Civil Society Organizations Call for New Security Model, Demilitarization, Human Rights

(Antigua, June 6) More than 160 civil society organizations representing hundreds of thousands of citizens in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the United States, sent an open letter to the OAS General Assembly today calling for alternatives to the war on drugs that guarantee respect for human rights.

Our organizations have documented an alarming increase in violence and human rights violations. While we recognize that transnational crime and drug-trafficking play a role in this violence, we call on our governments to acknowledge that failed security policies that have militarized citizen security have only exacerbated the problem, and are directly contributing to increased human suffering in the region,” the letter states.

Guatemala Scholars Network statement about genocide trial

The Guatemala Scholars Network at the XXXI International Congress of the Latin American Studies Association voted to express our solidarity and concern regarding the current judicial processes around Generals Efraín Ríos Montt and Rodriguez Sánchez. Founded in 1983, the GSN is a network of over 400 people representing over 100 academic, faith-based, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

On May 10, 2013, the Guatemalan tribunals found General Ríos Montt guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity. We urge that this verdict be honored and upheld. Reopening the process will only re-victimize witnesses. We express our concern for the safety of the witnesses, lawyers, and judges. As people who have worked for many years in Guatemala, including researching the histories of racism and exploitation, we affirm that these are the causes of the violence—not the recovery of truth.

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

31 mayo 2013

La Red de Investigadores y Estudioso/as de Guatemala (Guatemala Scholars Network) en el XXXI Congreso Internacional de la Asociación de Estudios Latinoamericanos votó para expresar su solidaridad y preocupación sobre los procesos judiciales contra los Generales Efraín Ríos Montt y Rodríguez Sánchez.  Fundada en 1983, la Red es una asociación con mas de 400 personas que representan mas de 100 organizaciones académicas, religiosas y no gubernamentales (ONGs).

En mayo 10, 2013, los tribunales de Guatemala declararon al General Ríos Montt culpable de genocidio y crímenes contra la humanidad.  Demandamos que este veredicto sea respetado y cumplido.  Reabrir el proceso solamente re victimizará a los testigos.  Expresamos nuestra preocupación por la seguridad de los testigos, abogados y jueces.  Por tratarse de personas que hemos trabajado investigaciones sobre Guatemala, incluyendo el racismo, la violencia, y la  explotación, entendemos que estas son las historias que han producido hechos deplorables, y no la recuperación de la verdad.

GHRC and NISGUA hand over 2800 signatures demanding the release of Rubén Herrera

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Since Friday, March 15, Rubén Herrera, member of the Departmental Assembly of Huehuetenango for the Defense of Natural Resources has been imprisoned in Huehuetenango, Guatemalaemala. He is charged with crimes including kidnapping and terrorism allegedly committed in relation to resistance to the Cambalam hydroelectric dam, operated by Spanish owned Hidro Santa Cruz. Citing irregularities in his case, over 2800 people from 52 countries have signed a petition to Guatemala’s Public Prosecutor’s Office and President Otto Pérez Molina calling for Herrera’s immediate release. On May 22, GHRC and NISGUA staff handed over the signatures to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Organizations Call on US & Mesoamerican Presidents to Reevaluate Regional Security Policies

Press Release
April 30, 2013

Washington, DC – Over 150 international, regional and local organizations from 10 countries have come together to address presidents from the US and Mesoamerica on the eve of their summit.

Organizations have expressed concern about rising rates of violence and call on governments to “acknowledge that failed security policies that have militarized citizen security have only exacerbated the problem, and are directly contributing to increased human suffering in the region.” Examples from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and the United States demonstrate that militarization has weakened public institutions, led to thousands of civilian deaths, and has done nothing to decrease transnational organized crime or make citizens safer.

In response to the new wave of attacks against human rights defenders/Frente a la nueva ola de ataques contra defensores

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While the world watches the historic case against the generals Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, indigenous peoples and human rights defenders are suffering persecution very similar to that perpetrated in the 1980s.

During the internal armed conflict, Mayan peoples in Guatemala were persecuted, displaced and brutally massacred. At the same time, union leaders, students, catechists and peasants – those who spoke out to defend their rights – were disappeared and systematically assassinated by the state. This violence was carried out as part of a government strategy to maintain an economic system that benefited a small minority of elite families, leaving the indigenous majority marginalized and in conditions of poverty. The State tried to justify its tactics by labeling these citizens as “internal enemies” who threatened Guatemala’s stability.

Organizaciones saludan avance en Caso Genocidio

En un pronunciamiento público del 16 de abril, decenas de organizaciones y juristas respaldaron el proceso judicial contra Ríos Montt y Rodríguez Sánchez.

La carta recuerda que “han transcurrido cuatro semanas desde que inició el histórico juicio en contra de los generales en retiro José Efraín Ríos Montt y José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez por su participación en la comisión de los delitos de genocidio y delitos contra los deberes de humanidad en perjuicio de la población maya ixil”.

Expresa que “los imputados Ríos Montt y Rodríguez Sánchez no se encuentran en ninguna situación de desigualdad jurídica que limite el ejercicio de sus derechos” y expresaron su preocupación por el uso abusivo de la figura del amparo.

Organizations denounce approval of mining license in wake of violence / Organizaciones denuncian licencia minera

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2013

Mining License Approved in Wake of Violence, Investigation into Murder Pending

(Washington, D.C.) – After more than two years of delay, the Guatemalan Minister of Energy and Mines (MEM) announced on Wednesday, April 3, that it had approved the exploitation license for Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine in San Rafael Las Flores, Guatemala. The announcement comes less than two weeks after four indigenous Xinca leaders were abducted while returning from a community referendum in El Volcancito, in which more than 99 percent of people voted against the Escobal project. One of those abducted was found dead the next day.

“That MEM issued the license while the investigation of our friend Exaltación Marcos Ucelo’s murder is still pending is not only an affront to Exaltación’s memory, but it is also a violation of our right to consent,” said Roberto González, President of the Xinca Parliament, who was one of the four abducted, only to be released hours later. “If there is impunity for outright murder, how can we expect the Guatemalan government to protect us from harmful contamination generated by mining operations?”

GHRC Condemns Attack against Xinca Leaders in Santa Maria Xalapán

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The Guatemala Human Rights Commission (GHRC) condemns the killing of Exaltación Marcos, who along with Roberto González, Rigoberto Aguilar and Roberto López, was kidnapped yesterday evening, March 17, by a group of heavily armed men.

The four leaders were abducted while returning home from a good-faith consultation in the El Volcancito community, San Rafael Las Flores, Guatemala.

Hours after the abduction, Rigoberto Aguilar and Roberto López managed to escape and reach their community.  They had both been badly beaten. Today, Exaltación Marcos was found dead, with his body displaying signs of physical violence. The Santa María Xalapán community now fears for the life of Roberto González, President of the Xinca Parliament, who is still missing.

GHRC and Guatemalan groups express support for PBI and international accompaniment

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IN RESPONSE TO THE CRIMINALIZATION OF PEACE BRIGADES INTERNATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT

In the last few months, individuals and government officials have made public statements, to national and international audiences, which stigmatize and criminalize the work of human rights defenders who accompany communities and organizations working to promote the defense of human rights at the local level.

The use of defamation and criminalization is an attempt to isolate human rights defenders who, in their local context, confront power dynamics that not only exclude citizen participation, but that are based on discrimination, and are intolerant and violent. These interests seek to co-opt public opinion in order to open the doors to commercial practices which, in large part, turn their back on the rights of indigenous peoples, rights which are enshrined in International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 169.

The “Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,” or the “Declaration on Defenders,” recognizes not only the rights and responsibilities of human rights defenders, but also the obligation of the State to protect defenders as they carry out their work, including activities in opposition to the policies or arbitrary actions of the State.

In this framework, international accompaniment in Guatemala – and in other countries – has been a non-governmental protection mechanism supported by citizens and governments around the world. International accompaniment bears witness to the situation in which defenders live, and seeks to halt physical aggression against them. During the peace process in Guatemala, it was recognized that the accompaniment provided by groups like Peace Brigades International and other organizations was invaluable in creating a favorable environment towards the end of the negotiations that culminated with the signing of the Peace Accords.

Today, confronted with new challenges as a society, the role of Peace Brigades International and international accompaniment is vital to assuring a space for dialogue and to preventing us from falling back into a spiral of political violence and ideological polarization in discussions about the use of our wealth of natural resources. It is for that reason that:

1.     WE REJECT the accusation expressed against Peace Brigades International and we affirm not only the apolitical, neutral and non-violent nature of the organization, but also the role it plays in the protection of human rights defenders in Guatemala.

2.     WE CONDEMN the accusations and criminalization launched against Daniel Pascual, CUC, and other social and human rights organizations that promote integral development and environmental protection.

3.     WE CALL on the Guatemalan Government to reaffirm its intention, expressed in the Declaration on Defenders, to promote the defense of human rights and the protection of defenders. Specifically, the activities carried out in support of people and communities that defend human rights require public support, as do the groups and people that defend human rights by accompanying defenders.

Guatemala, February 5, 2013

CONVERGENCIA POR LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS: Centro de Análisis Forense y Ciencias Aplicadas –CAFCA-; Centro de Acción Legal Ambiental y Social de Guatemala –CALAS-; Centro Internacional para Investigaciones en Derechos Humanos –CIIDH-; Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos –CALDH-; Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial –ECAP-; Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez; Fundación Sobrevivientes; Instituto de Estudios Comparados en Ciencias Penales de Guatemala –ICCPG-; Oficina de Derechos Humanos del Arzobispado de Guatemala –ODHAG-; Seguridad en Democracia –SEDEM-; Unión Nacional de Mujeres Guatemaltecas –UNAMG-; Unidad de Protección a Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos –UDEFEGUA. Centro de Estudios de Guatemala. Sector de Mujeres. Comisión de los Derechos Humanos de Guatemala en EEUU.

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ANTE LA CRIMINALIZACIÓN DE BRIGADAS DE PAZ INTERNACIONALES Y EL ACOMPAÑAMIENTO INTERNACIONAL

En los últimos meses, personas particulares y funcionarios públicos han vertido opiniones a la opinión pública nacional e internacional, en las cuales se estigmatiza y criminaliza la labor de defensores y defensoras de derechos humanos que acompañan a comunidades y organizaciones que trabajan en la promoción y defensa de derechos humanos en el ámbito local.

Las dinámicas de difamación y criminalización buscan aislar a los defensores y defensoras de derechos humanos que desde su ámbito local enfrentan dinámicas de poder que no solo excluyen la participación ciudadana, sino que parten de la discriminación, son intolerantes y violentas y buscan cooptar conciencias para abrir las puertas a dinámicas empresariales, que en gran medida, dan la espalda a los derechos de los pueblos indígenas consagrados en el Convenio 169 de la Organización Internacional de Trabajo (OIT).

La “Declaración Universal del Derecho y Deber de toda persona, organización e institución para Defender y Promover Derechos Humanos y Libertades Universalmente Reconocidos” o “Declaración de Defensores” reconoce no sólo el derecho y el deber de defender derechos humanos, sino también la obligación del Estado de proteger a los defensores y defensoras en la realización de su actividad, incluidas aquellas acciones de oposición a políticas públicas o acciones arbitrarias.

En ese marco, el acompañamiento internacional ha sido en Guatemala -y en otros países- un mecanismo de protección no estatal apoyado por ciudadanos y gobiernos alrededor del mundo. El acompañamiento internacional es un testigo de la situación que viven los defensores y defensoras y buscan detener la agresión física hacia los mismos. En Guatemala, durante el proceso de paz, se reconoció que el acompañamiento brindado por organizaciones como Brigadas de Paz Internacional y otras organizaciones fue invaluable para crear un ambiente propicio hacia el final del proceso de negociación que culminó con la firma de la paz.

Hoy, ante los nuevos retos que enfrentamos como sociedad, el rol de Brigadas de Paz Internacional y del acompañamiento internacional es vital para permitir que el espacio del diálogo pueda darse y que no caigamos en una espiral de violencia política y polarización ideológica en la discusión sobre el uso de nuestras riquezas naturales. Es por ello que,

1. RECHAZAMOS los señalamientos vertidos en contra de Brigadas de Paz Internacional y reafirmamos no sólo la naturaleza apartidaria, neutral y no violenta de la organización; sino también el rol que cumple en la protección de defensores y defensoras de derechos humanos en Guatemala.

2. CONDENAMOS los señalamientos y criminalización que se impulsa en contra de Daniel Pascual, el CUC y otras organizaciones sociales y de derechos humanos que promueven el desarrollo integral y la protección ambiental.

3. LLAMAMOS al Gobierno de Guatemala a reafirmar su voluntad expresada en la Declaración de Defensores de promover la defensa de derechos humanos y la protección a defensoras y defensores de derechos humanos. Particularmente, se requiere del apoyo público a las acciones realizadas a favor de personas y comunidades que defienden derechos humanos y los grupos y personas que defienden derechos humanos acompañando a las mismas.

 Guatemala, 5 de febrero de 2013

CONVERGENCIA POR LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS: Centro de Análisis Forense y Ciencias Aplicadas –CAFCA-; Centro de Acción Legal Ambiental y Social de Guatemala –CALAS-; Centro Internacional para Investigaciones en Derechos Humanos –CIIDH-; Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos –CALDH-; Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial –ECAP-; Asociación El Refugio de la Niñez; Fundación Sobrevivientes; Instituto de Estudios Comparados en Ciencias Penales de Guatemala –ICCPG-; Oficina de Derechos Humanos del Arzobispado de Guatemala –ODHAG-; Seguridad en Democracia –SEDEM-; Unión Nacional de Mujeres Guatemaltecas –UNAMG-; Unidad de Protección a Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos –UDEFEGUA. Centro de Estudios de Guatemala. Sector de Mujeres. Comisión de los Derechos Humanos de Guatemala en EEUU.

GHRC Expresses Concern for those in San Antonio Las Trojes 1

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The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA (GHRC) expresses its concern regarding the tense situation facing community members of San Antonio Las Trojes 1, San Juan Sacatepéquez.

The crisis originated on January 23, 2013 when heavy machinery arrived at the community, escorted by fifty workers from the Cementos Progreso cement factory, armed with machetes. The community was informed that drilling was to begin on a large well for potable water. This project had been proposed by an illegitimate “community development council”, approved by mayor Fernando Bracamonte, and promoted by the cement company.

Local leaders, however, had repeatedly rejected the project because of a lack of prior consultation with the families of the area, and for the division it would further provoke within the community, a population already split between the minority who support the cement factory and the overwhelming majority who oppose it.

The situation worsened on January 24, when a visiting verification commission headed by Daniel Pascual of the Campesino Unity Committee (CUC), along with international accompaniers and independent journalists were threatened and assaulted by armed supporters of the cement company. That night individuals wearing ski masks blocked the entrance to the community of Las Trojes, preventing local leaders from returning to their homes and families.

Since January 28 over 5,000 people have maintained a daily, nonviolent protest in front of the cement factory to denounce the acts of violence and intimidation, and to demand that their rights be respected. Lamented one community leader: “it seems that the mayor does not have the will to resolve this conflict; his actions respond more to the interests of the cement company than to those of the community.”

GHRC recognizes that the residents of Las Trojes have the right to protest in defense of their land, the right to a clean and healthy environment, and the right to be consulted in all projects that will affect their community.

We call upon the Presidential Commission on Human Rights, COPREDEH, and the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman, PDH, to comply with the essential task for which they were created: the defense of human rights. We entreat both institutions to guarantee the security and well-being of the community members of San Juan Sacatepéquez.

Guatemala, January 30, 2013

San Juan Sacatepequez. Archive photo. (c) GHRC

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La Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Guatemala en Washington, EE.UU. (GHRC), manifiesta su preocupación por la situación de tensión que se está viviendo en la comunidad de San Antonio Las Trojes 1, San Juan Sacatepéquez.

La crisis se originó con la llegada de maquinaria el día 23 de enero de 2013, custodiada por trabajadores de Cementos Progreso armados con machetes, para llevar a cabo la perforación de un pozo de agua. Este proyecto fue propuesto por un Consejo Comunitario de Desarrollo sin legitimidad, aprobado por el alcalde Fernando Bracamonte, y promovido por la empresa cementera. Los comunitarios han criticado este proyecto por la falta de consulta con los vecinos y por la división que está provocando dentro de la comunidad.

La situación se tornó aun mas preocupante el día jueves 24 de enero, cuando una comisión de observación encabezada por Daniel Pascual de CUC, acompañantes internacionales y medios alternativos de información fueron agredidos y amenazados por personas armadas, asociadas con la empresa cementera. Por la noche hombres encapuchados cerraron el paso a la comunidad Las Trojes, impidiendo que los líderes locales regresaran a sus casas y con sus familias.

Desde el 28 de enero están reunidos  al menos 5.000 personas en una protesta pacífica frente a la cementera para rechazar las acciones violentas de la semana pasada y para pedir que sean respetados sus derechos. Un líder comunitario expresó que, “parece que no hay voluntad del alcalde para darle solución a este conflicto; su actuación responde más a los intereses de la cementera que a los de las comunidades”.

Reconocemos que los comunitarios están ejerciendo su derecho a manifestarse por la protección de su territorio, el derecho a un medio ambiente sano, y sobre todo el derecho que tienen a ser consultados en la definición de proyectos en sus comunidades.

Hacemos un llamado a la Comisión Presidencial de Derechos Humanos, COPREDEH, y a la Procuraduría de los Derechos Humanos, PDH, para que cumplan con el importante rol para el cual fueron creadas y garanticen la seguridad y la integridad física de los comunitarios de San Juan Sacatepéquez.

Guatemala, 30 de enero de 2013