Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Peace Council (GPC) joins with human rights organizations and activists throughout the world in the observance of International Human Rights Day which will be observed today.

The theme for this year’s observance,  ‘Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All’ is most apt, particularly in this current global dispensation characterized by war, conflicts, growing levels of inequity, social injustice and migration. And as if these are not enough, there is the existential threat caused by climate change and the continuing devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Human rights unfortunately is still under threat in several parts of the world. In Guyana, attempts to derail democracy and foster a climate of ethnic disharmony by certain elements in our society constitute a direct threat to human rights and the fundamental right of Guyanese to elect a government of their choice in free, fair and democratic elections.

In this regard, the Guyana Peace Council commends the initiative by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to foster a climate of peace and reconciliation through the ‘One Guyana’ initiative and the measures taken by the current administration to consolidate democratic rule in the country.

Next year, 2023 will mark 75 years since the United Nations designated December 10 as International Human Rights Day. The Guyana Peace Council takes this opportunity to salute all those organizations and individuals who continue to blaze the trail for democracy, respect for human rights, human dignity and social and economic justice for all of humanity.

Yours faithfully,
Guyana Peace Council