Guyana
In Guyana, the human rights landscape in early 2026 is defined by the country’s rapid economic transformation into an "oil-rich" state. While the government of President Irfaan Ali has used the 2026 budget to fund significant social rights expansions, the country continues to struggle with archaic colonial-era laws, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, and recent tensions over media access.
1. LGBTQ+ Rights and the Decriminalization Debate
Guyana remains a significant outlier as the only country in South America where consensual same-sex sexual acts are still technically criminalized.
Criminalization: Sections 351–353 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act of 1893 (buggery and gross indecency laws) remain on the books. While rarely enforced, these laws carry potential sentences up to life imprisonment.
Presidential Promises: Following the September 2025 elections, President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed a commitment to work with organizations like SASOD (Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination) to finally decriminalize same-sex acts.
Legal Protections: There are still no specific national laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or healthcare.
2. Media Freedom and Parliamentary Access
In early 2026, a high-profile dispute has emerged between the government and the press corps regarding transparency.
National Assembly Restrictions: In February 2026, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) formally protested new restrictions on budget debate coverage. Previously, up to 17 journalists could access the Parliament floor; new rules limit this to seven accredited representatives.
Department of Public Information (DPI) Monopoly: Journalists have expressed concern over having to rely on a state-provided video feed rather than direct camera access, citing frequent interruptions and a lack of transparency.
The "Media Index": While the government claims to be "expanding" access, independent media houses report increased instances of being heckled at public events or excluded from specific government briefings.
3. Indigenous (Amerindian) Land Rights
With the expansion of the mining and carbon credit sectors, Indigenous land rights have become a central political battleground in 2026.
Land Titling: The government earmarked $400 million in the 2026 Budget to accelerate the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) program. Since 2020, 17 certificates of title have been issued, but over 50 villages still have pending claims.
The LCDS Controversy: The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) has channeled over $14.5 billion to Indigenous villages from carbon credit sales. However, some village leaders argue that the "opt-in" process lacks "free, prior, and informed consent" (FPIC) as defined by international standards.
Traditional vs. Modern Living: A public row erupted in early 2026 between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the opposition over the promotion of traditional housing, with advocates stressing that development should not "erase Indigenous identity."
4. Judicial and Prison Reform
The Guyanese legal system is undergoing its most significant modernization in decades to address "punitive" colonial legacies.
The New Prison Bill (2025/2026): In late 2025, the government moved to replace the 1957 Prison Act with a modern framework focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This includes mandatory reintegration programs and vocational training (carpentry, masonry).
Judiciary Infrastructure Crisis: Despite legislative progress, stakeholders in January 2026 reported "alarming" security and infrastructure shortages in courtrooms. Many judges lack basic surveillance systems and sufficient security personnel, leading to safety concerns during high-profile trials.
Overcrowding: While reconstruction at the Lusignan and Mazaruni prisons has eased some pressure, the prison population remains "fluid" and often exceeds capacity, leading to reliance on the "Joint Services" (military and police) to maintain order.