Govt remains committed to development of basic human rights for all  

– administration welcomes any assistance which can further develop human right initiatives in Guyana – Min. Greenidge

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, November 21, 2018

The government recognises and remains committed to the promotion and protection of human rights nationally and across the international community.

This is according to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, as he addressed a Public Commemorative Lecture to honour the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR).

The public lecture was held at the Education Lecture Theatre of the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

Minister Greenidge noted that human rights remain a critical pillar because social and economic development cannot take place without a solid foundation based on respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“This is evident in the fact that Guyana is a signatory to virtually all of the Human Rights instruments adopted by the international community since the 1948 declaration.”

The UDHR was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, 1948. It was the first time that countries agreed on a comprehensive statement of absolute human rights.

The minister said while it is the government’s intention to fulfil its obligations of monitoring and reporting on human rights issues in a timely manner, limited technical capacity poses a challenge. “Guyana, therefore, welcomes all assistance extended to us in helping us overcome this particular challenge” Minister Greenidge adds.

On the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, developing countries are being urged to examine their own promotion of Human Rights issues, both nationally and internationally.

Felecia Valenzuela

Images: Jules Gibson