ERC issues 34 hate speech warnings in June

Jul 11, 2026 News

…as racial toxicity, religious bigotry surge online

(Kaieteur News) – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) said it has issued 34 cautionary warnings for ethnic and religiously offensive social media posts during June, underscoring what it says is the persistent challenge of hate speech even as it intensifies efforts to promote national unity.

In its June 2026 monthly report, the constitutional body revealed that the number of warnings issued by its Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) climbed from 27 in May to 34 in June, with racial slurs and derogatory remarks accounting for the bulk of the violations.

According to the Commission, the recorded infractions comprised 10 racial slurs, nine racially derogatory remarks, six racially prejudiced or insensitive comments, three racially hateful remarks, two racially divisive statements and one racial stereotype. Three additional warnings were issued for religiously intolerant remarks.

The increase came as the ERC simultaneously expanded its public campaign aimed at fostering greater ethnic harmony and mutual respect across Guyana’s diverse society.

At the centre of those efforts was the Commission’s flagship National Symposium, “Guyana at 60: Unity, Diversity and the Path Forward,” staged on June 30 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The event brought together representatives of Government, the Parliamentary Opposition, the diplomatic community, private sector, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and youth representatives to examine the country’s ethnic relations as Guyana marks its 60th anniversary.

The ERC said the discussion will not end with the symposium. It has since launched an online public questionnaire through its official social media platforms, inviting citizens across the country to contribute their views. The responses will be combined with submissions received during the symposium to produce what the Commission described as a comprehensive, evidence-based national report to be laid before the National Assembly.

Beyond the national forum, the Commission also carried its diversity message into workplaces through a series of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training sessions conducted with EdYou FM, Banks DIH Limited, the National Commission on Disability and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The sessions focused on inclusive workplace practices, unconscious bias and respectful engagement among employees.

The ERC also used the International Building Expo 2026 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, to educate hundreds of visitors about its constitutional role and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Commission’s Investigative Unit reported that it is currently managing a consolidated caseload of 83 matters spanning the period 2022 to 2026. The matters include three cases from 2022-2023, 14 carried over from 2024, 49 from 2025 and 17 recorded so far this year. No new complaints were received during June.

The report shows that 23 matters remain pending Sub-Committee review, while 17 are actively under investigation. Five matters are listed as pending, three are awaiting legal advice and two are currently at the conciliation stage.

The Commission also reported that nearly 40 per cent of its total caseload has already reached some form of closure. Twenty-four matters have been closed by the ERC, six investigations have been completed and three complaints were withdrawn. No cases have been referred to external agencies or are awaiting statutory decisions.

The ERC said it remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence through public education, stakeholder engagement, investigations and conflict resolution, while continuing to discharge its constitutional mandate of fostering mutual respect and understanding among all Guyanese.

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ERC, hate speech, online hate, racial toxicity, religious bigotry

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