Institutional framework
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security of Guyana is the permanent government body responsible for formulating policies that ensure the effective delivery of social and welfare services. Its primary objective is to provide minimum levels of social protection to vulnerable and disadvantaged population groups. In addition, it serves as the political and technical counterpart to the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The submission of Guyana's Voluntary National Report on the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development is the responsibility of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, which coordinates the monitoring, reporting, implementation and follow-up of Guyana's obligations under international human rights treaties.
For the preparation of the 2018-2023 Report, a national coordination mechanism was established, led by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This mechanism facilitated the review of Guyana's progress in implementing the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development.
Participation
Guyana has not established mechanisms that guarantee the participation of non-governmental stakeholders within the institutional framework responsible for population and development issues and for monitoring the implementation of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development.
However, articles 212Q, 212S and 212U of the Constitution of Guyana establish the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Indigenous Peoples' Commission and the Rights of the Child Commission as independent bodies. Article 212J (2)(g) provides that these commissions shall liaise with governmental and non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, in addressing the concerns of the persons they represent.
Although linked to Parliament, the autonomy of these commissions enables them to collaborate with a wide range of entities in order to promote and safeguard the rights of the groups they represent.
The information on Institutionality comes from the Voluntary National Reports submitted by the country in 2019 and 2023.