Guyana launches International Human Rights Law Certificate Course

IN a landmark move aimed at fostering greater awareness and sensitivity to human rights, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance (MPAG) of Guyana launched its first International Human Rights Law Certificate Course on Monday at the Pegasus Grand Savannah Suite. The initiative marks a significant step in educating practitioners from various sectors on international human rights and Guyana’s legal framework.

Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, underscored the comprehensive nature of the training, which is designed to benefit practitioners from Guyana’s public, private, and civil sectors. She highlighted the importance of understanding the evolution of human rights issues and the difference between contemporary challenges and those that emerged post-World War II.

Minister Teixeira noted the absence of a genuine correlation between human rights and Guyana’s constitution and legal framework. She emphasised the need for a systematic approach to sensitisation and awareness following a series of workshops held last year. These workshops revealed the necessity for more structured and long-term action, leading to the conception of the International Human Rights Law Certificate Programme.

“We wanted to ensure the course had structure, grounding participants in international treaty responsibilities and Guyana’s human rights framework,” Minister Teixeira explained. The course aims to be inclusive, accessible to individuals without formal degrees, and designed to enhance understanding of human rights laws and their practical applications.

The response from the Guyanese public has been overwhelmingly positive. Minister Teixeira reported receiving over 1,000 applications, far exceeding the anticipated 40. To maintain the programme’s effectiveness, the number of participants was capped at 200-250. The minister expressed optimism about the programme’s future, which will be shaped by the outcomes of this initial course.

Set to begin on August 2nd, the 10-week programme will be conducted virtually on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with no cost to participants. In-person sessions will also be held in Georgetown, with travel assistance available for those coming from distant areas. Topics to be covered include climate change, climate justice, environmental issues, private business rights, and artificial intelligence.

Minister Teixeira concluded by highlighting the broader impact of the course, aiming to foster respect and understanding in everyday interactions within society. This educational initiative is seen as a crucial tool for promoting human rights awareness and respectful conduct across various sectors in Guyana.