Guyana went through the 49th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session in 2025. Once again, the same issues convulsed UPR stakeholders as they considered the status of Guyana’s obligations relative to the UPR. The modest human rights landscape still complicates discussions regarding the applicability of the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary, issues of ethnic discrimination, Indigenous rights, as well as the need for stronger human rights institutions.
The United Nations (UN) and many member states provided clear recommendations, as they were complimentary of the sole recommendation for Guyana to abolish the death penalty. The overwhelming recommendations for Guyana come from judicial appointments or do these things hardly apportion any value to the requisite institutional reform that should accompany this identification. As a closing point, Guyana provided a summary of their efforts to enhance social inclusion and provide services to the people of Guyana over the previous UPR session.
Key points raised in the review
The country faced widespread focus on the continued use of the death penalty. Many submissions focused on the alignment of Guyana’s domestic legal framework with international human rights standards; many submissions requested Guyana ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (OP2-ICCPR), urging the government to abolish the death penalty.
Civil society highlighted the ongoing absence of a permanent Chancellor and Chief Justice, both of whom have been in acting capacities for seven years, and questioned the independence and efficacy of the judiciary. Civil society articulated concern regarding the lack of consultations with Indigenous peoples and with some of the issues regarding Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and obligations under the Environmental Protection Act.
Discussions were focused around race discrimination and the work of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with allegations that the ERC did not deal with or recognise complaints.
The lack of a working Human Rights Commission was a source of concern as a barrier for individuals who were trying to be compensated for violations of their rights. There were concerns about fair participation of all communities in public business and fair elections, and the integrity of elections in general, particularly with the upcoming 2025 elections.
Recommendations and Proposals
Stakeholders urged Guyana to ratify OP2-ICCPR and abolish the death penalty in legislation and practice. Eliminate the death penalty from the Constitution; raise public awareness to encourage the people to support abolition. Repeal authorising provisions for cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment such as flogging and whipping.
Maintain cooperation with the UN human rights system; submit overdue reports on international instruments. Improve legal and institutional frameworks for the human rights system – also creating a national mechanism for implementation, reporting and follow-up. Pursue technical cooperation with the OHCHR Regional Office to strengthen reporting.
Appoint permanent heads of the judiciary to ensure independence and delivery of justice. Establish and activate the Human Rights Commission to engage citizens with genuine mechanisms for redress. Conduct assessments of ethnic disparities to assess inequalities among ethnic groups. Ensure the Ethnic Relations Commission fulfils its constitutional responsibilities to hear these complaints.
Ensure that all locally elected bodies are recognised and funded equally with no reference to political party affiliation. Protect the right to vote by implementing recommendations from international observers to the anticipated 2020 election and allowing for the option of biometric identification in future elections. Respect freedom of expression and refrain from state-imposed restrictions and methods to silence freedom of expression.
