Guyana grilled in Geneva over gaps in human rights architecture

-concerns raised over femicide

Guyana’s human rights record came under intense scrutiny yesterday during its fourth Universal Perio-dic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, with widespread concern voiced over the country’s lack of adequate and comprehensive laws.

While the country’s economic growth, increased budgetary allocations to education and health, and legislative reforms were commended, the glaring absence of a functioning and independent human rights architecture drew sharp criticism from almost every country at the forum.

The constant  concern across delegations was the absence of an operational and independent Human Rights Commission. Dele-gates from nearly every region called on Guyana to take “necessary measures to operationalize an active and independent human rights body to ensure more equitable and inclusive opportunities for all.”