ERC reports probe of 95 ethnicity-based complaints

…as body promotes peace, unity nationwide

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) continues to implement initiatives aimed at fostering peace, mutual respect, and understanding among Guyana’s diverse communities. November 2025 saw the Commission advance its mandate through education, training, and public en-gagement.
According to the ERC, the Public Education & Awareness Unit (PEAU) maintained a strong na-tionwide outreach programme, engaging schools and conducting diversity-focused training for adults. The unit’s work emphasised shaping young minds, strengthening community ties, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
A highlight for the month was the launch of five Harmony Club pilot programmes in collabora-tion with the Ministry of Education. Clubs were established at Stella Maris Primary on October 29; St Gabriel’s Primary on November 14; Comenius Primary on November 19; St Ambrose Pri-mary on November 20; and North Georgetown Primary on November 28. These clubs provide pupils with structured spaces to learn about Guyana’s ethnic groups, major religions, cultural traditions, and the value of respect. Early participation has indicated positive engagement, with the clubs expected to promote long-term peaceful coexistence and cross-cultural friendships among students.
In addition to school programmes, the ERC said it continued diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for public servants. On November 11, 16 staff members of the Public Service Min-istry’s Training & Development Department participated in a session, followed by a second ses-sion on November 17 for 21 Bureau of Statistics employees. Training focused on cultural awareness, preventing workplace discrimination, and fostering appreciation of Guyana’s shared identity.
The Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) also remained active, reviewing broadcast media and social media platforms from September to October. The unit identified 31 instances of racially or eth-nically offensive language and addressed them according to ERC protocols, including issuing cautionary statements. One case was forwarded to the Investigative Unit for further review. The ERC emphasises that these efforts are intended to promote respectful dialogue, not to cen-sor public expression.
The Investigative Unit (IU) continues to serve as a channel for citizens reporting race- or ethnic-ity-based discrimination. In 2025, 95 complaints were received, including four in November. Of these, 28 cases are under active investigation, 22 have been closed, 12 completed, and 13 await initial processing. Additional cases are pending sub-committee review, legal advice, re-ferrals to external agencies, or statutory decisions.
Under Article 212D of the Constitution, the ERC prioritises alternative conflict-resolution mech-anisms such as mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and referrals to relevant agencies. While the Commission cannot prosecute individuals, it works to guide parties toward amicable solu-tions and, where necessary, refer matters to the appropriate authorities.
Looking ahead, the ERC said that it will host its Annual Toy Distribution and the UNITY FEST 2025 on December 14 at the National Park, Georgetown. The event will be open to the public with free admission, featuring cultural performances, food, and activities representing all eth-nic groups of Guyana.