Guyana, a rising player on the global stage, has secured yet another significant position in international bodies. Guyanese National Dr. Christopher Arif Bulkan was elected as a Commissioner on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), marking the first time a Guyanese national will serve on the commission since its establishment in 1959. This accomplishment comes hot on the heels of Guyana’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council for the period 2024-2025.
Dr. Bulkan has served as an expert member of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, where he earned recognition for his authored and co-authored individual opinions. During the 2021-2022 period, Dr. Bulkan also held the position of Vice-Chair of the committee.
He received 27 out of 32 votes in the election to the post, and will serve for a four-year period from 2024-2027.
The elections took place at the 53rd Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C. Guyana’s delegation was led by Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), an autonomous organ of the OAS, holds the responsibility of promoting and protecting human rights across the Americas. Comprised of seven experts who serve in their personal capacity, the commission advances the rights and well-being of individuals in the region.
Guyana’s recent achievements in securing positions on both the IACHR and the United Nations Security Council highlight the country’s growing influence in global geopolitics. As Guyana continues to make its mark on the international stage, it is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping the global discourse on critical issues.
