The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued 48 cautionary warnings to social media users over ethnic hate speech between July 29 and August 24, 2026, marking an increase from the 37 warnings issued during the preceding reporting period.
According to the Commission, the warnings were issued for various forms of ethnically offensive content. These included 18 standalone racial slurs, 12 racially prejudiced remarks, nine racially derogatory statements, four racially hateful remarks, two racially divisive statements, two xenophobic remarks and one instance of racial stereotyping. The latest figures bring the total number of cautionary warnings issued by the ERC’s Media Monitoring Unit to 270 between January and August 24, compared with 194 during the corresponding period in 2025. Standalone racial and ethnic slurs accounted for the largest share of infractions recorded so far this year, with 77 cases. These were followed by 58 racially prejudicial or insensitive remarks, 45 instances of racially derogatory language and 21 cases involving xenophobic content.
The Commission said the increase in warnings reflects, in part, the expanded monitoring capacity of its Media Monitoring Unit and more systematic coverage of digital platforms. However, it raised concern over the continued presence of ethnically abusive content online and reminded citizens that social media platforms are subject to the same expectations of decency and mutual respect that apply to conduct elsewhere in society.
87 matters
Meanwhile, the Commission’s Investigative Unit continued its work during August, with its consolidated caseload currently standing at 87 matters. Of these, three matters originated from 2022–2023, 14 were carried forward from 2024, 49 from 2025, and 21 were recorded in 2026 to date. One of the 2026 matters was received during the latest reporting period. The Commission said progress has been made in advancing and resolving matters within its portfolio, with a number of cases closed and several matters previously pending before the Investigative Sub-Committee deliberated upon and addressed. Nine matters are currently pending Sub-Committee review, while eight remain under active investigation. Five matters are pending legal advice and two remain pending. One matter is awaiting a statutory decision, while another has successfully completed the conciliation process.
51 matters closed
In terms of finalised outcomes, 51 matters have been closed by the Commission, seven have been completed and three have been withdrawn. The ERC is encouraging members of the public who experience or witness ethnic discrimination, hate speech or conduct likely to excite ethnic hostility to report such matters to the Commission. Complaints can be lodged at the Commission’s offices at 66 Peter Rose and 2 Anira Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown, or by telephone at 231-6265 or 231-6281. Complaints can also be submitted by email to [email protected].
The Commission said it remains committed to its constitutional mandate of promoting harmony and good relations among Guyana’s ethnic groups.
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