Guyana’s Dr Riyad Insanally elected to Inter-American Human Rights Commission

Guyana’s former Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Dr Riyad Insanally, has been elected as a Commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The election took place on December 17, 2025, in Washington, DC, during a regular meeting of the OAS Permanent Council. Insanally was elected by acclamation. He was nominated by the Government of Guyana and will replace Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan, who recently vacated the position following his appointment to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

According to a press release from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, Insanally will serve the remainder of Dr Bulkan’s original term, which runs from 2024 to 2027.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, in a statement issued through his official social media page, expressed appreciation for Dr Bulkan’s service on the Commission and extended congratulations to Dr Insanally on his election. The President noted that Dr Insanally will support ongoing efforts to advance the promotion and protection of human rights across the Americas.
Insanally has served in several senior diplomatic roles and has extensive experience in international relations at both national and hemispheric levels. He holds MA and MPhil degrees from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from Harvard University. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that his experience and familiarity with the inter-American system are expected to inform his work on the Commission.
During the meeting, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, Samuel Hinds, conveyed the Government’s gratitude to the Permanent Council following the election.
The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the OAS, mandated to promote and protect human rights throughout the Americas. The Commission comprises seven experts who serve in their personal capacity. The Government of Guyana has expressed confidence that Dr Insanally will make a meaningful contribution to the work of the Commission.