Guyana champions Indigenous rights, women’s empowerment at UN Forum

Guyana is reaffirming its strong support for Indigenous rights and development on the global stage through its active participation in the 24th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII24), being held from April 21 to May 2, 2025, in New York.

Representing Guyana is a joint delegation comprising officials from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and the National Toshaos Council (NTC), led by the Minister Pauline Sukhai.
The delegation also includes Member of Parliament Alister Charlie, along with representatives Anil Roberts, Antonio George, Sonia Latchman, Miriam Ming, Shane Cornelius, and Ashton Simon. From the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Permanent Representative), Ambassador Trishala Persaud (Deputy Permanent Representative), and Abosede Hazlewood (Second Secretary) are also participating.
The 2025 Forum is convened under the theme: “Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples within UN Member States and the UN system, including identifying good practices and addressing challenges.” It brings together member states, Indigenous leaders, and civil society to examine progress on the implementation of the Declaration, and to share successes and ongoing challenges.
In her address to the forum, Sukhai placed special emphasis on Guyana’s progress in empowering Indigenous women through increased political representation, education, and socio-economic opportunities.
“Thirty years ago, when I entered Parliament, there were few Indigenous women Parliamentarians. Today, 39 per cent of women in Parliament are Indigenous. Three Indigenous women have led the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs,” Sukhai said, pointing to the progress made in ensuring women have a seat at the table, both nationally and locally.
Additionally, she detailed key initiatives that target Indigenous women’s empowerment through economic development, including nationally funded entrepreneurial support in agriculture, eco-tourism, and traditional economic sectors, the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme, in which 63 per cent of participants are Indigenous women and education and healthcare access were highlighted as cornerstones of Guyana’s inclusive development approach.
Furthermore, Minister Sukhai cited the expansion of telemedicine services; the construction of new schools, the training of teachers, and increased investment in information and communications technology (ICT) connectivity; the provision of tuition-free university and technical education, alongside access to fully funded international scholarships.
Sukhai also addressed environmental equity and basic infrastructure, stating “91 per cent of Indigenous Villages in Guyana now have access to potable water. We are on track to reach 100 per cent by 2025. This will significantly ease the burden on Indigenous women who often bear responsibility for securing water for their households.”
With this in mind, she reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the protection and promotion of Indigenous women’s rights, citing the recent passage of the Family Violence Act as a landmark step toward ending sexual and gender-based violence in all communities.
“Combatting sexual and gender-based violence remains a priority for Guyana. Our new legislation enhances protections for victims, ensures accountability, and applies equally to Indigenous women and girls.”