A/HRC/10/11/Add.2 page 23 VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT EXPERT 80. The current Government of Guyana must be commended on the steps it has taken to date to address issues of ethnic tensions, criminal activities and economic underdevelopment. Those efforts, while substantial, have been far from sufficient to generate trust and a sense of cooperation across ethnic groups. 81. All groups in Guyana, Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, indigenous peoples and others, have contributed immensely to the economic development and cultural wealth of Guyana. While the histories of these communities have been different, most have suffered hardships, historical injustices and gross human rights violations that must be acknowledged. All have suffered from the destructive impact and legacy of colonial rule, while contributing their labour and their lives to building the modern Guyana. Additionally, it should be acknowledged that injustices have been done in the post-colonial era, sometimes under short-sighted or misguided leadership and often in the interests of achieving and maintaining power. Ethnicity has been grossly manipulated as a political tool. 82. As identified by the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism in 2003, the harsh reality is one of ethnic polarization among Guyanese of African, Indian and indigenous descent. This polarization, starkly reflected in the ethnic composition of the political parties, is reproduced in State institutions, particularly in the army and the police. Yet the people of Guyana desire a different future of security, prosperity and shared development. They acknowledge that all communities deserve and must have a stake in that future. For reconciliation to take place, a climate of trust must be established. The challenges that exist, both historic and current, must be confronted collectively. 83. Ethnically based divisions and politics have created two separate and conflicting narratives and perceptions of reality in Guyana. On the part of the Afro-Guyanese, there is a widely held belief that they are discriminated against by an Indian-dominated and supported Government that puts Indian interests to the fore, particularly in resource allocation, government contracts and employment. On the part of the Indian-Guyanese, there is a belief that an Afro-centric political opposition, if in power, would settle political scores and work solely in the interests of Afro-Guyanese. On the basis of recent atrocities and ongoing killings, both ethnic groups currently perceive a heightened threat of violence from the other. Many believe this threat to be sanctioned or supported to some extent by the opposite political party. Rumours and conspiracy theory are rife and are being exploited by those who might seek to fuel ethnic tensions for their own ends. 84. In July 2003, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism highlighted that he found that every level of Guyanese society is permeated by a profound moral, emotional and political fatigue, arising out of the individual and collective impact of ethnic polarization. Five years later, the independent expert visited communities that are moving from malaise, in some instances, into despair, anger and resistance. This is particularly evident in Afro-Guyanese communities.