Guatemala: UN human rights chief concerned about polarization, inequality, racism
“For me, the top priority is to come to Guatemala at this crucial moment in the country’s history and support the country in its efforts to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, fight corruption and set a clear and transformative agenda on human rights,” Volker Türk said in statement.
Protecting Democracy
The UN human rights chief said what happens during the 2023 election period is his greatest concern.
President Bernardo Arevalo, who campaigned on a platform of tackling corruption and instability, was elected last August but the opposition has repeatedly challenged the result.
“I am concerned that the reactionary forces that have taken over state structures will also succeed in subverting the will of the people expressed through the ballot,” he said.
“The efforts and determination of many sectors of society, especially the 106-day mobilization of indigenous peoples and social movements, have succeeded in defending democracy and the rule of law.”
Mr. Türk said he saw the Government’s “firm commitment” to the rule of law, democracy and human rights, and that the “human rights agenda” was part of the Executive Committee’s programs and activities.
Polarization and corruption
However, he warned that the three powers of the Government were not yet working in harmony.
“There is great polarization among state institutions.,” he said. “Public opinion is very divided. Corruption remains very high. Mistrust between different groups is growing.”
The High Commissioner stressed the need to address some of the country’s key issues, including high inequality, gender equality and violence against women and girls.
“Change is possible and it is already happening.“, he stressed. “An example of that is President Arévalo’s appointment of six female governors.”
Discrimination, inequality and racism
One of the most pressing challenges in Guatemala, he said, is the “cruel” discrimination, racism and systemic inequality faced by indigenous people and people of African descent, who make up the majority of the country’s population.
He added that the LGBTIQ+ community, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups also face discrimination.
Stop the crackdown on activists
Mr. Türk expressed deep concern about the misuse of criminal law to suppress human rights defenders.judicial officials, journalists, students and indigenous authorities. Dozens are now “facing judicial proceedings on spurious grounds”, and more than 50 have fled the country.
“I call on the Attorney General to take the necessary measures to bring this persecution to an immediate end. All exiles must be able to return immediately and in safe conditions,” he said.
Pursuit of Justice
It is regrettable that those who work to eradicate or expose corruption are persecuted, said Mr. Türk. Those who seek to ensure that serious human rights violations committed during the internal armed conflict between 1960 and 1996 go unpunished are also affected.
He noted that progress has been lacking in the pursuit of justice, particularly in trials related to internal armed conflicts. The provisions of the Peace Agreement have not been fully implemented, particularly the guarantees of non-recurrence.
“This is why I am concerned about the 2012 ‘Alaska Summit Massacre,’ in which seven people were killed and dozens seriously injured when the military opened fire on a peaceful protest, and it took nearly 12 years for the case to come to trial,” he said.
While the challenges in Guatemala are “multifaceted,” Mr. Turk said he was reassured that the government, civil society, indigenous peoples and the private sector “can reverse the course of the past decades and improve the promotion and protection of human rights in Guatemala.”
He called on the international community to continue supporting the Government’s efforts in this regard.
