Rights of the Child Commission hopes for thorough, transparent investigation into Adriana Younge’s death

The Rights of the Child Commission (RCC) on Sunday called on authorities to ensure a proper and open probe is conducted into the death of the Adrainna Younge whose body was found in a pool at a hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

The RCC said the 11-year-old’s tragic death underscores the urgent need for a swift, transparent, and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

“The State and government are reminded of their obligations under the UNCR, and RCC reiterates the expectation that this matter will be handled in keeping with the law and in a transparent manner,” the Commission said in a statement.

“We call on law enforcement, judicial authorities, and social services to act urgently, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth and justice,” the Commission added.

Due to a cloud of deep suspicion over the circumstances of the girl’s death on Wednesday, April 23 or Thursday, April 24 – because the Guyana Police Force had said in an official statement that government surveillance cameras had shown her leaving in an identifiable car but her body appeared in the pool – all eyes are on the postmortem that is scheduled for Monday.

Three foreign forensic pathologists, including two from the United States, are expected to conduct the autopsy.

The-then Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) Commander, Assistant Commissioner Khalid Mandall has since been removed from that post and sent on administrative leave to facilitate the probe.

The Police Force had also said three other law enforcers were under close arrest.

The owner of the now gutted Double Day Hotel and staff who were on duty at the time were also questioned by investigators, police said.

The RCC said Adriana’s case is a harrowing reminder of Guyanese’s collective duty to protect children and uphold their rights without exception.

That body hoped that the tragedy would galvanise systemic action.

The Commission urged communities, caregivers, and institutions to remain vigilant advocates for children’s safety.

Report negligence, demand accountability, and prioritise child protection at all levels, it added.

Expressing profound sadness and outrage at the “unimaginable loss” of the girl, the RCC said it was ready to support the grief-stricken family members in their quest for justice and to ensure Adriana’s death will not be in vain.

“We demand that all individuals involved, including alleged perpetrators and institutions responsible for her welfare, be held fully accountable under the law.

Justice for Adriana is not negotiable—it is a moral imperative,” that organisation said.

The RCC, which is an independent body mandated to uphold and advocate for children’s rights under national law and international conventions including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), said it would closely monitor the investigation and collaborate with stakeholders to prevent such tragedies.

The commission also appealed to anyone with information about the incident to assist investigators.

“We implore anyone with information to come forward and assist authorities.”

The Commission extended its condolences to Adriana’s family, loved ones, and the many communities grappling with this unimaginable loss.

No child should ever be denied their fundamental right to safety, protection, and life, it says.

The RCC reaffirmed the principles enshrined in the UNCRC, ratified by Guyana, which guarantees that every child has the right to life…to the maximum extent possible, the right to protection from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and the right to recovery and reintegration for victims of violence, neglect, exploitation, or abuse…”