Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala
In 1996, Guatemala’s 36-year civil war finally came to an end with the signing of Peace Accords which laid the ground for democratic governance and respect for human rights. Despite the changes brought about by the Peace Accords, serious human rights violations continue to be committed in Guatemala and, in particular, human rights defenders are assassinated, threatened or otherwise attacked. In the vast majority of such cases, effective investigations have not been carried out and the perpetrators are never brought to justice.
The Human Rights Defenders Protection Unit of the National Movement for Human Rights, a Guatemalan non-governmental organization, reported almost 200 attacks against human rights defenders in 2007. Since 2000 the number of attacks against human rights defenders has increased dramatically, largely due to the failure to effectively prosecute such crimes. Defenders at particular risk are those upholding economic, social and cultural rights and those seeking accountability for past human rights crimes.
Issues Facing Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala and Priority Areas of Work
Illegal Security Organizations and Commission to End Impunity
One of the most serious issues facing Guatemalan human rights defenders is the continued existence of illegal and clandestine security organizations, which are responsible for a large number of threats and attacks against human rights defenders. These organized crime like groups allegedly have extensive links with many public institutions in Guatemala. They were supposed to have been dismantled following the Peace Accords, yet they continue to operate. The Guatemalan government has twice signed an agreement with the United Nations to establish an international commission to investigate and assist in the prosecution of such groups (CICIG). On August 1, 2007, the Guatemalan Congress voted to establish the commission with a mandate until at least the end of 2009. See our separate page for more information.
Protecting human rights defenders seeking justice for past crimes
Human rights defenders are critical in attempts to uncover and redress past human rights violations. The majority of serious human rights violations committed during Guatemala’s 36 year civil war, including allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide, remain uninvestigated and the perpetrators remain free. The impunity surrounding such grave crimes encourages violence now. Many brave human rights defenders withstand threats, attacks and assassinations of colleagues to seek justice for these crimes in both Guatemalan and Spanish courts. The alleged perpetrators of these crimes include General Efraín Ríos Montt, who took power by coup before the worst period of human rights violations in the early 1980s. He and others remain powerful public officials. See our separate page for more information.
Latest News
Guatemalan Congress: Stop Human Rights Violators from Evading Justice
The Guatemalan Congress should approve a bill to amend Guatemala's injunctive relief (amparo) law. Congress has considered the bill for more than four years; the bill would prevent human rights violators from abusing the amparo law to evade justice. Read HRF's Letter to Guatemala's Congress in English | in Spanish 7/1/2009
Guatemala at a Crossroads
Before the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, hearing entitled ?Guatemala at a Crossroads?, Human Rights First issued a statement urging the rethinking of US foreign policy to Guatemala.Read HRF Statement
6/11/2009
Coalition Condemns Intimidation in Guatemala
In a letter, eight international organizations, including Human Rights First, condemned the recent death threats against members of two important Guatemalan human rights organizations: Security in Democracy (SEDEM) and the Unit for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala (UDEFEGUA). Letter in English | Letter in Spanish 5/12/2009
Guatemalan Government Should Reinstate Dismissed Human Rights Advisors
Four leading international organizations that work on Guatemala urged the Interior Minister to reverse his decision to dismiss important government human rights advisors. The advisors directed two important institutions that had effectively investigated attacks against Guatemalan human rights defenders. Letter in English | Letter in SpanishArticle in El Periodico (Spanish)
4/29/2009
Demand Investigation into Kidnapping of Gladys Monterroso
On March 25 Gladys Monterroso was kidnapped while eating breakfast and held for 13 hours. Just one day earlier her husband, the Human Rights Ombudsman, released a groundbreaking report documenting the evidence in recently discovered police archives. Take action now to urge the Guatemalan Attorney General to identify and prosecute those responsible for the crime. See Petition in English In Spanish
4/3/2009
Nine Ways that U.S. Foreign Policy Can Strengthen Human Rights in Guatemala
On March 31, Human Rights First and five other organizations sent the Obama administration nine recommendations to strengthen human rights in Guatemala. Proposed policy measures would combat impunity, bring perpetrators of mass atrocity to justice, and protect human rights defenders.
Read the Memo 3/31/2009
NGO Coalition Urges Release of Guatemalan Military Archives
New Defense Minister should release all military archives relating to Guatemala's civil war, which may assist in the prosecution of mass atrocities. (English) (Espaņol)Listen to Andrew Hudson's Radio Interview on WBAI
2/3/2009
NGOs Call for Investigation of Attacks against Defenders
The Attorney General should investigate the killings of two human rights defenders and threats against others. (Espaņol) 1/23/2009
Human Rights Defender Accused of Attempted Murder
1,135 supporters join HRF's call to drop baseless charges against Jorge Lopez. (English) (Espaņol) 1/22/2009
