Human Rights in Guatemala

Press Statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Following Her Official Visit to Guatemala

27 May 2006

Good morning (Buenos días):

I would like to thank the Government of Guatemala for inviting me to visit the country, and facilitating the many fruitful discussions that I have had in the last two days.

I was honored to be received by the President together with the Vice-President, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the presidents of the Supreme Court, the Congress and the Constitutional Court. I also had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Interior, the Public Prosecutor, a high representative of the Ministry for Defense, the Ombudsman and the President of COPREDEH. I also had the pleasure to meet with several indigenous representatives who are doing an important work within the public administration.

I am particularly happy for the meeting I had with a group of prominent women, who in their respective fields of work are contributing to the development of a more equitable society. And, of course, as I do in all my visits, I also met with many representatives and members of non-governmental organizations, who are essential in providing a balanced understanding of the challenges that societies face.

I also visited Rabinal in Baja Verapaz together with Mr. Frank La Rue, President of COPREDEH, Mrs. Rosalina Tuyuc, President of the National Reparations Program and Mr. Fredy Peccerelli, Director of the Foundation for Forensic Anthropology. I heard moving testimonies of the atrocities committed in the past, and of the resilience of the victims to uncover truth and obtain justice.

In assessing the progress made in human rights since the signing of the peace agreements almost ten years ago, it should be noted that Guatemala is a different country today than it was at the conclusion of the conflict.

The end of authoritarian, repressive and violent State practices associated with the internal armed conflict, have brought undeniable benefits to the country as a whole, but especially to those areas in the countryside that bore the brunt of the conflict.

Important initiatives have been launched in a number of areas, particularly the adoption of an anti-discrimination law; the establishment of the National Reparations Commission; and programs to improve access to justice for indigenous communities. From a human rights point of view last year's adoption of the Framework Law concerning the Peace Agreements, by which the Peace Agreements became binding on the State, was also very positive. The President's public recognitions of the atrocities committed during the armed conflict, and of the existence of racial discrimination in the country, also constitute important steps forward.

It must be recognized that the profound political, social and cultural changes called for in the peace agreements cannot be fully achieved in only ten years. However, in Guatemala it is cause for concern that not only reforms are progressing slowly, but that more and more people are becoming increasingly frustrated with the State's inability to deliver the promised security, equality and justice.

From the Peace Accords to recent reform initiatives and programs, Guatemala has equipped itself to achieve social peace and justice.

Expectations have been raised, again and again, but results have rarely followed.

Insecurity and inequality prevail, and a history of failed opportunities has created disenchantment in a population eager for change.

Nothing can exemplify this better than the delay encountered by victims of the armed conflict in obtaining justice and re

Posted by elcanche at May 29, 2006 05:11 PM