“It was a priority for me to come to Guatemala at a crucial moment in history and support the country in its efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law, fight corruption and set a clear and transformative agenda for human rights,” said Volker Türk in a statement.
The preservation of democracy
The UN human rights chief said events during the 2023 election period are of grave concern to him.
President Bernardo Arevalo, who campaigned on tackling corruption and insecurity, was elected last August, but opponents repeatedly contested the results.
“I feared that the regressive forces that had co-opted the state structures would also succeed in overturning the popular will expressed at the ballot box,” he said.
“The efforts and determination of many sectors of society, especially the 106-day mobilization of indigenous peoples and social movements, have been successful in preserving 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” is part of the executive’s programs and activities.
Polarization and corruption
However, he warned that the three powers within the government are not yet working together harmoniously.
“There is a huge polarization between state institutionshe said. “Public opinion is very fragmented. Corruption levels remain very high. Mistrust between different groups is growing.”
The High Commissioner stressed the need to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including high inequality, gender equality and violence against women and girls.
“Change is possible and is already happeninghe insisted. “An example of this is the appointment by President Arévalo of six female governors.”
Discrimination, inequality and racism
He said one of the most pressing challenges in Guatemala is the “devastating” structural discrimination, racism and inequality faced by indigenous peoples and people of African descent, who make up the majority of the country’s population.
The LGBTIQ+ community, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups also face discrimination, he added.
Stop prosecuting activists
Mr. Turk expressed deep concern about the misuse of criminal law to prosecute human rights defendersjustice officials, journalists, students and indigenous authorities. Dozens are now facing “false legal proceedings” and more than 50 have fled the country.
“I urge the Attorney General to take the necessary measures to ensure that this persecution ends immediately. All those in exile must be able to return immediately and in safe conditions,” he said.
In search of justice
Mr. Türk said it was particularly regrettable that people who want to eradicate or expose corruption are being prosecuted, as are those who want to prevent serious human rights violations that occurred in the context of the internal armed conflict from 1960 to 1996.
He noted the lack of progress in the search for justice, particularly the processes related to the internal armed conflict. The provisions of the peace agreements have not been fully implemented, particularly the guarantees of non-recurrence.
“That’s why I’m concerned about the 2012 Alaska Summit Massacre case, where seven people were killed and dozens seriously injured when the military opened fire on a peaceful protest, and that it took nearly 12 years for this case to come to trial,” he said.
While the challenges in Guatemala are “multiple,” Mr. Turk said he was confident that the government, civil society, indigenous people and the private sector “can reverse the course of the past decades and improve the promotion and protection of human rights in Guatemala.”
He urged the international community to continue supporting the government’s efforts in this regard.
