Wed, Jul 1, 2026
Wed, Jul 1, 2026
Guyana human rights programme expands with overwhelming public interest
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira on Wednesday said the International Human Rights Law Certificate Programme continues to receive overwhelming public interest.
This year, the course curated by Guyana to build public understanding of human rights, international treaties, and constitutional obligations, had 1,000 applications with only 300 accepted due to space constraints. The 2025 cohort were welcomed by the minister during a launch programme at the Royal International Hotel, Mandela.
“We’ve designed this programme with people in mind. It’s not designed by consultants or external agencies – it’s ours.
“If there’s anything wrong with it, we take responsibility. We can’t blame anyone else,” Teixeira said.
The programme, which was first introduced in 2024, was developed within the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance in consultation with national and international partners, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, FAO, and UNESCO. The aim, Teixeira said, was to address widespread misconceptions about Guyana’s constitutional framework and the international treaties it has signed.
“We recognised, from what was being said in the newspapers, on social media, and even at exhibitions, that many people didn’t really understand these treaties or the constitutional ban. So we decided to start a programme to help people learn,” the minister explained.
Despite limited capacity, Teixeira said the ministry is committed to maintaining quality and inclusivity. The minister added that the course has also evolved to keep pace with emerging global issues. The 2025 edition incorporates new modules on anti-corruption and human rights, artificial intelligence, climate change, and food security – reflecting the changing landscape of international governance.
The 2025 course features three classes per week over a six-week period, including both virtual and in-person sessions. The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, and Chancellor (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire are expected to deliver guest lectures during the programme.