A/HRC/15/14
27.
The delegation stated that the second Commission of Inquiry investigating
allegations of extrajudicial killings in 2004 and 2005 had vitiated the then Minister of
Home Affairs, who had nevertheless resigned. The relevant report had included
recommendations concerning the use of firearms and other force as well as a more
transparent method of issuing firearms, and all of those recommendations had been
implemented.
28.
In relation to the advance questions regarding the case of Twyon Thomas in October
2009 and the so-called Phantom Squad of 2002-2006, the delegation stated that to date, two
police ranks had been charged and the Medical Doctor involved in the case had been
censored by the Guyana Medical Council. Through proper leadership and supervision,
coupled with the installation of security cameras, the police interrogation would be
monitored, and the allegations of the Phantom Squad were currently being investigated.
One of the cases was currently before the Court. The delegation stated that, despite severe
challenges to and within the security sector, many interventions continued to bear fruit, and
that Guyana remained committed to ensuring public safety and the protection of the rights
of its citizens.
29.
The delegation stated that, while Guyana remained committed to complying with all
its treaty obligations, it did not possess sufficient human and financial resources to staff a
department for that purpose. It had, however, established a unit to work towards complying
with outstanding reporting obligations by the end of 2010.
30.
The delegation indicated that, as Guyana strived to achieve the Millennium
Development Goals and to carry out its Poverty Reduction Strategy, it would need to make
critical choices with respect to where its scarce resources – especially financial resources -should be directed. In that regard, the delegation stated that such choices included building
a new school to cater for added enrolment or providing lunch for hinterland schoolchildren,
as opposed to rehabilitating a prison. Both were issues of human rights, but those
concerning children were of priority.
31.
Guyana was also required to deal with the effects of climate change by allocating
scarce resources to the installation of critical infrastructure to protect its coast, as well as
the provision of assistance to farmers whose crops had been lost or who had been otherwise
affected by adverse weather patterns.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
32.
During the interactive dialogue, 32 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are found in section II of the present report. Delegations
welcomed the national report, which had been drafted as a result of national consultation
and commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as to the
universal periodic review.
33.
Algeria highlighted the adoption of the Inclusive Governance Model, aimed at
reducing violence by ensuring the participation of all stakeholders in matters affecting
them. It noted with satisfaction efforts aimed at promoting food security and alleviating the
impact of the global economic crisis and climate change. It added that Guyana had been
able to move from least-developed-country status to low-middle-income status in 2006, and
asked for further information about the programme to address violence against women,
entitled “Stamp It Out”. Algeria made recommendations.
34.
India commended Guyana on notable efforts to reconstruct the country and
consolidate its democracy. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme had contributed
substantially to the reduction of poverty. As for education, India requested further
information about measures being taken to address high drop-out rates. India encouraged
7
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents