THE recent praise for Guyana’s adoption of the International Measures for the Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2025 by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights goes beyond simple diplomacy.

It highlights Guyana’s role as a leader in child welfare legislation in the region. This legislative milestone, passed in the National Assembly on June 5, 2025, is significant not just for the international recognition it has received, but for what it means for the protection of Guyana’s most vulnerable citizens. 

Implementing the 1996 Hague Convention into Guyana’s legal system closes important gaps in cross-border child protection that have long affected families dealing with international custody issues, adoptions, and visitation rights.

In a world where people often move across borders, this law offers much-needed clarity and legal certainty for families caught in jurisdictional difficulties.

The creation of a Central Authority to handle international cooperation requests represents an efficient bureaucratic approach that puts children’s well-being first. 

This achievement stands out due to its timing and context. While many countries face challenges with basic child protection, Guyana has actively embraced international best practices, joining eleven other CARICOM nations that have ratified this convention.

This positions Guyana as a proactive partner in regional child protection efforts rather than a follower. 

The recognition by the IACHR confirms Guyana’s commitment to improving child protection systems, building on programmes like “Every Child Safe”, and recent laws such as the Family Violence Act.

Minister Vindhya Persaud’s leadership in guiding the legislation through Parliament shows that the government understands ensuring children’s safety requires national awareness and international collaboration. 

However, having a law alone is not enough to protect children. The real test lies in how well the law is implemented. It is crucial that the Central Authority operates smoothly; that cross-border cooperation happens easily, and that Guyana’s courts can handle complex international legal systems quickly and effectively.

The government must continue to invest in training officials, developing solid systems, and maintaining the political will to prioritise children’s needs over bureaucratic convenience. 

This achievement reflects a State that recognises children’s rights as fundamental human rights worthy of progressive legal protection.

As Guyana moves forward and makes its mark on the world, this kind of legislation shows that the country’s growth includes not only economic development, but also a deep commitment to human dignity and social progress.