Police accused of taking bribes to make abuse cases “go away”

…U.S. Department says in Human Rights report

The United States (U.S.) Department has reported that in 2020 there were frequent, widespread reports of physical and sexual abuse of children and women in Guyana along with reports of police accepting bribes from perpetrators to make the cases “go away”.

On March 30, 2021, the Department released the Human Rights report which did not indicate that Guyana was making positive strides when it comes to the protection of women and children.

“Domestic violence and violence against women, including spousal abuse, was widespread. The law prohibits domestic violence and allows victims to seek prompt protection, occupation, or tenancy orders from a magistrate…there were reports of police accepting bribes from perpetrators and of magistrates applying inadequate sentences after conviction,” the report stated regarding women.

It further indicated that were also numerous cases of sexual harassment and discrimination. Speaking to the latter, the report indicated that though women enjoy the same legal status and rights as men, there was no meaningful enforcement against such discrimination in the workplace.

There were also cases where job vacancy notices routinely specified that the employer sought only male or only female applicants, and women earned approximately 58 per cent less than men for equal work.

When it comes to children, the report stated: “There were frequent, widespread reports of physical and sexual abuse of children. As with cases of domestic abuse, NGOs alleged some police officers could be bribed to make cases of child abuse ‘go away’.

Added to this, the Department took noted that there were continued reports of children being exploited in prostitution. Meanwhile, Guyana’s laws related to pornography and pornographic performances do not prohibit the use, procuring, and offering of a child for each of these purposes.

Even so, it pointed out that the country is not a destination for child sex tourism.