The Honourable Chief Justice has dismissed an application brought by Catherine Hughes against the Attorney General and the Leader of the Opposition, which sought several declarations, including the establishment of the Human Rights Commission, as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana.
Delivered on September 30, 2024, the ruling rejected Hughes’ request for a declaration that it has been a binding obligation of the State to establish and operationalize the Human Rights Commission. Hughes had argued that the failure of the Attorney General to do so constituted a breach of her constitutional right to the protection and enforcement of human rights under Article 154 A.
Following the decision, Hughes has since, instructed her attorneys to appeal the ruling, indicating that a review by an appellate court is warranted.In her oral decision, the Honourable Chief Justice acknowledged that while the non-establishment of the Human Rights Commission violated the Constitution, it did not amount to a violation of Hughes’ personal rights, as claimed in the application.
The Chief Justice also remarked that a statement made by the Vice President, referring to Hughes as a “low life,” was inappropriate but did not factor into the legal arguments.No costs were awarded in the matter, with the court expressing displeasure at the source of the controversy.
