IDPADA-G Calls for Action on Systemic Inequalities, Human Rights Violations

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Georgetown, Guyana (Credible Sources) The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) has vowed to press forward with its advocacy for recognition, justice, and development under the Second United Nations Decade for People of African Descent. At a press conference on January 20, 2025, IDPADA-G Chairman Vincent Alexander outlined persistent challenges and announced plans to address socioeconomic inequities and human rights violations affecting Afro-Guyanese communities.

Alexander framed the UN’s decision to establish a second decade as a critical response to unresolved legacies of slavery and colonialism. Quoting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, he emphasized the need to “secure the full rights and freedoms of people of African descent,” dismantle systemic racism, and confront neo-colonial structures. He noted that Guyana remains afflicted by discriminatory practices across institutions, including public service, security forces, and land rights.

“We in Guyana are still victims of the remnants of enslavement and colonization, and I dare say have found ourselves in a state of neo-colonialism,” Alexander said. He pointed to violations of key human rights articles, citing extrajudicial killings, property rights breaches, and inequitable access to justice as ongoing issues. He referenced the recent displacement of residents in the Mocha Arcadia corridor as a glaring example of institutional discrimination.

Alexander called out the government’s reluctance to implement policies specific to Afro-Guyanese communities, despite the UN’s repeated calls for targeted initiatives. “The government contends that there are no peculiar, specific, historic problems affecting the people of African descent,” he stated, adding that handouts and small grants are insufficient to address structural inequalities.

IDPADA-G’s local and international efforts remain focused on advocacy and empowerment. Alexander confirmed the organization’s active participation in the upcoming Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva. This review will assess the Guyanese government’s progress on human rights issues and identify areas for further action. “We will be active participants in that review,” Alexander affirmed, noting that the UN will issue new recommendations to the government.

Responding to questions about IDPADA-G’s relationship with emerging government-sponsored organizations, Alexander expressed skepticism. He described them as “government-sponsored fronts” aimed at creating the appearance of outreach to the Afro-Guyanese community without addressing substantive issues. “We are not in the business of condemning the right to freedom of association, but these organizations are not bottom-up African Guyanese organizations,” he said.

Despite financial constraints, IDPADA-G remains determined to fulfill its mandate. Alexander highlighted the organization’s reliance on volunteer efforts and international support for technical and financial assistance. He announced plans to finalize a “Way Forward” document through consultations, which will guide IDPADA-G’s activities over the next decade.

Alexander criticized the government’s approach to addressing the UN’s mandate. He accused officials of avoiding meaningful action by equating small grants with substantive reform. “Those grants do not address the core issues of the decade,” he said. “It is a deceitful act to suggest that they do.” He declared, “We will continue our work at both the local and international levels to ensure that recognition, justice, and development are achieved for people of African descent.”