The Guyanese government is set to introduce two new bills, the Sexual Violence Bill and the Sexual Harassment Bill, to combat sexual assault and harassment effectively.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, made this announcement during the opening of a center aimed at providing support to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
The move comes in response to the alarming number of sexual assault cases in Guyana, with close to 200 reported cases of rape in 2023 alone.
The existing Sexual Offences Act, which is over twelve years old, will be amended to address identified weaknesses through consultations with key stakeholders, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, and the Police force.
Additionally, the Attorney General revealed that a new Sexual Harassment Bill, generated by CARICOM, has been drafted, with Guyana set to be the first country to enact it.
Both bills are expected to be introduced to the national assembly in the upcoming session following the week’s budget debates.
This legislative initiative aims to strengthen the legal framework, curb sexual violence, and provide stricter penalties for offenders.
The government’s commitment to addressing these issues underscores its dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of its citizens.