Guyana to host UN small states engagement workshop

Nov 18, 2018 News

Guyana is set to host a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing the engagement of Small Island States with the United Nations human rights body. The workshop marks the first official visit of a human rights council to the Caribbean region.
The workshop is scheduled for two days from tomorrow at the Pegasus Hotel. It will see government representatives from across the Caribbean coming together with the President of the Human Rights Council, Vojislav Šuc of Slovenia.
The representatives are expected to participate in an unprecedented meeting to discuss ways in which they can maximize their engagement with the Geneva-based Council, the United Nations’ body responding to all human rights situations across the globe.
It is expected that the event be opened by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who is performing the duties of President.
The two-day workshop was organized by the Trust Fund to Support the Participation of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the work of the Human Rights Council, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Government of Guyana, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.
The workshop provides an opportunity for officials of the 14 member States of CARICOM to interact, exchange information, experiences and ideas on how to better engage with the Geneva-based Council.
It is expected that the workshop which facilitates some 40 participants inclusive of Government officials from Guyana, and Colin Granderson, Assistant Secretary-General of CARICOM, will identify and document good practices that can further enhance and strengthen the effective participation of their respective countries in the Human Rights Council, both nationally and regionally identify and document good practices that can further enhance and strengthen the effective participation of their respective countries in the Human Rights Council, both nationally and regionally.
Speaking about the meeting, Ambassador Suc highlighted that “only six of the 14 countries in the Caribbean region have a permanent mission in Geneva. It is therefore essential that those unable to attend our meetings in Geneva have their voices heard.
“This will enhance our efforts to promote universality in our work. Thanks to the Trust Fund and this gathering in the Guyanese capital, this is becoming a reality.”

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