In a recent address to the UN permanent forum on People of African Descent in Switzerland, Attorney Nigel Hughes delivered a scathing rebuke of the government’s actions, accusing it of unjustly defunding organizations dedicated to supporting the rights and development of people of African descent in the country.
Hughes, speaking on behalf of the IDPADA-G organization comprising 78 non-governmental local Guyanese entities, highlighted the government’s blatant disregard for the contributions of people of African descent to Guyana’s post-emancipation development. He stated that their contributions are either not recognized or subject to revisionism and degradation, painting a bleak picture of the treatment of African Guyanese in their daily lives.
Drawing attention to the recent Human Rights Committee hearing on Guyana, Hughes cited the committee’s concerns about the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and the failure to provide full protection against all forms of discrimination, particularly affecting African Guyanese.
He emphasized the importance of incorporating the history and heritage of people of African descent into school curricula, as called for by international declarations such as the Durban Declaration of 2001 and the United Nations declaration in 2013. However, Hughes shared that the government has failed to heed these calls, leading to a perpetuation of identity crises and injustices against people of African descent in Guyana.
Furthermore, Hughes criticized the government’s refusal to engage in dialogue with the assembly to advocate for a plan of action for the decade and the introduction of African descendent history into school curricula. He called upon the forum to challenge state parties to redress these injustices and promote greater knowledge, tolerance, and respect for the diverse heritage and contributions of people of African descent.
The government’s actions, as highlighted by Hughes, have sparked outrage and condemnation from civil society groups and advocates for racial equality. Many are calling for immediate action to address systemic discrimination and ensure the rights and dignity of all Guyanese citizens, regardless of their ethnic background.