Indigenous land rights dispute in Guyana

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) initially called for United Nations and Inter-American intervention to protect Indigenous Amerindian communities at Chinese Landing from expanding gold mining operations. The GHRA requested international monitoring to ensure the Guyanese government implements precautionary measures previously ordered by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Following these calls, residents of Chinese Landing initiated a 24-hour blockade at the Tassawini access point to prevent heavy machinery from entering disputed, titled Indigenous lands. Community leaders reported that multiple excavators, bulldozers, and dredge engines were moved toward the area without permission. While operators claimed the equipment was for maintenance, residents viewed it as an attempt to expand mining.

The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) condemned the incursion, noting a trend of mining operations disregarding Indigenous property rights. As of the latest reports, community leaders have declined government-led mediation in Georgetown, citing a power imbalance and the continued presence of mining equipment near the territory.