A/HRC/10/11/Add.2 page 17 and the maintenance and provision of infrastructure to African areas vis-à-vis those of Indo-Guyanese. Low wages, high unemployment levels and lack of credit among Afro-Guyanese communities contribute to poor housing quality and maintenance. 51. In response, the Government asserts that no part of Georgetown is ethnically homogenous. Further, it explains that between 2002 and 2008, the Buxton community was occupied by criminal gangs who made it virtually impossible for any government upgrade programmes to be undertaken in the community as the workers were being attacked. Many families abandoned their houses in terror of the gang. It points to a policy of providing housing lots for members of all communities without discrimination under new government housing programmes (commenced in 1994 and continuing to the present) which are multi-ethnic and geographically diverse. It notes that over 80,000 new housing plots have been allocated with 50,000 given to lowest income families from all communities. It reports that the major ethnic groups have received fair proportions on the basis of their respective demographics in each region, as evidenced by housing statistics. It also noted that the housing policy is based on a fundamental aim to provide improved circumstances and better living conditions to those in need irrespective of ethnicity. C. Access to justice 52. Articles 123 to 133 and 198 to 199 of the Constitution of Guyana and the Administration of Justice Act provide the legislative basis for Guyana’s judicial system. Guyana has a three-tier judicial system consisting of the Magistrates Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. The Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal. 53. The justice system and security services are considered inefficient and ineffective. Sources described a consistent failure of due process; enquiries not begun or never finished; extreme delays in judicial proceedings leading to long-term detention without trial; cases that do not go to court or that are stymied by lack of evidence; and unwillingness of victims to engage with the legal system out of fear of recriminations. 54. Women spoke of a disturbing culture of domestic violence, often fuelled by poverty and unemployment and exacerbated by alcohol. One woman stated that: “It is simply true that as a society we believe in beating women and children.” They called for greater attention to tackling root causes and to long-term initiatives rather than simply devoting funding to policing and a justice sector which they felt consistently fails women. Participants described the courtroom as “a hostile environment for women” in which domestic violence and abuse cases are not treated seriously if they come to court at all. Some women noted a lack of consistency and focus in policies to address access to justice for women generally, in spite of the Domestic Violence Act. The Government notes a number of initiatives taken to reduce violence against women and children. It consulted countrywide and passed the Domestic Violence Act in 1997. A new comprehensive policy document “Stamp it out” on violence against women and children has also been taken throughout the country for examination and improvement. 55. Concerns were raised about appointments to senior judicial posts and regarding alleged discrimination. It was stated that, having failed to reach the required political agreement, the use of a number of “acting” positions effectively enables the Government to appoint its preferred candidates for senior magistrates and judges despite opposition objections. It was also alleged