International Mechanism Submissions

The Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (Guyana) prohibits torture, but Guyana maintains laws authorizing whipping and flogging as penalties for certain crimes. There are also reports of torture and mistreatment of detained persons and a lack of independent review of detention facilities. Guyana has not adopted the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Guyana’s Constitution expressly recognizes use of the death penalty and Guyanese law authorizes death sentences for convictions not involving the most serious crimes. The Government of Guyana has not executed anyone sentenced to death since 1997. Guyana, however, has not formalized this moratorium on executions, nor has it ratified or acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and courts continue to impose the death penalty.

A nation-wide consultative process is currently underway regarding potential changes to Guyana’s Constitution. Changes could include abolishing references to the death penalty, but such changes to the Constitution would require a majority approval by the legislature and of Guyanese citizens who vote through a referendum.