ERC received 61 discrimination complaints in 2019

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which is responsible for ensuring that racial harmony prevails in Guyana, received 61 complaints about discrimination from members of the public last year.

ERC Chairman, Dr John Smith

During a press conference on Friday, the ERC revealed that it has dealt with 44 out of 61 complaints.
According to Chairman of ERC, Dr John Oswald Smith, 12 complaints are currently being reviewed and five remain active.
The majority of the complaints dealt with religious and racial discrimination as well as political issues, he added.
“Through its investigative arm, the Commission dealt with 61 complaints during the year 2019, of which 44 have been brought to a closure; 12 to be reviewed and five remain active. The complaints received were of racial/ethnic and religious discrimination. The Commission remains accessible to members of the general public through all means of communication,” Smith noted.
In an effort to encourage tolerance and mutual respect, the Commission continues its sensitisation campaign through the media, both traditional and non-traditional. This follows numerous engagements with residents in areas across the ten Regions of Guyana. That has been augmented by the conversion of the play, “I Am Us”, into a movie which was launched on January 15 with public screenings scheduled from January 17-24 at Caribbean Cinemas, Giftland Mall.

Mechanism for division
On another note, the ERC is encouraging members of civil society not to allow elections to be a mechanism for division.
“It firmly believes that incidents of harassment and incitement, including what is very noticeable on social media, are most unhelpful to building and sustaining a cohesive nation. All are encouraged to work in the best interest of Guyana and Guyanese, and to ensure that the elections are not mechanisms for division,” Smith added.
He pointed out that the Commission will place focus on educational programmes in 2020.
“The ERC will continue in its endeavours, through available resources, to deliver its constitutional mandate. With inherent challenges, the realisation of that mandate necessitates the collective efforts of all stakeholders. It wishes to commend those who have demonstrated unwavering support and encourages others to join in its efforts,” the Chairman added. He pointed out that the ERC will continue to monitor public political rallies and other forums.
Under Article 212D of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the ERC has 24 functions – one of which is a mandate to investigate complaints from citizens across the country where acts of alleged ethnic discrimination have been committed. Also, the Commission is mandated to enforce the Racial Hostility Act and the Representation of the Peoples (Amendment) Act.