Guyana reaffirms human rights, democracy commitment at IPU Assembly

Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human rights, strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law, while highlighting ongoing efforts to improve accountability, access to justice and social inclusion.
The position was outlined by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Kwame McCoy, who delivered Guyana’s statement to the Standing Committee on Human Rights and Democracy of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) during its 153rd Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, held from October 5 to 9, 2026.

McCoy, who represents the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Group on the 18-member Bureau guiding the Committee’s work, said human rights and democracy were essential to the dignity of citizens, the legitimacy of institutions and the country’s sustainable development.
He noted that Guyana’s Constitution provides the foundation for protecting fundamental rights and establishes institutions mandated to safeguard them.
The Minister also pointed to Guyana’s participation in the Fourth Universal Periodic Review in 2025, during which the country supported 146 of the 206 recommendations it received.
Those commitments cover strengthening democratic institutions, expanding access to justice and legal protection, advancing gender equality, protecting children and vulnerable groups and promoting social inclusion.
McCoy said protecting human rights required more than legislation and formal institutions, stressing the need for sustained investment in education, justice, accountability and equal opportunity.
He said Guyana was strengthening constitutional institutions and oversight mechanisms, including the Elections Commission, the judiciary, the Audit Office, the Ombudsman and the Rights Commissions.
The Minister also underscored Parliament’s role in safeguarding democracy and human rights through its legislative, representative and oversight functions.
He said Parliament provides a forum for public debate, scrutinises Executive actions, considers legislation to protect fundamental rights and represents the concerns of citizens.
Guyana, he added, remained committed to strengthening parliamentary institutions, expanding inclusive participation and ensuring that parliamentary processes promote transparency, accountability, good governance and democratic values.
On electoral governance, McCoy said democracy must allow citizens to participate in public life, express themselves freely, organise, vote, seek justice and hold public institutions accountable.
He said the 2025 General and Regional Elections were conducted within the constitutional framework, adding that Guyana continued to strengthen the systems and safeguards supporting credible democratic governance.
McCoy acknowledged that human rights protection remained an ongoing responsibility for every democracy, requiring continued reflection, reform, institution-building and engagement with citizens and international partners.
He also linked human rights to national development, noting that access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, social protection, justice and economic opportunities were essential to human dignity.
According to the statement, Guyana’s development agenda seeks to ensure that the benefits of national progress reach communities across the country, including rural, hinterland and vulnerable communities.
As the country continues its transformation, McCoy said Guyana would maintain its commitment to inclusive, participatory and rights-based development.
He added that the country would continue working with regional and international partners, including the United Nations (UN) human rights system, to apply best practices, strengthen institutions, fulfil international commitments and address areas requiring further progress.
McCoy said Guyana’s objective was to build a country where democracy was stronger, human rights were respected, institutions were accountable and every citizen could participate meaningfully in shaping the nation’s development and future.