Summary
The requesting organizations expressed concerns over high levels of sexual and gender-based violence against women in Guyana, including migrant women, trans women, and sex workers. Between 2020-2024, 275 cases of violence against migrant women were reported, 69 cases of violence against trans women between 2018-2022 and 27 cases against sex workers in 2023. The requesting organizations stressed the need for legal reforms to safeguard these vulnerable groups. The State highlighted its progress in protecting women and improving access to justice, citing legislative measures like the recently passed Family Violence Act, proposed updates to Sexual Offences Acts, specialized support programs for Venezuelan migrants and special gender-based violence police units. The IACHR welcomed the advancements made by the State, particularly the Family Violence Act and stressed the need for further dialogue and collaboration between the State and civil society. Further, the Commission called for robust accountability mechanisms to ensure the efficiency and impact of the State’s protection systems in comprehensively addressing gender-based violence.
Participants
- Guyana Equality Forum (GEF)
- Inititatives for Human Rights (Synergia)
- State of Guyana
Topics
- Rights of Persons LGBTI
- Rights of Migrants and their Families
- Rights of Women