Blog

To ensure citizens with mental health issues who come into conflict with the law are treated with dignity, fairness, and empathy, the country’s first Mental Health Court was launched on Thursday.

There is no physical building designated for the court as yet, so it will be operating through the Georgetown and Bartica Magistrates’ Courts, for now.

Eventually, the aim is to have the service available in all 11 of the magisterial districts.

The overall goal is to decrease the likelihood of individuals reoffending after coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

A section of the gathering at the launch of the mental health court (Photo: AG Anil Nandlall FB/June 26, 2025)

The Mental Health Court was established with technical support and funding from United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF).

Gabriel Vockel, UNICEF area representative (ag) of Guyana and Suriname, said piloting this court is not just the beginning of a new judicial process but is the start of a new era.

Vockel said the court represents an important step forward in ensuring access to justice for all, including those with intellectual disabilities.

“This court is significant as it will recognise the complex intersection of mental illness, intellectual abilities and criminal behaviour. And by adopting a therapeutic model, it will transform the legal system into a real tool not just for correction but for healing and rehabilitation,” Vockel posited.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and UNICEF area representative (ag) of Guyana and Suriname, Gabriel Vockel engaged in a discussion (Photo: AG Anil Nandlall FB/June 26, 2025)

The Mental Health Court will add to the list of specialised courts introduced to improve access to justice, including the Family Court, the Drug Treatment Court, and the Juvenile Court.

According to Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh, the court represents a major step in the country’s efforts to address mental health in a humane, evidence-based, and integrated manner.

“The Mental Health Court is not just a courtroom. It’s a vision. One that recognises that mental health illness should be met with treatment, not punishment.

“Mental illness is not a crime and those who suffer it deserve care, not punishment,” Dr Singh said.

The initiative, Dr Singh said, aligns with the Health Ministry’s ongoing effort to transform its mental health response.

“For too long, individuals with untreated mental health conditions have been caught in the cycle of incarceration and neglect.

“This court is not just a medical or legal advancement. It’s a human rights achievement. It reaffirms our constitutional and moral responsibility,” he said.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall said the establishment of the court aligns with the government’s policy to improve mental health awareness, reduce the prison population, and recidivism.

He added that with the court in place now, the government may have to draft legislation that will outline how the court operates and implement rules that will regulate the court procedural aspect.

Persons at the launch of the mental health court in Bartica

“This court establishes a fact that we have matured significantly as a society.

“Within the mental health care context, access to justice is critical to ensure that persons living with mental illness have their voices heard, can exercise their rights, can challenge discrimination and overall ensure their full and effective role as participants in legal proceedings,” Nandall said.

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards highlighted that the mental health court will resume operating with a focus on minor offences.

How will it work?

A person will be referred to the Mental Health Court if, after the commissioning of a summary offence, it is determined through assessment that his/her mental illness would have contributed to the commission of the crime.

Upon ensuring that the defendant is fit to plead to the offence, he/she will be required to enter a plea, either admitting or denying the charge. They will then be recommended to a Mental Health Court.

The defendant will meet with a team from the court and will be screened for participation in the mental health court programme. If accepted, a treatment plan will be devised.

Thereafter, if the participant follows through with requirements, including treatment, and is successful, they will be discharged.

However, if the participant fails with treatment and the outcome is not met, then he/she will have to return to the trial court for a penalty to be imposed.

The post Guyana’s first Mental Health Court launched appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will officially kick off its highly anticipated National Seniors Athletics Championship today, June 27, at the National Track & Field Facility, West Coast Demerara.

The three-day marquee event, which runs until Sunday, June 29, will see the country’s top senior athletes battling for supremacy in various track and field events.

Day one action begins this evening at 17:30 hrs with distance and field events setting the tone.

The Women’s 5000m Final and the Men’s 10,000m Final headline the long-distance races, while the Triple Jump and Shot Put for both male and female athletes will open the field competitions.

Sprinters will get their first taste of action with the 100m heats for men and women starting at 18:45 hrs.

Saturday’s full-day schedule promises fireworks from start to finish.

The morning session will feature high-stakes finals in the 100m and 1500m events, as well as the sprint hurdles, 100m hurdles for women and 110m hurdles for men.

Field event highlights include the High Jump for women and the Men’s Discus Throw.

In the afternoon, the energy ramps up with the 3000m Steeplechase, 400m finals, and the much-anticipated 4x100m relays.

On the final day, Sunday, the championship culminates with more sprinting showdowns and middle-distance races.

Highlights include the 200m and 800m finals for both men and women, as well as the demanding 400m hurdles. The day will also showcase technical field events such as the Javelin and Long Jump.

The competition will conclude with the 4x400m relays, traditionally a fan favorite and a true test of team strength and stamina.

Athletes from across Guyana will vie for national glory, personal bests, and potential qualification for upcoming international meets.

The championship is expected to attract talent from clubs nationwide, providing a crucial platform for elite and emerging athletes to shine.

The AAG encourages fans, families, and sports enthusiasts to come out and support Guyana’s best at what promises to be an exciting weekend of athletics at its finest.

DAY 1 FRIDAY 27/06/2025
NO.	Time	Events	Time	Events
1	17:30hrs	5000m Females Final	17:30hrs	Triple jump Females Final Shot Males Final
2	18:00hrs	10,000m Males Final	18:00hrs	Triple jump Males Final Shot Females Final
3	18:45hrs	100m Females Heats 100m Males Heats	nil	Nil
DAY 2 SATURDAY 28/06/2025
SESSION 1
1 2	10:00 hrs 10:10 hrs	100m Females Final 100m Males Final	10:00hrs	High jump Females Final Discus Males Final
3 4	10:30 hrs 10:45 hrs	1500m Females Final 1500m Males Final
5 6	11:00 hrs 11:15 hrs	100m H Females Final 110m H Males Final
7	11:30 hrs	400m Females Heats 400m Males Heats
SESSION 2
8   9 10 11 12	13:00hrs   14:00hrs 14:15hrs 14:45hrs 15:00hrs	3000m Steeplechase Males Final 400 m Females Final 400m Males Final 4x100m Females Final 4x100m Males Final	13:00hrs	High jump Males Final Discus Females Final
DAY 3 SUNDAY 29/06/2025
SESSION 1
1 2	11:00hrs 11:15hrs	200m Females Heats 200m Males Heats	10:00hrs	Javelin females Final Long jump Females Final
3 4	11:30hrs 11:45hrs	800m Females Final 800m Males Final
5	12:00hrs 12:10hrs	400m H Females Final 400m H Males Final
SESSION 2
1	13:00hrs	5000m Males	13:00hrs	Javelin Males Final Long jump Males Final
3 4	13:30hrs 13:45hrs	200m Females Final 200m Males Final
5	14:30hrs 14:45hrs	4x400m Females Final 4x400m Males Final

The post Guyana’s elite athletes set to shine at national Track and Field Championships appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Defending champions Guyana have named a 14-member squad, built around a core of seven players from last year’s victorious campaign, to compete in the 2025 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-19 Female Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.

The tournament is scheduled to run from July 6 to 20.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has retained Laurene Williams as captain, and Crystal Durant has been appointed her deputy. The squad will be looking to replicate their success and secure back-to-back titles.

The selection committee, led by chairman Andre Percival, faced a challenging task due to a rain-affected season that limited opportunities for players to impress.

“We only had one inter-county game and then the National Park tournament, which wasn’t played with the usual hardball conditions,” Percival said.

“However, we were satisfied with the performances and have seven players returning from last year’s title-winning team.”

Despite the limited match practice, Percival expressed confidence in the chosen squad, which is set to assemble for a week-long encampment in Essequibo from June 27 to July 3.

He acknowledged that inclement weather might disrupt their outdoor preparations but remained optimistic about the team’s prospects.

“Every country is facing its own struggles, but I’m confident in this group,” Percival stated.

“With experienced leaders like Laurene and Crystal, and promising new talent, we’re ready to compete.”

When asked about the possibility of retaining the title, Percival was pragmatic.

“Yes, listen, I am confident, because cricket is a game of glorious and unsurprising things. You never know what will happen on the day.

The team that plays the best during the competition will win the competition.

Just like how we’re going through the struggles here in Guyana, other countries are going through struggles as well. So, you know, it’s going to be an open competition.”

GCB President, Bissoondyal Singh, also offered his support, encouraging the players “to remain disciplined, committed, and focused” on the task ahead.

Guyana U-19 Squad: Laurene Williams (capt), Crystal Durant (vice-capt), Trisha Hardat, Shonette Belgrave, Tiea Isaacs, Danellie Manns, Lotaya Williams (wk), Mahadevi Dass, Jada Fraser, Daniela Hicks, Briana Samaroo, Rebekael Cleto, Cianna Barkoye, and Devani Rickram.

Standby Players: Jaraya Rodrigues, Aneesa Chetram, Ackella Stephens, Thalia Hack, Shanaya Mackay, and Emely Booker.

The post GCB unveils Girls’ U-19 squad with eye on title defence appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Devon Paul National Park Premier League concluded with a unique outcome as Village Rams and Dream X1 were declared joint champions after rain intervened in the final.

The T10 tournament, held at the National Park Tarmac and Durban Park saw enthusiastic participation from 16 teams, including those travelling from as far as Mahaica.

Both Village Rams and Dream X1 showcased consistent form throughout the competition, dominating with both bat and ball.

However, the much-anticipated final was cut short with Dream X1 at 1 for 0 in pursuit of 100, after just 1.4 overs, due to heavy rainfall.

In a spirit of sportsmanship, both finalists agreed to share the title and the prize.

The final promised a thrilling encounter with Village Rams batting first and scoring 99 for 7 in their allotted 8 overs.

Ashish Persaud (29 off 14) and Sheldon Alexander (19 off 9) were the main contributors, while 22 extras also helped their cause. Carlos LaRose (2 for 13) and Andrew Gibson (2 for 10) were the standout bowlers for Dream X1.

Dream XI

Dream X1’s reply began cautiously, and they lost an early wicket when Ershaad Ali clean bowled former West Indies Under-19 player Joshua Persaud for a golden duck in the second over.

Nkosi Barker and Raymond Perez were at the crease when heavy rain arrived after just 1.4 overs, forcing an abrupt proceeding halt.

The tournament, a collaborative effort with the One Guyana Local Franchise Cricket Cup, witnessed spirited contests and impressive talent on display under bright sunshine on Sunday, June 22nd.

Host Devon Paul was lauded for his meticulous planning and execution of the event, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

The league featured two preliminary rounds followed by semi-finals and the grand final.

The preliminary stage witnessed a nostalgic moment in the final match between Village Rams and Pure Entertainers as Village Rams’ captain Omesh Danram reunited with his former opening partner Ershaad Ali after a hiatus of over two years.

The pair put on a quickfire 60 in just 2.4 overs, setting the tone for Village Rams who eventually posted a formidable 150 for 2 in their 8 overs.

Ali was the star with a brutal 68 off just 19 deliveries, well-supported by Danram (32 off 10) and Ashish Persaud (30 off 14).

Isai Thorne, a Guyana national player, and Dexter George picked up a wicket apiece for Pure Entertainers in what was described as a “belligerent and brutal” batting display.

Pure Entertainers, in their reply, could only muster 115 for 5, despite a fighting 48 off 19 balls from Marcus Watkins.

Rashidi Benjamin bagged 2 for 23, while Sheldon Alexander and Ashish Persaud took a wicket each to seal Village Rams’ semi-final berth.

The first semi-final saw Dream X1, managed by the renowned Kefa Naughton, clash with Diamond Gunners in a 6-over affair.

Dream X1 batted first and posted a solid 91 for 3, thanks to a dazzling 55 off 19 balls from Guyana international Raymond Perez and a quick 18 off 7 from Nkosi Barker.

Andrew Lim and Daniel Bamfield each took a wicket for Diamond Gunners. In response, Diamond Gunners fought valiantly but fell short, reaching 79 for 3.

Dream X1’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Carlos LaRose (2 overs, 19 runs, 1 wicket), proved too tight for the Gunners to overcome.

The second semi-final pitted Village Rams against Eccles Allstars, the reigning champions of the One Guyana T10 Blast. Village Rams, batting first, reached 87 for 2 in their 6 overs.

Their innings got off to a shaky start as Ershaad Ali was dismissed for a golden duck by Keyon Joseph, brother of West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph.

Joseph struck again the very next ball, removing Ashish Persaud with a sharp inswinging yorker. However, Sheldon Alexander steadied the ship with a brilliant unbeaten 65 off 26 balls, guiding his team to a competitive total.

Joseph ended with impressive figures of 2 for 13 from his two overs. Eccles Allstars, in their chase, fell just 7 runs short, finishing on 80 for 3, with Keshan Persaud top-scoring with an unbeaten 24 off 8 balls.

Persaud and Benjamin picked up a wicket each for Village Rams.

The post Village Rams, Dream XI share title in T10 Tapeball appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Kurt Campbell in Abuja, Nigeria

Kurt@newsroom.gy

 

Afreximbank’s presence in the Caribbean is no longer just talk —it’s becoming transformational. And according to the Bank’s Regional Chief Operating Officer for the Caribbean, Mr. Okechukwu Iherjirika, the proof lies in the deals being done, the partnerships being built and the infrastructure now taking shape on the ground.

Speaking to News Room on the sidelines of the 32nd Annual Afreximbank Meetings at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Wednesday, Iherjirika painted a confident picture of where the Bank’s Caribbean office, headquartered in Barbados, is headed by the end of 2025.

“We want to be known as doers,” Iherjirika said.

“Success means closing deals, launching funds, enabling exports and making finance accessible where traditional lenders won’t go.”

Since its launch in 2023, the Bank’s Caribbean operations have rapidly evolved from diplomatic handshakes to serious investments. By the end of 2025, Iherjirika said the Bank aims to have several key initiatives in motion or completed.

It includes: a dedicated fund for sustainable energy, being developed with the CARICOM Development Fund; a feasibility study on the establishment of a CARICOM Exim Bank, in partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat and a state-of-the-art Afreximbank building in Barbados, dubbed the Africa Centre.

Perhaps most powerful is the representation attached to the bank’s physical presence in the Caribbean. The upcoming Africa Centre in Barbados is not just another office; it’s intended as a cultural and economic landmark.

“It will be an iconic structure,” Iherjirika declared.

“In a place once used as a port for enslaved Africans, we are now building a bridge back, on our terms. This time, we’re coming to invest, to partner, to uplift.”

Afreximbank is also doubling down on its Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) platform launched in 2022 in Barbados, held in 2023 in Guyana and hosted again in The Bahamas in 2024.

“We want to see Caribbean producers exporting to Africa,” Iherjirika said.

“They shouldn’t just be producing for 300,000 people—they should be reaching a market of 1.2 billion.”

The Bank is working to bring small businesses and entrepreneurs from both regions together under ACTIF, to be held again in July 2025 in Grenada.

This means not just trade in goods, but also the exchange of ideas, technology, and joint ventures like one recent example of an African company seeking to co-fund manufactuirng in the Caribbean.

For Afreximbank, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for its Caribbean strategy. The Bank’s efforts are moving beyond gestures to real economic scaffolding. Iherjirika’s message to regional policymakers, youth, and business owners is simple: Get involved.

“We’re laying the foundation—literally and figuratively,” he said.

“We’ve broken ground. Now we want the Caribbean to build with us.”

Afreximbank commitments remain to bridge centuries-old divides through finance, trade and shared ambition.

The post Afreximbank’s bold bet on the Caribbean is paying off appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Kurt Campbell in ABUJA, Nigeria 

Kurt@newsroom.gy

Former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has issued a compelling call for Africa and the Caribbean to urgently deepen their ties and work as one, warning that the time for symbolic talk is over and the moment for bold, united action is now.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 32nd Annual Meetings of Afreximbank (AAM2025) in Abuja, Nigeria, Patterson delivered the keynote at a high-level plenary titled “Leveraging a Common Heritage: The Afreximbank Caribbean Initiative”. His speech set the tone for a critical conversation on transforming shared history into shared prosperity, amid growing global uncertainty and widening inequalities.

“We must honour the past by claiming the future,” Patterson said.

“This is no longer just about dialogue or diplomacy—it is about doing. Now.”

Patterson’s remarks come at a time of accelerating geopolitical shifts. From growing protectionism to fractured supply chains and climate vulnerabilities, many countries in the Global South are facing tighter financing conditions, high debt and worsening inequality.

“The post-World War II global order is imploding before our eyes,” Patterson warned. “In this unpredictable and fragmenting world, we must create a safe economic space for our own development—and we must do it together.”

He argued that Africa and the Caribbean can no longer afford to operate in silos, especially when their challenges—such as limited access to capital, overreliance on commodity exports, and brain drain are so deeply aligned.

The Afreximbank Caribbean Initiative, launched in 2022, is fast becoming a blueprint for turning talk into tangible action. Patterson praised the bank for its continued support, including:

• A US$2 billion platform that made vaccines available to the Caribbean during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• A US$2.5 billion project pipeline and a US$1.5 billion investment envelope targeting opportunities across CARICOM states;
• A pilot project to establish an Africa-Caribbean Artificial Intelligence hub, supported through the PJ Patterson Institute;
• And the bank’s collaboration with regional central banks on a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to support cross-border trade in local currencies.

“These are not just promises—they are actions,” Patterson said. “And they prove that when Africa and the Caribbean work together, we can solve our own problems.”

The session, moderated by Africa Business Group Chairman Michael Sudarkasa, featured an influential panel including Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Drew, AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi, and CARICOM Development Fund CEO Rodinald Soomer, among others.

The session, moderated by Africa Business Group Chairman Michael Sudarkasa, featured an influential panel including Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr Terrance Drew, AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi, and CARICOM Development Fund CEO Rodinald Soomer, among others.

They explored immediate ways to strengthen ties—especially in areas like energy, tourism, climate financing, education, and fintech. Patterson called for universities, entrepreneurs, creatives, and policymakers across the two regions to act now to build networks that unlock value.

“We must engage in joint research, build factories and studios together, and design AI that reflects our values and responds to our realities,” he said. “We cannot allow ourselves to be reduced to passive consumers in the digital age.”

Beyond economics, Patterson stressed the importance of cultural and psychological emancipation.

“Our children must know they are heirs to ancient civilisations—masters of medicine, mathematics, and music before Europe even discovered its own continents,” he said. “Colonialism tried to erase our pride. Now, we must rebuild it.”

His final appeal was emotional but resolute: “Our ancestors brought with them not just pain, but purpose. They planted seeds of resistance and dignity, hoping we would one day harvest a better future. That time is now.”

With Afreximbank expanding its presence in the Caribbean and CARICOM leaders showing increasing political will, there’s cautious optimism that the Africa-Caribbean partnership is moving from vision to velocity.

But Patterson made it clear that the responsibility lies not just with governments or banks, but with people: “We must all play our part—not just for this generation, but for the impatient young and for those yet to be born.”

The post ‘Time for talk is over’ – PJ Patterson urges urgent action on Africa-Caribbean unity appeared first on News Room Guyana.

By Kurt Campbell in Abuja

kurt@newsroom.gy

Afreximbank’s US$1 billion oil services financing facility for Guyana is already yielding results, with local businesses expressing renewed confidence to compete for contracts they previously thought were out of reach, says the Bank’s Regional Chief Operations Officer for the Caribbean, Mr Okechukwu Iherjirika.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 32nd Annual Afreximbank Meetings at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr Iherjirika described the May 21 engagement in Georgetown as “overwhelmingly received” and “transformational.”

“We’re already seeing companies say, ‘We wouldn’t have dared bid for this contract before but with your support, we’re going for it,’” Iherjirika said.

The facility, launched in February 2025 with a following up engagement during Afreximbank’s first Caribbean roadshow in Guyana last month, targets businesses in oil services and mining.

“Without local capacity, the value of Guyana’s resources is externalised,” Iherjirika warned. “We want the benefits to stay home to raise technical competence and build economic resilience.”

The initiative supports Guyanese firms with contracts tied to the oil and gas sector, ensuring they are not crowded out by larger, foreign players due to lack of access to capital. Iherjirika noted that with financing support, these firms can now compete for deals worth US$5 million and beyond.

To qualify for the facility, businesses must be engaged in trade-related activity, particularly those that support the import or export of essential goods and services, including oil and gas.

Regional Chief Operations Officer for the Caribbean, Mr Okechukwu Iherjirika. (Photo: Kurt Campbell/ July 25, 2025)

“If you can’t get the oil out, there’s no revenue. So oil services are essential to trade and that’s where we step in,” he explained.

While direct support is geared toward transactions above US$5 million, Afreximbank is also enabling “on-lending” arrangements through local financial institutions for smaller deals.

“We don’t aim to compete with local banks, we complement them,” Iherjirika noted.

Contrary to assumptions, projects don’t have to involve trade with Africa to qualify.

“Once it touches Guyana, we’re in,” Iherjirika affirmed. “Guyana is now a partner-member of the Bank. That means it operates with the same privileges as African nations.”

The facility reflects Afreximbank’s broader mandate to deepen Africa-Caribbean trade ties. Twelve CARICOM nations are now members of the Bank, which has a regional office in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“This is not just a promise, it’s about delivery,” Iherjirika stressed. “We’ve been charged by ministers not to just talk, but to act. And we will.”

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had previously hailed the facility as “timely and transformational,” noting its alignment with Guyana’s local content ambitions.

The post How Guyanese businesses can tap into Afreximbank’s US$1 billion facility appeared first on News Room Guyana.

See full statement by Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict – 25 June 2025:

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children in Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, and UNICEF Director of Child Protection, Sheema Sen Gupta for their briefings.

To our child briefer, Sila, I convey Guyana’s sincere appreciation to you for sharing your story of resilience with the Security Council. The hopes you shared for a better and safer future represent the aspirations of the almost half a billion children worldwide who are living in conflict. Children whose lives are being shattered daily by violence; Children, for whom, fear has become a constant companion – fear of death, injury, abduction, sexual violation, starvation and separation from loved ones.

Excellencies,

The places that should offer children the greatest protection – their homes, their schools and even hospitals are being attacked and destroyed with little regard for protection obligations under international humanitarian law. Denial of humanitarian aid is depriving children not only of lifesaving sustenance and healthcare, but of their dignity as they jostle for morsels of food under dangerous conditions.

The 25 per cent increase in grave violations against children recorded in the Secretary General’s Report for 2024 must galvanize this Council to act for the protection of the children.

It is my fervent hope that today’s debate will be an opportunity, not just to express outrage but to follow through with tangible action.

I reaffirm Guyana’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict as well as the relevant security council resolutions.

We regret that even though the Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified human rights treaty, there is persistent disregard for child rights, including their rights to life, dignity, education and health. In several conflicts, government forces were the main perpetrators of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access.

The umbrella that international law should provide to children is being dismantled daily. Guyana calls upon all parties to conflict to comply with international law including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and to immediately end and prevent violations and abuses against children.

Inaction by the international community and impunity for perpetrators are emboldening greater violations. We must be consistent in condemning all violations and abuses of children. National and international justice systems must scale up investigations and prosecutions.

The violation verified in the greatest numbers was the killing and maiming of children, primarily by explosive ordnance, by crossfire between parties to conflict and by use of explosive weapons in populated areas. For the second consecutive year, the highest numbers of grave violations were verified in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza strip.

Contact with unexploded ordnance and mines was the leading cause of child casualties in Afghanistan, Myanmar and the Syrian Arab Republic and thousands became permanently disabled. Some five million children in Syria live in areas contaminated with the lethal explosives, creating immense risks with every step they take.

Guyana urges Member States to ratify and implement the Mine Ban Treaty as a tangible commitment to protect children. With 165 parties already, this debate must be a catalyst for universal ratification. Donors are encouraged to scale up funding for clearing of explosive ordnance, risk education and victim assistance.

Excellencies

It is abhorrent that sexual violence is being used of as a tactic of war. The alarming 35 percent increase in verified cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence against children in 2024, including the sharp increase in gang rape, should spur us all to action.

Holding perpetrators accountable is key to stemming this deplorable trend. Listing of perpetrators in the annex of the Secretary General’s annual report on children, Security Council sanctions and scaling up prosecution can contribute to reducing this scourge.

Excellencies

The Security Council must use all the tools at its disposal for the protection of children and to dissuade continued violations. This includes prioritizing child protection in mandate renewals of UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions, and supporting continuity of child protection programmes by UN county teams and national authorities.

As we engage in the UN80 initiative towards a more efficient organization, we must ensure that mandate and funding cuts are not at the expense of the protection of children. The Children and Armed Conflict framework, including the monitoring and reporting mechanism, remains critical in informing Council responses and the engagements with parties to conflict towards improving the lives of children.

Finally, I emphasize – Children do not start wars and they should never be made to suffer their horrific consequences. Ultimately, their best protection is peace.

I Thank you.

The post Minister Vindhya Persaud chairs UN Security Council debate on children and armed conflict appeared first on News Room Guyana.