C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations

Non-discrimination

20. The Committee is concerned about the impact of ethnic discrimination, in particular in the context of the relationship between Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese, on the development of the country and the equal enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. The Committee is also concerned about the widespread discrimination based on sex, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity, and health status, in all areas of economic, social and cultural rights due to, inter alia, social prejudice and stereotypes. The Committee is further concerned that the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997 is mainly applicable to the employment sector and does not cover all grounds of discrimination (art. 2 (2)).

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons

24. The Committee is concerned that the same-sex relations between consenting adults and cross-gender dressing are criminalized in the State party under sections 351 to 353 of the Criminal Law Offences Act (art. 2 (2)).

25. The Committee recommends that the State party repeal the criminalization of same-sex relations between consenting adults and cross-gender dressing. It also recommends that the State party provide effective protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons against any form of discrimination on the ground of their sexual orientation.

Link to full text of the report: Concluding Observations-CESCR-Guyana-2015-eng