IN commemoration of International Youth Day on August 12th, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) of Guyana, in partnership with United Nations (UN) Guyana, hosted a pivotal workshop aimed at empowering young people to combat hate speech.
The event, held at Cara Lodge, brought together a diverse group of youths from various organisations to engage in educational and capacity-building activities focused on promoting harmony and addressing the challenges of hate speech.
Key figures at the event included Shaykh Moenul Hack, Chairman of the ERC, Ms. Gomin Camacho, CEO of the ERC, Mr. Nicolas Pron, Area Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname, and Ms. Tricia Teekah, UN Human Rights Advisor.

In his opening remarks, Chairman Hack emphasised that while Guyanese society is largely peaceful, challenges remain, particularly as the nation approaches the 2025 elections, a period historically marked by heightened ethnic tensions and an increase in hate speech.
He noted the importance of engaging key stakeholders, including media representatives, social media influencers, and parliamentarians, in the ongoing campaign against hate speech.
Ms. Camacho highlighted the critical role of Guyana’s youth population—the largest demographic in the country—in the ERC’s Countering Hate Speech campaign.
She pointed out that hate speech, often disseminated through online platforms, causes significant harm to individuals and communities.
“Through our Media Monitoring Unit, we have consistently observed that online platforms are the primary medium for violations,” Camacho stated.
She explained that the workshop was designed to equip young participants with the knowledge and tools to recognise and counteract hate speech in all its forms.
The workshop featured interactive sessions led by expert facilitators and technical staff from the ERC and UN Guyana. These sessions covered various aspects of hate speech, including its forms, impacts, relevant laws and regulations, and potential penalties for violations.
Through group discussions and practical activities, participants developed a draft action plan outlining strategies to counter hate speech in their communities. This draft will be further refined and used by the ERC and its partners to enhance their ongoing campaign.
The collaboration between the ERC and UN Guyana underscores a shared commitment to tackling hate speech as a global issue requiring local action. The ERC announced plans to conduct another workshop focused on working with social media influencers, members of the media, and DJs—key stakeholders whose platforms can effect positive change. This initiative is part of a broader effort to raise awareness and promote education on the importance of countering hate speech in Guyana.