The Chinese Landing Village Council has issued a call to the Government of Guyana, urging them to engage in sincere dialogue to implement the recommendations outlined in Precautionary Measures No. 196-23 by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). This appeal comes amidst concerns raised by the village regarding the government’s response to the Commission’s directives.
Reports surfaced in January indicating that the Guyanese government had petitioned the IACHR to retract the precautionary measures granted in favor of Chinese Landing Village. However, there has been no confirmation of this request being granted. In fact, both the village council and the government recently received a letter from the Commission affirming its commitment to monitor the implementation of these measures.
The village council has sought the support of the Commission in urging the government to cooperate in fulfilling the recommendations. Specifically, they have requested action to remove all weapons from mining concessions within their titled lands, ensure the presence of independent police and mines officers to address grievances, revoke concessions held by specific individuals within their territory, and lift the ban on villagers’ small-scale mining activities.
Despite initial discussions in August last year, there has been a lack of follow-up from the government regarding the implementation of the precautionary measures. The government’s ban on all mining activities within Chinese Landing’s titled lands has raised legal uncertainties, particularly concerning its effectiveness in addressing the presence of miners and weapons on the village’s lands.
Moreover, the ban on small-scale mining has severely impacted the livelihoods of Chinese Landing villagers, who rely on mining as a primary source of income. The council emphasizes that preventing villagers from earning a living does not address the underlying risks posed by external miners on their lands.
The village council has repeatedly requested clarification from the government regarding the legal basis for the mining ban but has yet to receive a response. They are hopeful that the government will not only provide the necessary information but also re-engage in discussions to formulate a comprehensive plan for implementing the Commission’s recommendations.
As the village awaits a meaningful response from the government, they remain committed to safeguarding their rights and livelihoods, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing human rights concerns within the region.
