By Josiah Williams | November 4, 2024
The Government of Guyana is exploring the possibility of establishing a dedicated Human Rights Institute.
The idea was proposed by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, at the conclusion of the inaugural International Human Rights Law course held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on Saturday.
Minister Teixeira highlighted that the successful completion of the course, which saw 162 participants graduate, has underscored the demand for more in-depth human rights education.
She noted that while there are few models to follow, the growing interest in the course has prompted discussions on creating a formal institution to provide ongoing and comprehensive human rights training.
The course, which launched in late July, attracted nearly 200 participants.
It featured lectures from legal experts, including Attorney General Anil Nandlall, as well as other Caribbean and international speakers.
Over the course of ten weeks, the program covered topics such as the fundamentals of human rights, the United Nations human rights system, Guyana’s constitution, and emerging international legal challenges, including those related to artificial intelligence, food security, and state sovereignty.
Minister Teixeira also revealed that the course, which had been developed internally, will now become an annual event.
She emphasized the government’s intention to expand the course’s reach by offering it in a hybrid format to allow greater access for both local participants and those from the diaspora, as well as CARICOM countries.
As the government considers the development of a Human Rights Institute or Academy, it is looking at ways to build a long-term program that addresses critical human rights issues in a comprehensive manner.
The discussions around this potential institute reflect Guyana’s commitment to advancing human rights education and fostering a greater understanding of global legal frameworks.