GUYANA has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human rights, strengthening democratic institutions, and upholding the rule of law at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame Mc Coy, delivered this statement on behalf of Guyana to the IPU’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Democracy during the October 5-9 assembly.
Mc Coy highlighted Guyana’s participation in the 2025 Universal Periodic Review, during which the country supported 146 of the 206 recommendations received.
He said Guyana was continuing to strengthen constitutional institutions and oversight mechanisms, including the Elections Commission, judiciary, Audit Office, Ombudsman and Rights Commissions, to promote accountability and protect citizens’ rights.
“Democracy, in our understanding, must be meaningful in the daily lives of citizens. It must enable people to participate, express themselves freely, organise, vote, seek justice and hold public institutions accountable,” the minister said.
He also emphasised the importance of Parliament’s role in scrutinising the Executive, protecting fundamental rights and ensuring inclusive participation in democratic processes.
Addressing Guyana’s development agenda, Mc Coy said access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, social protection, and economic opportunities remained essential to human dignity.
“Ultimately, our objective is clear: to build a Guyana in which democracy is stronger, human rights are respected, institutions are accountable, and every citizen can participate meaningfully in shaping the development and future of our country,” he said.
Mc Coy is a member of the 18-person Bureau of the IPU’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Democracy, representing the Latin America and Caribbean Group.
