ERC records rise in ethnic hate speech

…issues 45 cautionary warnings in 1 month

The Media Monitoring Unit (MMU), in its monitoring of online content between September 26 and October 23, 2026, recorded 45 cautionary warnings relating to ethnic hate speech, an increase from 33 in the preceding reporting period.
The warnings addressed a range of concerns, including 12 instances of standalone racial slurs, 10 involving religious intolerance, 10 involving racially prejudiced or insensitive remarks, five relating to xenophobic content, three each concerning racially divisive and derogatory remarks, and two involving racially hateful comments.
Additionally, four matters originating on Facebook were referred to the Investigative Unit for further consideration, bringing the total number of matters transmitted by the MMU to the Unit for 2026 to 15.
The figures were disclosed in the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) monthly report for October, released on Friday, which outlined the Commission’s work in monitoring online content, investigating complaints and promoting peaceful coexistence among Guyana’s ethnic groups.
The Commission urged users to engage responsibly online, reminding them that disagreements should be expressed respectfully and without language or conduct that promotes prejudice, discrimination or division.
Meanwhile, as at October 29, the Investigative Unit had an active caseload of 94 matters dating from 2022 to 2026. Of these, 57 were recorded as closed and eight as completed, while 10 remained under active investigation. The remaining matters were at various stages of review, legal consideration, conciliation or statutory decision.
The caseload comprised 58 matters relating to racial discrimination, 15 concerning religious discrimination, nine involving ethnic discrimination and one involving combined ethnic and racial discrimination. A further 11 matters were assessed as falling outside the Commission’s statutory mandate. During October, the Unit received five new matters, contributing to its 2026 caseload.

Community outreach
Apart from its monitoring and investigative responsibilities, the ERC said that it continued its public education and community outreach programmes during the month, with particular attention to constitutional reform, youth development and strengthening relations among communities.
A major activity was a national consultation held on October 13 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where representatives of the Commission’s constituencies and members of the public examined recommendations from the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) relevant to the ERC’s mandate.
Participants also reviewed the draft ERC Glossary of Ethnically Sensitive Terms, which is intended to raise awareness about the impact of language on ethnicity, race, religion and community relations.
The Commission clarified that the glossary remains a working draft and is still undergoing review and vetting, with further feedback being considered before a final version is prepared. Recommendations arising from the consultation will inform the ERC’s report to the CRC, which is expected to be submitted before December 31, 2026.

Harmony Clubs
The Commission said it also expanded its Harmony Clubs initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, establishing five new clubs during October at Wales and Vreed-en-Hoop Primary Schools in Region Three, Yarrowkabra Primary School in Region Four, and Christianburg and Mackenzie Primary Schools in Region Ten.
The initiative engaged hundreds of pupils through activities promoting tolerance, mutual respect, empathy and peaceful conflict resolution. The clubs are intended to help children appreciate Guyana’s ethnic, cultural and religious diversity and encourage them to promote harmony in their schools, homes and communities.
Community engagement also featured in the Commission’s October activities.
On October 28, the ERC convened a stakeholder consultation at the Toevlugt/Patentia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) compound in Region Three, bringing together residents and regional officials from Belle Vue, Good Intent, Sisters Village, Wales, Bagotville and Patentia.
The meeting, ERC said, provided an opportunity for residents to raise community concerns and discuss ways to strengthen ethnic cohesion and peaceful relations. The Commission said matters raised were considered in keeping with its mandate, while issues outside its jurisdiction were directed to the relevant authorities.
The ERC said it remains committed to addressing complaints within its constitutional mandate, listening to citizens and working with communities and relevant institutions to strengthen mutual respect and harmonious relations among all Guyanese.

Source: Guyana Times