Topic: 2024-The Situation in Guyana
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Adilyn Petros
Guyana, a country located on the Northeastern coast of South America, has had its political/social history complicated by colonialism, ethnic tension, and disputes over natural resources. Originally a Dutch colony, it was later taken over by the British in the 19th century and gained independence in 1966. Since then, Guyana has witnessed political turmoil, usually along ethnic lines between the Indo-Guyanese, or descendants of Indian indentured labourers, and Afro-Guyanese, or descendants of African slaves. This tension has been compounded by the large supply of natural resources, ranging from bauxite to gold and, most recently, oil. The discovery of substantial supplies of oil off its coast during the last decade has unleashed new political dynamics and struggles over the division of oil wealth. This situation is further complicated by the generally tense border issue with Venezuela, which claims a portion of Guyana’s territory. The dispute has threatened regional stability amid efforts at a resolution through diplomatic channels.
Because Austria is a member of the European Union, a direct bilateral relationship does not exist between Austria and Guyana; much of its involvement with Guyana has been through multilateral mechanisms. The European Union has been part of Guyanese development through many humanitarian, trade, and aid programs, especially within the context of its partnerships with CARIFORUM-the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States. The EU has defended Guyana in its democratization efforts and political stabilization; it has provided support during electoral processes and promoted good governance initiatives. Austria, while sharing the concerns of the EU regarding democracy and human rights, has backed peaceful resolution of political crises and expressed approval for the EU’s diplomatic stance on the border controversy with Venezuela. The EU has also been active in supporting Guyana’s sustainable development, notably since this country has the challenge of managing its new oil wealth for the benefit of all its citizens without further polarizing its ethnic and social divides.
Austria and the European Union have several common interests in finding solutions to the situation in Guyana, especially on political stability, human rights, and sustainable development. First, Austria is committed to continued diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the border dispute with Venezuela, in support of the UN good offices as mechanisms for conflict resolution. Austria advocates for multilateral dialogue, including via diplomatic channels within the EU, to ensure respect for the sovereignty of Guyana. Second, Austria and the EU are concerned with ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the new Guyanese wealth. They have urged Guyana to implement effective governance frameworks that guarantee fair distribution of resources and avoid increasing ethnic tension. In addition, Austria wants to be actively involved in helping Guyana restructure its economy to be being more diverse and environmentally friendly. This means mitigating the environmental impact of oil extraction by promoting such sectors as agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism. Austria’s aid and development cooperation with Guyana will remain EU-centered and oriented toward these areas, in efforts to consolidate long-lasting peace and prosperity for Guyana. In addition, Austria is committed to supporting human rights initiatives, particularly those concerned with the lightening of social and economic inequalities that have plagued Guyana over three decades. The underlying intention of Austria and the EU through such initiatives is to promote peace, stability, and inclusive growth in Guyana, by entrenching democracy and respect for international law.
Sources:
https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-bogota/bilateral-relations/caribbean-countries/guyana
https://www.inewsguyana.com/bilateral-relations-between-guyana-austria-forge-ahead/
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2024/04/private-meeting-on-the-territorial-dispute-between-guyana-and-venezuela.php
