Just one year into its term in office, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has reported that it has received a total of 80 complaints of ethnic and racial discrimination with five of those complaints requiring the attention of the Guyana Police Force. The announcement came today from the Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack. 

At a news conference to mark the one-year anniversary of the current Commission, the ERC Chairman explained that the Commission has settled most of cases before it, via softer means of dispute resolution such as mediation and reconciliation, and to a lesser extent through forwarding cases to the Police for prosecution. 

“With 80 complaints received, the Commission’s Investigative Unit has been instrumental in navigating these complex issues, achieving varying degrees of resolution. Eleven complaints were withdrawn, indicating some disputes could be settled informally; seven investigations concluded, and three cases closed.  Meanwhile, 23 cases remain actively investigated. Additionally, five cases required police intervention, and another 10 were directed to external agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each complaint. Twenty-six cases are awaiting investigation, with two resolved through conciliation,” Hack detailed. 

He said conciliation and mediation could allow for amicable solutions in instances where both parties are cooperative, however, he noted that the process is not without challenges, citing the lack of information required. 

Hack said in some instances, the ERC had little choice other than to call in the police.

“In response to severe instances that threaten societal harmony based on ethnic or racial discord, the Commission takes decisive actions by referring such matters to the Police or other relevant agencies. The ERC reaffirms its commitment to addressing violations and preserving peace,” the ERC Chairman said. 

Hack said in keeping with its mandate, the ERC, through its Media Monitoring Unit also scrutinizes information communicated through mass media such as social media, television, radio, and newspapers for possible breaches of the Racial Hostility Act and the Prevention of Discrimination Act. 

He said thus far, 105 instances of ethnically or racially offensive comments have been detected by the Commission, and warnings issued. Serious infractions were forward to the Investigative arm of the ERC, it was noted.

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