Minister within the Ministry of Housing Vanessa Benn said on Tuesday that Guyana is resolute in its support for and advocacy on behalf of people of African descent to live in dignity and thrive in societies defined by equity, justice and opportunity.
Speaking at the Fifth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Benn reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to international agreements including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA).
She said Guyana condemned human rights violations and called for greater protection of people of African descent against racial discrimination, systemic racism, exclusion and socioeconomic inequality.
Benn noted that while the United Nations’ recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity remained long overdue, it marked an important step, as she raised concerns about worsening global conditions driven by conflict, supply chain disruptions, rising living costs and climate change.
She said these challenges contributed to higher levels of poverty, food insecurity and environmental vulnerability, and criticised the disproportionate treatment of people of African descent within migrant populations.
Guyana also called for increased support for the Permanent Forum and more responsive action from the United Nations in advocating for and protecting vulnerable groups.
Benn said the government pursued a pro-poor, pro-growth development model aimed at ensuring equitable access to housing, potable water and improved food systems under its “One Guyana” initiative.
She added that 47.1% of the 51,756 house lots allocated nationwide over the past five years went to Guyanese of African descent, as part of efforts to expand homeownership and reduce disparities.
The government also focused on strengthening rural and ancestral communities through economic opportunities and resilience programmes, she said.
