By Josiah Williams | December 9, 2024
The third Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Expo opened today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown, showcasing Guyana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen human rights protections and combat corruption.
The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, is designed to raise awareness about the importance of these issues and highlight the country’s initiatives in tackling corruption while safeguarding human rights.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips addressed the opening ceremony, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding international agreements aimed at protecting human rights and addressing corruption.
He emphasized that corruption undermines the rule of law, economic development, and public trust in institutions, making anti-corruption measures crucial for ensuring fairness and accountability in governance.
As part of its anti-corruption efforts, Guyana has ratified several international anti-corruption treaties and made significant changes to its laws, including improvements in procurement practices.
Additionally, the country established the National Coordinating Committee on Anti-Corruption, a body overseeing 16 agencies responsible for anti-corruption initiatives.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, also spoke at the event, discussing the interconnectedness of human rights and corruption.
She stressed that while the government holds certain responsibilities in ensuring human rights, it is the collective responsibility of all citizens to uphold these rights.
Minister Teixeira also mentioned that Guyana’s approach to anti-corruption will continue to evolve and strengthen as the country progresses.
The expo coincides with two significant international observances: International Anti-Corruption Day, marked annually on December 9, and International Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10.
The observance of these days aims to encourage global attention on the importance of fighting corruption and protecting human rights.
This expo reflects Guyana’s ongoing commitment to building a fairer, more transparent society and aligning with global standards for the protection of human rights and the fight against corruption.