ERC commemorates Int’l Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination

See below the full release from the ERC:

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) hosted a commemorative event on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Umana Yana, marking the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination alongside another anniversary since the life of the new Commission was reconstituted in 2023.

It is noteworthy that both observances fall on March 21; however, the event was convened on March 23 to facilitate broader participation and engagement among stakeholders.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic community, government officials, opposition parliamentarians, international partners, fellow Commissioners and key stakeholders to reflect on progress made in promoting harmony and to reaffirm a shared commitment to eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms.

Delivering the opening remarks, Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack, underscored the importance of sustained national effort in fostering unity and social cohesion. “Guyana’s diversity remains one of our greatest strengths, but it requires deliberate and continuous effort to ensure it is preserved as a unifying force. Harmony cannot be left to chance, it must be actively cultivated, protected, and reflected in how we engage with one another each day.”

He noted further that “the fight against racial discrimination is not confined to history; it is a present and ongoing responsibility. If we are to meaningfully address it, we must move beyond reaction to prevention, shaping attitudes through education, dialogue, and especially the engagement of our young people. Ultimately, this responsibility does not rest with institutions alone, but with every citizen, in the choices we make to promote respect, understanding, and unity.”

Providing the international perspective, Her Excellency Jean Njeri Kamau, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator to Guyana, highlighted the global significance of the observance and the continued relevance of collective action in addressing racial discrimination. She posited that the “UN remains committed to working alongside the government and people of Guyana to advance non discrimination, equality and inclusion underlying the 2030 agenda of sustainable development.”

Her Excellency underscored the far-reaching and often damaging impact of social media, noting that while it serves as a powerful tool for connection, it can also amplify division and harmful narratives if left unchecked. She emphasized the need for sustained and meaningful engagement through continuous dialogue, active listening, and the creation of safe, inclusive spaces where diverse voices can be heard and respected. In this regard, she reiterated the importance of advancing inclusive policies and collective action as essential measures in addressing and ultimately eliminating racial discrimination.

A key highlight of the programme was a Harmony Club presentation by students of Stella Maris Primary School. As a pioneering school in the Commission’s Harmony Club initiative, the students delivered a symbolic unity exercise that reflected the values of inclusion, respect, and shared identity, reinforcing the importance of nurturing these principles from an early age.

The feature address was delivered by the Honourable Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, who underscored the national importance of strengthening inclusive practices and safeguarding social harmony.

In her remarks, the Minister reflected on the meaningful progress Guyana has made in addressing racial discrimination, while acknowledging that continued effort is required to further advance equity and inclusion. She emphasized that Guyana’s longstanding tradition of multiculturalism and religious tolerance remains a defining strength, urging that it be both valued and strengthened through honest reflection and collective responsibility. As she noted, “We must not denigrate the way we live as a people; we must look for where there are positives and where there are weaknesses to be able to correct them.”

According to the Minister, the state has instituted a range of national initiatives that serve as systemic measures to address inequality and promote inclusive development. Some of the measures she highlighted include expanded access to education through scholarships and free education up to the tertiary level, targeted programmes supporting women’s economic empowerment, financial assistance for schoolchildren, large-scale housing initiatives, and strategic investments in hinterland communities. She noted that these initiatives continue to expand access to education, healthcare, potable water, and economic opportunities, contributing to the broader national objective of fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and socially cohesive Guyana.

The programme also featured a cultural presentation by the National School of Dance, whose performance creatively depicted the diversity of Guyana’s six peoples and the interconnectedness of cultural expressions across communities.

Master of Ceremonies for the programme, Commissioner Neaz Subhan, emphasized the central role of education in advancing social cohesion, noting that “at the Ethnic Relations Commission, we firmly believe that education brings understanding, understanding brings appreciation, and appreciation fosters tolerance.

He further highlighted the collective responsibility required to fulfil the Commission’s constitutional mandate, observing that while the ERC comprises ten Commissioners, the success of its work depends on the active participation of every citizen. In this regard, he underscored that the Commission’s mission is closely aligned with the aspirations of the Guyanese people, i.e. to build a peaceful, harmonious, and unified society, and reaffirmed the Commission’s continued commitment to advancing these principles in its work.