h (4:00 am Guyana time). Guyana’s review began on May 6-9, 2025, during which it received 206 recommendations from Member States. In July, the Government presented its responses following Cabinet-level consultations, contributions from constitutional agencies, and high-level discussions with the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRF). Out of the total, 146 recommendations were fully supported, with many already being implemented.
According to a release from the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry, these commitments cover strengthening democratic institutions, advancing gender equality and child protection, safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities, expanding access to healthcare and education across all regions, improving housing and potable water access and accelerating climate action under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. Fifty-eight recommendations were noted for further consideration, mainly those requiring constitutional reform, additional legislation or public consultations. Two recommendations were divided to more accurately reflect the Government’s position. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who led Guyana’s delegation, addressed the Council virtually. She thanked the 70 Member States that engaged in the review, as well as the Troika, Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Dominican Republic and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for their support. Guyana highlighted ongoing initiatives such as judicial reforms, legislative modernisation, environmental protection and democratic consolidation, which it said were reinforced following the September 2025 elections. During the adoption, delegations and UN agencies commended Guyana for its engagement and acceptance of recommendations on areas including gender equality, child protection, climate action, Indigenous rights and social inclusion. Civil society representatives also welcomed progress such as the decriminalisation of suicide, improvements to prison conditions, and expanded access to healthcare, education, housing, and water. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the UPR process, which it described as an important mechanism for accountability and dialogue in advancing human rights. Minister Teixeira noted that Guyana remains mindful of challenges such as climate change, resource constraints, and global setbacks in human rights. She underscored Guyana’s commitment to fulfilling its UPR obligations and working with international partners to advance a rights-based development agenda.
Discover more from Guyana Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
