GHRC Stands in Solidarity with the People of Santa Cruz Barillas/GHRC expresa nuestra solidaridad con la población de Santa Cruz Barillas

The Guatemalan Human Rights Commission in Washington, DC (GHRC/USA) wishes to express its deepest concern about the crisis in Santa Cruz Barillas, Huehuetenango and the excessive and arbitrary reaction of the Guatemalan government.

President Otto Pérez Molina in Santa Cruz Barillas from plazapublica.com.gt

We condemn the attack on May 1 in which Andrés Francisco Miguel was murdered and Pablo Antonio Pablo Pablo and Esteban Bernabé were seriously injured, an attack apparently carried out by individuals linked to hydroelectric company Hidro Santa Cruz SA. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims and their families.

In a community meeting held in the town of Barillas on June 23, 2007, the community expressed their opposition to mining activities and other mega projects. From the outset of the proposed project, residents have expressed their rejection of the proposed Canbalam hydroelectric project and have denounced the lack of prior and informed consent.

The government’s decision to declare a state of siege and suspend fundamental rights is ironic given that this conflict arose because of the state’s failure to recognize and respect the collective rights of the community. Far from pacifying and providing a real solution to the conflict, the state of siege only serves to generate more fear, disharmony and insecurity.

We criticize the baseless and defamatory statements of government officials linking social movements to organized crime groups, such as Los Zetas. This attempt to defame and discredit community leaders is a poor pretext to justify the improper use of the armed forces.

We also reject the malicious accusations against international organizations working in Guatemala. We are troubled by this smear campaign because of the negative impact it can have on those who work on behalf of human rights, solidarity, and the development of the country. We ask the media to maintain impartiality in their coverage of the news in order to promote peace among the people.

The actions of military officials and security forces –roundups, home searches, threats, and arrests–repeat a pattern of criminalization of social movements and community leaders who seek respect for their historic rights as indigenous peoples to decide the best use of their land and natural resources.

We are alarmed that the government has given priority to the capture of community leaders over the arrest of those responsible for the murder of Andrés Francisco Miguel.

In addition, we wish to express our concern for the irregular and furtive manner in which 12 community leaders were secretly transferred from Huehuetenango to a high-security prison in Guatemala City. Authorities not only failed to notify family members beforehand, but also refused to answer questions about the detainees’ whereabouts. The community leaders, not convicted of any crime, have been placed in the prison’s general population along with gang members, extortionists, and murderers.

We urge authorities to:

• Guarantee the safety, welfare, and fully respect the rights of those imprisoned, and to immediately review the charges against them;
• Investigate the assassination of Andrés Francisco Miguel and prosecute the material and intellectual authors of this deplorable act;
• Lift the state of siege and demilitarize the response to social conflict;
• Suspend the Hidro Santa Cruz’s construction license, respecting the community referendum carried out in 2007.

The government has a supreme duty to guarantee the inalienable rights of its citizens. At all times, in peace or in conflict, this obligation must be the guiding force behind every action of the state. The appropriate solution to the conflict in Santa Cruz Barillas can only be found through a respect for the rights of its people, not through the suspension or the violation of those rights.

La Comisión de los Derechos Humanos de Guatemala en Washington (GHRC/USA, por sus siglas en inglés) quiere manifestar su profunda preocupación por la crisis desatada en Villa de Barillas, Huehuetenango y la reacción excesiva y arbitraria del Gobierno de la República de Guatemala.

Estado de sitio en Santa Cruz Barillas, Huehuetenango

Repudiamos el ataque del 1 de mayo en cual fue asesinado el campesino Andrés Francisco Miguel y quedaron gravemente heridos los señores Pablo Antonio Pablo Pablo y Esteban Bernabé, un ataque aparentemente perpetrado por personas ligadas a la empresa Hidro Santa Cruz. Nuestras sinceras condolencias están con las víctimas y sus familias.

En una consulta comunitaria celebrada en el municipio de Barillas el 23 de junio del 2007, la comunidad expresó su rechazo a la minería y otros megaproyectos. Desde el principio del proyecto propuesto, los vecinos han expresado su rechazo total al hidroeléctrico Canbalam y han denunciado la falta de consulta previa e informada.

La aprobación de un Estado de Sitio y la suspensión de los derechos fundamentales, es un acto que resulta hasta irónico dado que este conflicto nace por el no respeto a los derechos colectivos de esta comunidad. Lejos de apaciguar y buscar una solución verdadera a la situación conflictiva, solo ha servido para sembrar más discordia, miedo e inseguridad.

Criticamos las declaraciones sin fundamento de funcionarios del Gobierno vinculando al movimiento social con grupos de crimen organizado, como los Zetas. Este intento de difamar y desprestigiar a los líderes comunitarios es un mal pretexto para justificar el indebido uso de las fuerzas armadas.

De igual forma rechazamos las acusaciones tendenciosas lanzadas en contra de las organizaciones internacionales. Esta campaña negra nos preocupa por las repercusiones que pueda tener para las personas que trabajan en pro de los derechos humanos, la solidaridad y el desarrollo del país. Pedimos a los medios de comunicación la imparcialidad de sus notas con el fin de promover la paz en la población.

Las actuaciones de los funcionarios y las fuerzas armadas—redadas, allanamientos, amenazas y arrestos—replican un patrón de criminalización de movimientos sociales y líderes comunitarios quienes buscan cumplimiento con sus demandas históricas del derecho a la consulta y al territorio ancestral.

Estamos alarmados por la prioridad dada a la captura de líderes comunitarios por encima del arresto de los asesinos responsables por la muerte de Andrés Francisco Miguel.

Además, expresamos nuestra profunda preocupación por la forma en que los 12 líderes fueron trasladados desde Huehuetenango a una cárcel de máxima seguridad en la capital, sin previo aviso y de forma encubierta. Las autoridades no solo no avisaron a los familiares, sino también negaron contestar preguntas acerca del paradero de los detenidos. Los lideres comunitarios, no condenado por ningún delito, fueron colocados en la población general de la cárcel, junto con mareros, extorsionistas y asesinos.

Instamos a las autoridades:

• Garantizar la seguridad, bienestar y el pleno respeto a los derechos humanos de los detenidos, y inmediatamente revisar las cargos contra ellos;

• Investigar el asesinato de Andrés Francisco Miguel y llevar a juicio a los responsables materiales e intelectuales de este deplorable hecho;

• Levantar el estado de sitio y desmilitarizar la respuesta al conflicto social;

• Suspender la licencia de construcción de la Hidro Santa Cruz respetando la consulta comunitaria que se llevó a cabo en 2007.

El Estado tiene el deber supremo de ser garante de los derechos inalienables de sus ciudadanos. En todo momento, de paz o conflicto, esta obligación debería ser la guía primordial para el actuar de las autoridades. La solución idónea al conflicto de Santa Cruz Barillas solo se encontrará por medio de respeto a los derechos de sus habitantes, y no por la suspensión o violación de ellos.

Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunity with GHRC

It’s Spring in DC, and here at GHRC we are looking forward to a busy calender of events. This week we will be presenting at George Washington University, sending out our quarterly appeal and participating on a panel at the SOA Watch Days of Action.

Volunteer with GHRC! We will be sending out our Spring Appeal and we need your help. We will be putting together the mailing this Friday, April 13th from 10am to 3pm and could use some extra hands. Come for as much or as little time as you can. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Our office is located at 3321 12th St., NE, Washington, DC. We are only a few blocks from the Brookland/CUA metro station on the Red line. Please let us know if you can make it.

Upcoming Events 

 

GHRC Participating in the School of the Americas Watch Days of Action to Close the SOA

This April 14-17, SOA Watch will gather in Washington, DC for the Days of Action. Human rights activists from across the Americas continue to push for the closing of the School of the Americas (SOA/ renamed the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, WHINSEC) and for an end to U.S. militarization.

On Saturday, April 14, GHRC will be presenting on a panel on the War on Immigrants as part of a conference on ”International (In)Security.” 9am-5pm. Metropolitan Community Church, 474 Ridge St, NW, Washington, DC.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit http://SOAW.org

Open Letter in Support of Campesino Marchers

En español abajo

The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA wishes to publicly applaud the courageous, determined, and indefatigable men, women, and children who participated in the historic Peasant, Indigenous and Popular Movement March from Cobán to Guatemala City.

For nine days, thousands of indigenous and peasant farmers hiked under a brutally unforgiving sun, battling exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. For nine evenings, they slept on cold concrete floors, jammed together in rows like kernels of corn on the cob. They hiked 120 miles through misty rainforest and arid desert to carry their voices to the seat of power: the National Palace in Guatemala City.

With each and every step the marchers took, they further compelled the government to hear their just demands.  By the end of the march, their legs were sore and their feet were blistered… but they would not, and they did not, return to their communities empty-handed.

We join our voices with the students, academics, journalists, artists, musicians, union leaders, environmentalists, human rights activists, women’s organizations, and all others who support the marchers in their legitimate and historic struggle. We are humbled by their sacrifice and motivated by their perseverance!

In solidarity with the marchers, the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA declares that:

We stand with the over 800 families of the Polochic Valley who, one year ago, were violently evicted from their homes by the Guatemalan police, military, and private security guards hired by the Chabil Utzaj Sugar Company.

We lament the senseless destruction of their homes, crops, and personal belongings and call on the government to fully comply with all of the Precautionary Measures issued by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to protect these families at risk.

We mourn the tragic assassinations of community leaders Antonio Beb Ac, Oscar Reyes, and Margarita Che Chub and demand that those responsible be brought to justice.

We recognize that the only permanent solution to the crisis in the Polochic Valley is for the communities to have direct access to land for farming and self-sustenance. Therefore, we urge the Guatemalan government and its institutions to provide a comprehensive proposal that meets the urgent needs of these families.

We welcome the accords signed by President Otto Pérez Molina and members of his administration which came as a direct result of the massive mobilization of the peasant organizations. Among the commitments agreed to by the government:

• The creation of a subsidy to alleviate the crushing debt suffered by family farmers and agrarian communities
• Compliance with the Polochic precautionary measures and guaranteed access to land for at least 300 families per year
• Protection for the Polochic communities from abuses by private security firms or irregular forces employed by the Chabil Utzaj sugar cane company
• The promise to address land conflicts in various communities throughout the country, including Santa Maria Xalapán

We expect that these accords will be honored by President Pérez Molina’s administration and implemented in good faith and without delay.

We condemn the gross misuse of state security forces on the day the march arrived at the National Palace. The placement of Kaibil special force soldiers and heavily-armed snipers on the rooftops of the buildings surrounding the central plaza was clearly intended as an act of surveillance and intimidation against the peaceful demonstration.

Marchers voiced their fears of history repeating itself: in 1978 soldiers positioned on rooftops surrounding the town square of Panzos opened fire on a crowd of peaceful protestors, killing at least 53 people. Many of the massacre victims were family members of the men, women, and children participating in this march. The fact that the current administration chose to replicate the same conditions during this protest is an unacceptable and unnecessary tactic, and is an affront to the spirit of the march.

We support the right of each community to decide, through binding popular consultation, the proper use or conservation of its natural resources.

We reject the distortion and abuse of the legal system by powerful economic and political interests with the intent to criminalize and penalize activists, community leaders, and human rights defenders who work for the greater good.

We denounce the malicious and defamatory attacks published in certain mainstream media programs against peasant and indigenous communities involved in the struggle to protect their natural resources against transnational business interests. These unfounded attacks have also been directed at foreign governments and international solidarity organizations that support these movements with funding and accompaniment. Falsely accusing indigenous leaders of being “terrorists” or “enemies of peace and democracy” only serves to foment racism, conflict and violence.

We call for a moratorium on all land evictions until a better mechanism for resolving land disputes is implemented.  An impartial, transparent, and thorough investigation into land rights and ownership that goes beyond the mere possession of land titles is indispensable. The moratorium on evictions should remain in place until all governmental policies and actions are brought into full conformity with international human rights obligations. Land evictions must not result, as they have to date, in excessive use of force, homelessness, and further destitution.

We call into question the placement of military troops and installation of military bases in areas where the population has presented organized resistance to extractive mining, biofuel production such as African palm, hydroelectric dams, and other destructive “megaprojects.”

We strongly recommend that the government immediately implement all the processes necessary to resolve land conflicts and address the historic demand for land. The passing of legislation, such as the Integral Rural Development Law (4084) and the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples Law (4047), would be an important step forward in this direction.

The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA (GHRC) commends the men, women, and children who walked their way into history last week. Although the march has finished, the struggle of peasant and indigenous communities to build a nation that respects human rights and promotes social justice continues. GHRC stands in solidarity with all those who work tirelessly for a better Guatemala.

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9 de abril de 2012

La Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Guatemala en Estados Unidos desea aplaudir públicamente a los hombres, mujeres y niños valientes, determinados e incansables, quienes participaron en la marcha histórica de Cobán a la Ciudad de Guatemala del movimiento campesino, indígena y popular.

Durante nueve días, miles de personas de comunidades indígenas y campesinas caminaron bajo un sol fuerte e implacable, luchando contra el cansancio, deshidratación e insolación. Durante nueve noches, durmieron en pisos duros de concreto, apiñados en filas como granos de elote en la mazorca.  Caminaron 214 kilómetros por el bosque nuboso y el desierto árido para que sus voces llegaran a la sede de poder: el Palacio Nacional en la Ciudad de Guatemala.

Cada paso adelante de los que marchaban, fue un paso adelante en su lucha para obligar al gobierno escuchar a sus demandas. Al final de la marcha, los caminantes tenían las piernas adoloridas y los pies ampollados…pero no querían regresar a sus comunidades con las manos vacías, y no lo hicieron.

Unimos nuestras voces a las de los estudiantes, académicos, periodistas, artistas, músicos, sindicalistas, ambientalistas, defensores de los derechos humanos, organizaciones de mujeres y todos los demás quienes apoyan a los manifestantes en su lucha legítima e histórica. ¡Estamos conmovidos por su sacrificio y motivados por su perseverancia!

En solidaridad con los manifestantes, la Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Guatemala en Estados Unidos declara que:

Nos solidarizamos con las más de 800 familias del Valle del Polochic quienes, hace un año, fueron desalojadas violentamente de sus hogares por la policía y ejército guatemalteco y guardias de seguridad privada contratadas por la empresa cañera Chabil Utzaj.

Lamentamos la destrucción sin sentido de sus viviendas, cosechas y pertenencias personales y hacemos un llamado al gobierno a que cumpla con todas la Medidas Cautelares otorgadas por la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos con fin de proteger a estas familias en riesgo.

Lloramos los trágicos asesinatos de los líderes comunitarios Antonio Beb Ac, Oscar Reyes y lideresa Margarita Che Chub e instamos a que los responsables sean llevados ante la justicia.

Reconocemos que la única solución permanente a la crisis en el Valle del Polochic es que las comunidades tengan acceso directo a la tierra, donde pueden cultivar para sus propios alimentos y sustento. Por lo tanto, instamos al gobierno de Guatemala y sus instituciones que ofrezcan una propuesta comprensiva que responda a las necesidades urgentes de estas familias.

Respaldamos los acuerdos firmados como resultado de la movilización masiva de las organizaciones campesinas. Dentro de los compromisos asumidos por el gobierno del  Presidente Otto Pérez Molina están:

• La creación de un subsidio para aliviar la deuda aplastante sufrida por las familias y comunidades campesinas;
•  El cumplimiento con las medidas cautelares en el Polochic y acceso garantizado a tierra para un mínimo de 300 familias por año;
•  Protección para las comunidades del Polochic de abusos cometidos por empresas de seguridad privada o fuerzas irregulares contratadas por la empresa cañera Chabil Utzaj;
•  La promesa de tratar el tema de los conflictos de tierra en varias comunidades en el país, incluida Santa Maria Xalapán.

Esperamos que estos acuerdos sean honrados por la administración del Presidente Pérez Molina sin demora y de buena fe.

Condenamos la presencia intimidante e injustificable de las fuerzas estatales de seguridad el día que llegó la marcha al Palacio Nacional. La ubicación de fuerzas especiales kaibiles y francotiradores fuertemente armados en los techos de los edificios alrededor del parque central tenía el claro objetivo de vigilar y atemorizar a la marcha pacífica. Manifestantes expresaron su temor que la historia se repitiera: en 1978 soldados posicionados en los techos alrededor del parque central de Panzós abrieron fuego contra una protesta pacífica, matando a por lo menos 53 personas. Muchas de las víctimas de la masacre eran familiares de los hombres, mujeres y niños participando en esta marcha. El hecho de que la administración actual decidió utilizar a estas mismas tácticas es una ofensa al espíritu de la marcha.

Apoyamos el derecho de cada comunidad de decidir, a través de una consulta comunitaria participativa y vinculante, sobre la utilización o la conservación apropiada de sus recursos naturales.

Rechazamos la distorsión y el abuso del sistema legal por actores ligados a sectores económicamente y políticamente poderosos con la intención de criminalizar y desprestigiar a activistas, líderes comunitarios y defensores de derechos humanos.

Denunciamos los ataques maliciosos y difamatorios publicados en ciertos programas de los medios masivos dirigidos a comunidades indígenas y campesinas involucradas en la lucha de proteger sus recursos naturales de los intereses de empresas transnacionales. Estos ataques sin fundamento también han sido dirigidos a gobiernos extranjeros y organizaciones internacionales de solidaridad que apoyan estos movimientos con fondos y acompañamiento. Las acusaciones falsas contra líderes indígenas de ser “terroristas” o “enemigos de la paz y la democracia” sirven únicamente para fomentar el racismo, la conflictividad y la violencia.

Pedimos una moratoria a los desalojo hasta que se haya implementado un mejor mecanismo para resolver los conflictos territoriales. Es indispensable una investigación imparcial, transparente y exhaustiva en derechos territoriales y propiedad que va más allá de la simple posesión de un título. La moratoria debe permanecer vigente hasta que todas políticas y acciones gubernamentales conformen completamente con las obligaciones internacionales de derechos humanos. Los desalojos no deben resultar en el uso excesivo de la fuerza, la destrucción de viviendas y condiciones de pobreza aun más extremas, como ha sido el patrón hasta la fecha.

Cuestionamos el despliegue de tropas y la apertura de bases militares en áreas en los cuales la población ha presentado una resistencia organizada a la minera, la producción de biocombustibles como la Palma Africana, hidroeléctricas u otros megaproyectos destructivos.

Recomendamos que el gobierno implemente de forma inmediata todos los procesos necesarios para resolver los conflictos territoriales y la demanda histórica por la tierra. La aprobación de legislación, como la iniciativa de Ley de Desarrollo Rural Integral (4084) y la Ley General de Derechos de Pueblos Indígenas (4047), sería un paso positivo.

La Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Guatemala en Estados Unidos (GHRC) aplaude a los hombres, mujeres y niños que caminaron en la marcha histórica la semana pasada. Aunque la marcha se ha concluido, las comunidades indígenas y campesinas continúan su lucha por construir una nación que respeta a los derechos humanos y promueve la justicia social. GHRC se solidariza con todas y todos quienes trabajan incansablemente por una Guatemala mejor.

 

Incredible Stories and Experiences in Guatemala – Newsletter from Rob Mercatante

Hey everyone,

It is a warm evening here in Guatemala City. I’m in my apartment, sitting in front of the laptop, wondering how to begin this letter. It has been a long while since I’ve felt compelled to write a newsletter of any sort. What with email, Skype, Facebook, and cell phones there are now countless ways for me not to keep in touch with all of you. (Ok, I admit it… the mea culpa of non-communication.) 

I’ve recently taken a good, hard look at my life in an attempt to discover which areas could use some improvement. Turns out there were a lot more than I thought. (Sigh.) One problem that stood out, however, was the fact that I have lost touch with many of you who are my foundation, my strength and my support. This is my first step towards righting that wrong.

I am now entering my 23rd year living and working in Guatemala. Which means that I’ve spent half of my life here. (I don’t know which is more shocking: the fact that I’ve spent nearly two and a half decades in Guatemala, or the fact that I’ll soon turn 46.) 

For the past year I have been honored to be working with the Guatemala Human Rights Commission. Much more than a job it has been an experience, at times frightening, frustrating, exhausting, depressing, stressful, and heart-breaking… and other times moving, motivating, exciting, uplifting, and life-changing. Working with GHRC has allowed me to accompany the oppressed, defend human rights, speak out against injustices, and work alongside many of my personal heroes. I am, without a doubt, blessed. 

I am also blessed to have you in my life: my family and friends. My amazing coworkers, interns and board members of GHRC. The communities of faith that support us. The incredible men and women who have visited Guatemala in delegations. And all of you who are committed to peace, justice, and human rights. I couldn’t do this without you. 

And so, in a feeble attempt to repay my long overdue debt to you, I will do my best to start sharing some of these incredible stories and experiences with you. After all, they belong to you as much as they do to me.

Abrazos,

Rob Mercatante

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The river was silver, reflecting the overcast sky. Riding between the smooth waters and the flat sky was like gliding across an enormous mirror. Brown pelicans skimmed the surface of the slow-flowing river. The faraway shore was covered in the mist of the retreating rains. The only sound was the rhythmic chug-chug-chug of the motor and the soft spray of the water against the bow of the boat. 

Abelardo, the young man sitting in front of me, turned and said in a barely audible whisper: “This is where they found my sister”.

Guatemala: a country of beauty, a country of pain. It strikes me time and again, that some of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen… places that could easily pass for paradise… are also the sites of some of humanity’s darkest crimes and and most despicable acts.

One year ago, on February 12th, three young indigenous activists were heading home after a day of studying at the university. Every Saturday afternoon they would climb into their small boat and ride it down the Rio Dulce river to their village of Quebrada Seca. Only this time they didn’t make it home. The boat was found the next day, containing only their backpacks and a watery pool of blood. The bullet-ridden bodies of Sebastian Xuc Cac, Alberto Coc Caal, and Catalina Mucú Maas… Abelardo’s sister… were later found floating in the river. Amilcar Choc, who had simply hitched a ride in the boat, was also assassinated.

All three, despite their young age, were respected leaders in their Maya Q’eqchí community. Sebastian, 30 years old, was a teacher in the village’s school. Alberto, 26, was a spiritual guide and involved in the campesino (peasant farmer) movement. Catalina, 23, was was the first woman from Quebrada Seca to graduate from high school, and a passionate advocate for women’s rights. Together they fought to defend their community’s lands against theft by a rancher with ties to a Colombian drug cartel.

The impact of these cowardly and cruel murders is impossible to measure. Lives were prematurely ended. Spouses were widowed, families were thrown into heart-breaking grief and depression. Sebastian had five children, Alberto had three. Catalina and her husband had decided not to have children until she finished putting her younger brothers through school.

And the terrible loss doesn’t end there. Who can say what legacy these three talented, intelligent, and committed young people would have left to their village, to Guatemala, and to the world at large?

I looked into Abelardo’s eyes, and saw his anguish. Words of comfort failed me. Sometimes, in the face of pain so great, loss so overwhelming, the only option that remains is to stand in silent solidarity with the suffering. To affirm, by the mere act of being present, “you are not alone.” You are not alone in your grief. You are not alone in your struggle. You are not alone in your hope for healing and justice.

I traveled to Quebrada Seca this past weekend to accompany the families and the community in commemorating the one year anniversary of the tragedy. I was in good company, joined by friends from UDEFEGUA (the Guatemala Human Rights Defenders Unit), Encuentro Campesino, and the Fundacion Guillermo Toriello. When we arrived the entire village convened in the community center. A solemn and somber mood lay heavy on the gathering. Even the weather seemed to be in mourning. Despite the fact that we were in the middle of the dry season, dark clouds had gathered overhead. After a brief while –as if the heavens themselves couldn’t contain their grief– the skies cried and the rain came pouring down.

The commemoration was attended by every man, woman and child in the village. One of the community members read a poem that he had composed in memory of the martyred youth. Others demanded justice for the barbaric crime. Still others urged the children of the village to remember and emulate Sebastian, Alberto and Catalina’s example of selfless dedication to the greater good. 

After the event we went to visit the homes of the grieving families. The torrential downpour didn’t let up. Dirt paths turned into raging rivers of mud, and the soccer field became a shallow lake. The rain-soaked ground sucked greedily at our shoes as if trying to swallow us whole, soggy-socks and all. We ended up at the home of Catalina’s family, where Abelardo and his mother served us Kak’ik, a traditional soup made from turkey, tomatoes and spices. While we gladly warmed ourselves with the delicious meal, I noticed Abelardo shifting uncomfortably in his chair. Finally he summoned up the courage to speak. “My mom is worried that she doesn’t have enough money to keep my younger brother Victor in school. Catalina was paying his studies, like she did for me. But now…” Abelardo paused, and I felt my heart go to my throat. After a moment, he continued: “I wrote this letter. I was wondering if you know of anyone who might be able to help us.” He handed over a sheet of paper containing a long hand-written letter. “I know that it’s asking a lot, but we don’t have any other option. We just want Victor to be able to finish his studies.” 

Much to Abelardo’s surprise everyone started smiling. Unbeknownst to him and his family, I had a secondary purpose in visiting Quebrada Seca: to deliver scholarship funds to the children of the victims. And, in a special exception, to Catalina’s and Abelardo’s younger brother, Victor. (GHRC, with the financial support of St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis, MD is helping to guarantee the education of 40+ children of human rights defenders throughout Guatemala who have suffered threats, attacks, or violence because of their work.)

I watched as Abelardo translated the good news into the Q’eqchí language for his mother. Various emotions flitted quickly across her face: confusion, surprise, and then, finally, relief. As I handed the funds over to the family, assuring that Victor would be able to stay in school, a single phrase sang out in my mind: I’m in the right place at the right time.

I have to admit that I get that feeling a lot. Which probably goes a long way to explaining why I have spent half of my life in Guatemala. Yes, much of this work is physically strenuous, mentally demanding, and emotionally exhausting. Yet these encounters with the survivors of humanity’s most inhumane acts move me, inspire me, and light a fire within me that all of the rain in Quebrada Seca couldn’t possibly extinguish. 

And I know, without the slightest doubt, that the words of Helen Keller are true: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

 

GHRC to Brief Congress: Invite your Representative

Contact your Representative and ask to them to attend GHRC’s Congressional Briefing: Threats to Justice and a Return to Military Rule in Guatemala

 As Guatemala’s President, a general linked to genocide, comes to the end of his first month in office, the U.S. Congress is opening the door to lift the decades-old ban on U.S. funding to the Guatemalan army. President Pérez Molina has already sent the military to patrol Guatemala’s streets, and has appointed numerous military officials to top cabinet posts and key ministries.

Now is not the time to consider increased support and funding for the Guatemalan military!

To this end, GHRC is organizing a Congressional Briefing on Threats to Justice and the Return to Military Rule in Guatemala. Human Rights Lawyer, Jennifer Harbury will speak to members of Congress about threats to justice and updates in the case of her husband, Everardo Bámaca, who was captured, tortured and presumably executed by the Guatemalan military. She will be joined by Annie Bird co-Director of Rights Action and GHRC Director Kelsey Alford-Jones.

We need your help to tell members of Congress how important it is that they attend. Please contact your Representative today and ask them to attend Tuesday’s briefing!

Holiday News Round-Up

Happy New Year everyone! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to an exciting new year. The GHRC news briefs are starting up again with the following summary covering some of the more significant and important stories from the previous week, bringing us all up to speed on current events in Guatemala.

National News

• The powerful Sinaloa Mexican drug cartel has extended its operations into Guatemala in the past year, taking advantage of the country’s mountainous geography and close proximity to Mexico.  Guatemalan authorities have seen a major increase in the production of methamphetamine in clandestine laboratories throughout the northern region bordering Mexico as well as the transfer of precursor chemicals from Guatemala to Mexico.  Read the article in English and analysis by InSight Crime.

• According to Guatemalan police authorities, the five most dangerous departments for police officers in Guatemala last year were Zacapa, Quetzaltenango, el Petén, Escuintla, and Guatemala.  In order to combat attacks against members of the National Civil Police (PNC), five Special Police Force (FEP) bases have been installed in the departments.
  

• The number of deserters from the PNC increased from 64 in 2010 to 101 in 2011.  According to Helen Mack, Commissioner of Police Reform, the desertions are most likely the result of lack of incentives for officers, poor working conditions, and the low wages paid to members of the PNC.
  

• As of January 1^st, Guatemala will begin a 2-year term as a member of the Security Committee of the Organization of United Nations (ONU), which gives the country the right to participate in discussions surrounding issues of security with the goal of conserving global peace.
  

• Rubén Herrera, a Guatemalan notary and lawyer, has been appointed by Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz as the new Special Attorney against Impunity (FECI), which is responsible for expediting cases of high impact and advancing the fight against impunity in Guatemala.
  

• The National Committee on Guatemalan Migrants (Menamig) will propose a law this month to congress designed to protect the rights of migrants traveling to and residing within the United States and Canada.  According to statistics from the same institution, there were 30,855 deportations of Guatemalans from the U.S.
  

• According to statistics released by the National Institute of Forensic Science (Inacif), Guatemala suffered an average of 17 violent deaths per day in 2011, with a total of 6,187 assassinations.  Even though these numbers represent a 7.4% reduction in violent deaths from 2010, those that occurred in 2011 were performed with more brutality and cruelty.  The Minister of the Interior has indicated that over 60% of assassinations in Guatemala are related to drug cartels, gangs and organized crime groups.  The PNC reports different statistics, with 5,618 homicides in 2011 and an average of 15.5 per day.  Central American Politics also covers the release of the homicide rates.  

International News

• An article in the Journal of Foreign Relations analyzes the possibility of a de facto amnesty law developing through the incoming Pérez Molina administration, as suggested by Jennifer Harbury and the GHRC-sponsored campaign to call the White House last month.

• HablaGuate blog has published an interview with Jean-Marie Simon, author of the book, Guatemala: Eternal Spring, Eternal Tyranny, recently republished in Spanish. Listen here.

The GHRC Holiday Catalog is here!

Dear Supporters,

Photo by: Kathryn Johnson

As the holidays near, traditional Guatemalan artisan crafts and coffee are a unique and unexpected gift idea.  GHRC has posted a new holiday catalog on Facebook (don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Facebook member to view the catalog) with a variety of beautiful items brought to you directly from Guatemala.  We have fair trade coffee–ground and whole bean–from the Santa Anita grower’s cooperative in Colomba Costa Cuca, Guatemala.  In our catalog, choose from a beautiful array of handmade scarves, shawls, place mats and purses from the Trama Textile cooperative in Nebaj and Quetzaltenango.  If crafts aren’t your style, we also have a selection of interesting and illuminating books about Guatemalan history, the armed conflict, and human rights.

All of our products were purchased directly from the producer or artist and each of your purchases will directly benefit the work we do at GHRC. Check out our website for more details about ordering.

Happy Holidays,

GHRC

GHRC Launches Fall Speaker’s Tour with Maria Choc

GHRC is proud to present our Fall 2011 Speaker’s Tour with Maria Cuc Choc, a Mayan activist and community leader from Guatemala. Maria and Kelsey Alford-Jones, director of GHRC, will be doing a series of exciting and informative events together in Washington, DC, Chicago, Iowa and the Twin Cities.  We will kick off the tour tomorrow night at American University before heading to the mid-west. This is an incredible opportunity to meet an inspiring member of Guatemala’s indigenous community and spread awareness about the current human rights situation in Guatemala.

Photo by: Rob Mercatante

We are bringing Q’eqchi Mayan community leader Maria Choc to the U.S. from Guatemala. Maria has been struggling for indigenous rights, land rights and women’s rights in her community – and regionally – for many years and will be speaking about these struggles in the current context of increasing violence and a new administration taking office. Maria comes from a family of community organizers and activists, and it has been their struggle and sacrifice which has served to strengthen her solidarity with communities. Her brother, Ramiro Choc, is one of Guatemala’s most high profile political prisoners. Director Kelsey Alford-Jones will be accompanying her to translate, give historical context, and talk about what we can do here in the US to educate ourselves and support human rights in Guatemala.

Check out a full schedule of events on our website.

GHRC Launches a Blog!

Hey there GHRC supporters, followers and fellow activists,

In anticipation of the launch of our new website, the Guatemala Human Rights Commission would like to officially welcome you to our new blog!  The purpose of this space is to share news updates, staff and intern articles, videos, pictures, event coverage, and any other GHRC-related content we would like to share with our community.  We welcome your open comments, feedback, questions, and contributions to this communal space.

If you are new to the Guatemala Human Rights Commission, welcome and thank you for your interest in human rights in Guatemala! GHRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, humanitarian organization that monitors, documents, and reports on the human rights situation in Guatemala, advocates for survivors of human rights abuses in Guatemala, and works toward positive, systemic change.  We focus on a number of program areas including immigration, violence against women, human rights defenders and support for asylum cases.  Based out of Washington, DC, with an office in Guatemala City, we work to raise awareness in both the U.S and Guatemala and maintain close contact and solidarity with many organizations in Guatemala. Learn more about us on our website: www.ghrc-usa.org.

Through the creation of [Title of Blog], we are looking forward to expanding the scope of our advocacy and awareness into a new ‘blogosphere’ of support.  Building awareness and sharing information is some of the most important work that we do, as it empowers people into action and generates productive dialogue.  We hope this blog will serve as a way for our supporters to keep apace with the ever-changing landscape of human rights in Guatemala and stay up-to-date on the latest news from GHRC.

As always, thank you for your support and solidarity!

Saludos,

GHRC