HIGHLIGHTS OF INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY THE ERC UNDER THE CURRENT COMMISSION

Press Release

ERC Demonstrates Impact and Innovation: Action Advancing Harmony, Equity, and Inclusion Across Guyana

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Guyana’s constitutional body established to promote ethnic harmony and inclusion, has reported transformative progress over the past two years, directly reaching more than 21,000 citizens, strengthening institutions, and building bridges of understanding across all regions.

From school outreaches and national campaigns to international partnerships and technology-driven reforms, the ERC continues to deliver tangible results that foster peace, unity, and mutual respect in Guyana’s diverse society.

Empowering a New Generation of Harmony Ambassadors

Between 2023 and 2025, the ERC engaged over 17,000 students across more than 150 schools through its ongoing School engagements and Back-to-School Programmes. These interactive sessions promoted respect, tolerance, and cooperation among Guyana’s youth while addressing issues such as bullying and xenophobia.

Educational materials, including posters, storybooks, and colouring tools, were distributed to reinforce the principles of inclusion and diversity, helping to shape the next generation of citizens committed to fostering harmony and national unity.

Launching of ERC Harmony Club

The ERC has partnered with the Ministry of Education to launch Harmony Clubs within schools. These Clubs are designed to provide students with a supportive space to learn about respect, diversity, empathy, and peaceful problem-solving through guided activities and cultural exploration. The first pilot Club was launched at Stella Maris Primary, with additional pilot phases underway at North Georgetown Secondary, Comenius Primary, St. Gabriel’s Primary, and St. Ambrose Primary. This initiative encourages young people to become ambassadors of harmony within their schools and communities, helping to nurture a future generation that embraces tolerance and diversity.

Promoting Democracy and Accountability

In 2023 and 2025 the ERC coordinated the Code of Conduct Signing Ceremonies for Local Government and General/Regional Elections, respectively at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, canvassing political parties under a shared commitment to ethical campaigning and the prevention of hate speech and racial incitement.

For the Local Government Elections 2023, the ERC also deployed 60 election observers across five regions, covering over 250 polling stations. Its findings confirmed the elections were free, fair, and peaceful, underscoring the ERC’s role in safeguarding democracy and social cohesion.

Building on this foundation, the ERC successfully executed its largest observation mission to date during the 2025 General and Regional Elections. The ERC deployed 160 Observers across the country and conducted campaign monitoring in 9 Regions.

This national presence was complemented by a comprehensive media and public awareness campaign that spanned television, radio, print, and ERC’s social media platforms. The campaign promoted messages of peace, respect, tolerance, and national unity, reminding citizens of the importance of maintaining harmony during the electoral process, which contributed meaningfully to fostering a climate of calm, restraint, and mutual respect during the electoral period.

Strengthened Investigations and Media Oversight

The ERC’s Investigative Unit processed over 160 complaints between March 2023 and February 2025, addressing issues such as discrimination, workplace bias, and hate speech.

Simultaneously, the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) handled 448 media cases, issuing 267 cautionary statements to curb racial, xenophobic, and religiously intolerant content. These interventions underscore the ERC’s commitment to accountability and the promotion of responsible communication in both traditional and digital media.

Technology and Collaboration

In a landmark move, the ERC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in October 2024 to introduce AI-driven ‘E-Monitor+’ software, a first in the region. This innovation will enhance the Commission’s ability to identify and counter hate speech and misinformation online.

Countering Hate Speech: A National Movement

In collaboration with UN Guyana, the ERC launched the Countering Hate Speech Campaign on June 18, 2024, coinciding with the UN’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech.

Workshops targeting youth organizations, journalists, social media influencers, and disc jockeys have since been conducted to promote respectful communication and reduce divisive rhetoric. The campaign has gained nationwide traction through social media, schools, and community outreach.

Expanding Outreach and Inclusion

The ERC conducted over 20 stakeholder and community engagements across Regions 1–10, bringing its services directly to citizens. Participation in major events, such as GuyExpo, Building Expo, the National Toshaos Council Conference, Christmas Toy Drive, Diwali Jalsa, Ramadan Village, and the Human Rights Expo, connected the ERC with thousands of Guyanese, broadening awareness of its constitutional role and complaint mechanisms.

Training and Institutional Development

The Commission designed and launched its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training Programme, reaching 210 professionals across public institutions, private sector entities, and civil society groups, which further strengthened institutional integrity and public trust in the ERC’s operations.

Unity through Culture and Sports

The ERC also launched a Public Diversity Library in 2024, expanding access to literature that celebrates Guyana’s multicultural heritage, such as Emancipation and Heritage Celebrations. Additionally, the ERC participated in key interfaith events, including the Christmas Toy Drive, Ramadan Village and Diwali Jalsa, to deepen interreligious understanding.

Through its Harmony League T-10 Cricket Tournament, the ERC Jingle Competition, and festive initiatives such as Christmas Toy Drives in Regions 1, 7, and 10, the Commission used creativity and compassion to promote togetherness and goodwill.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Over the period, the ERC enhanced collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, Rotary Club of Georgetown, Ministry of Education, UNHCR/IOM, and other partners. A joint Working Group with the GPF was established to improve coordination on hate crime investigations and case resolution, a milestone in law enforcement cooperation.

ERC’s Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, “The ERC’s progress reflects dedication and partnership. We are not merely responding to issues of ethnicity and discrimination; we are proactively building bridges of understanding, guided by the principle that unity and diversity are the twin pillars of Guyana’s strength.”

About the ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is a constitutional body established under Article 212D of the Constitution of Guyana. It is mandated to promote harmony and good relations among all ethnic groups, through monitoring, public education and awareness, and investigating complaints of ethnic discrimination.

Ethnic Relations Commission

November 5, 2025

— END —