Thank you, Mr Vice-President,

We welcome the steps taken by Guyana to improve the legal framework for human rights, including efforts to advance gender equality.

Yet challenges remain, particularly in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and persons with disabilities, as well as safeguarding fundamental freedoms such as press freedom and civic space.

Ongoing efforts to strengthen human rights must be complemented by tangible action to address these concerns and ensure that all citizens, including marginalised communities, can fully enjoy their rights without fear of discrimination or violence.

We recommend that Guyana:

1. Takes steps to safeguard press freedom and ensure the independence of the media, by refraining from intimidation, ensuring equitable access to state resources for all media outlets and committing to international press standards.

2. Strengthens civic participation by establishing formal and transparent mechanisms for regular consultations with civil society organisations on policy development.

3. Continues to strengthen legal protections for LGBT+ individuals, by decriminalising consensual same-sex relations between adults, and combatting discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Thank you.