ERC addresses rising complaints, divisive discourse

Jan 07, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – During December 2025, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) intensified its efforts to address complaints, curb divisive discourse, and uphold its constitutional mandate to promote peace, harmony, and good relations among all Guyanese, the constitutional body said in a press release.

Through the coordinated work of its Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) and Investigative Unit (IU), the Commission said it actively responded to incidents of racially and religiously offensive conduct, reinforcing accountability and respect for diversity.

Throughout the reporting period, the Media Monitoring Unit recorded 717 matters arising from traditional media, election campaign coverage, and social media platforms. Of these, 356 instances involved references to the ERC and were circulated internally for information and situational awareness. More significantly, 303 matters (42%) were addressed through the issuance of cautionary statements, aimed at discouraging inflammatory, misleading, or harmful public commentary that could undermine ethnic harmony.

Additionally, 58 matters (8%) were escalated to the Investigative Unit or the Investigative Sub-Committee for further examination. The most frequently observed infractions included the use of racial slurs, racially prejudicial or insensitive remarks, racially hateful expressions, and religiously intolerant content. These findings underscore the persistent risks posed by unregulated public discourse and the continued necessity of vigilant monitoring and timely intervention.

According to the ERC, the Investigative Unit maintained steady progress in managing both legacy and current complaints. Matters originating from 2022–2023 are largely resolved or at advanced stages of investigation. For 2024, the Unit achieved a 64 percent resolution rate, successfully closing or completing 28 of 44 cases, reflecting improved case management and procedural efficiency.

In 2025, the Commission received 98 formal complaints. Of these, 53 remain active, progressing through various stages including investigation, review, legal assessment, statutory determination, or conciliation. During December alone, 25 matters were closed and 12 cases were completed, while others were transferred, referred to relevant authorities, withdrawn by complainants, or scheduled for conciliation in accordance with established procedures.

These outcomes reflect the ERC’s continued commitment to fairness, due process, and impartial enforcement of the law, while promoting non-punitive resolution mechanisms where appropriate, the release stated. The Commission remains focused on addressing grievances constructively, deterring discriminatory conduct, and fostering a climate of mutual respect.

Through systematic media monitoring, responsive investigative action, and structured complaint resolution processes, the Ethnic Relations Commission reaffirmed its role in December 2025 as a key guardian of social cohesion in Guyana. As the new year approaches, the Commission remains committed to strengthening public trust, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and advancing national unity through accountability and dialogue.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

complaints, discourse, ERC, Media Monitoring Unit

Latest News