Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana 1980, as amended to 2016
Obligations of the State
  • English
    WE, THE GUYANESE PEOPLE,
    … proclaim this Constitution in order to:

    Forge a system of governance that promotes concerted effort and broad-based participation in national decision-making in order to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law;
    … (Preamble)
Obligations of the State
  • English
    (1) It is the duty of Parliament, the Government, the courts and all other public agencies to be guided in the discharge of their functions by the principles set out in this Chapter3 and Parliament may provide for any of those principles to be enforceable in any court or tribunal.
    … (Art. 39)
Obligations of the State
  • English
    (1) Every person in Guyana is entitled to the basic right to a happy, creative and productive life, free from hunger, ignorance and want. That right includes the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual.
    … (Art. 40)
Obligations of the State
  • English
    (1) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (6), every person, as contemplated by the respective international treaties set out in the Fourth Schedule to which Guyana has acceded is entitled to the human rights enshrined in the said international treaties, and such rights shall be respected and upheld by the executive, legislature judiciary and all organs and agencies of Government and, where applicable to them, by all natural and legal persons and shall be enforceable in the manner hereinafter prescribed.
    (2) The rights referred to in paragraph (1) do not include any fundamental right under this Constitution.
    (3) The State shall, having regard to the socio-cultural level of development of the society, take reasonable legislative and other measures within its available resources to achieve the progressive realisation of the rights provided for in paragraph (1).
    (4) If any person alleges that any of the rights referred to in paragraph (1), has been, is being or is about to be contravened in relation to him or her, then, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available, that person may apply to the Human Rights Commission in such manner as the Commission may prescribe, for redress.
    (5) Nothing contained in this article shall be construed so as to abrogate any human right, not enumerated herein, which a person had at the time of the commencement of this Article.
    (6) The State may divest itself or otherwise limit the extent of its obligation under any of the treaties listed in the Fourth Schedule, provided that two thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly have voted in favour of such divestment or limitation. (Art. 154A)
Obligations of the State
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    Convention on the Rights of the Child.
    Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
    Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
    Convention Against Torture and Other Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
    Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
    Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
    Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women. (Fourth Schedule, Conventions)
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2
Chapter IV on Citizenship.
3
Chapter II on Principles and Bases of the Political, Economic and Social System.
4
Chapter II on Principles and Bases of the Political, Economic and Social System.
5
Part of Title 1 on Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual.
6
Title 1 on Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual, Part 2 on Specific Rules.
7
Refer to Art. 213 on Protection of Pension Rights and Art. 214 on Power of Commissions in relation to pensions, etc.