{"id":32368,"date":"2026-10-09T16:44:38","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T20:44:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncnguyana.com\/2023\/?p=32368"},"modified":"2026-10-09T17:00:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T21:00:21","slug":"guyana-reaffirms-commitment-to-human-rights-democratic-governance-at-international-assembly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncnguyana.com\/2023\/guyana-reaffirms-commitment-to-human-rights-democratic-governance-at-international-assembly\/","title":{"rendered":"Guyana reaffirms commitment to human rights, democratic governance at international assembly"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, protecting fundamental human rights and ensuring that the benefits of national development reach all citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Kwame McCoy, outlined the country’s position during an address to the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held from October 5 to 9, 2026, in Arusha, Tanzania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Addressing parliamentarians from across the world, Minister McCoy emphasised that democracy and human rights must extend beyond constitutional guarantees and international commitments to produce meaningful improvements in people’s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“For us, human rights and democracy are not abstract principles confined to international declarations. They are essential to the dignity of our people, the legitimacy of our institutions, and the sustainable development of our country,” he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Minister McCoy with some of the Committee members <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Highlighting Guyana’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms, the Minister noted that the country participated in its fourth Universal Periodic Review in 2025, supporting 146 of the 206 recommendations received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These commitments cover several priority areas, including improved access to justice, gender equality, protection of children and vulnerable groups, stronger democratic institutions and greater social inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister McCoy stressed that protecting these rights requires sustained national effort, supported by effective institutions and mechanisms for accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pointed to the important roles of the Guyana Elections Commission, the judiciary, the Audit Office, the Ombudsman and the Rights Commissions in safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minister also underscored Parliament’s responsibility to scrutinise government actions, examine legislation and ensure that citizens’ concerns are represented in national decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Democracy, in our understanding, must be meaningful in the daily lives of citizens. It must enable people to participate, express themselves freely, organise, vote, seek justice and hold public institutions accountable,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflecting on Guyana’s democratic development, Minister McCoy referenced the 2025 General and Regional Elections and reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthening electoral safeguards and maintaining credible democratic processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He acknowledged, however, that protecting human rights and strengthening democracy remain ongoing responsibilities that require continuous reform, public engagement and institutional development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning to Guyana’s development agenda, the Minister highlighted the connection between human rights and access to essential services, including education, healthcare, housing, employment and social protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He explained that national development must create opportunities for all citizens, particularly those living in rural and hinterland communities and other vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As Guyana continues its transformation, we remain committed to ensuring that development is inclusive, participatory and rights-based,” he affirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister McCoy further reiterated Guyana’s intention to work closely with regional and international partners, including the United Nations human rights system, to strengthen institutions, fulfil international obligations and address areas requiring further progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Ultimately, our objective is clear: to build a Guyana in which democracy is stronger, human rights are respected, institutions are accountable, and every citizen can participate meaningfully in shaping the development and future of our country,” he declared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister McCoy also serves as a representative of the Latin America and Caribbean Group on the 18-member Bureau responsible for guiding the work of the IPU’s Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights.<\/p>\n\n\n

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