GHRC condemns the recent decision to expel two Peace Brigades International (PBI) volunteers from Guatemala. The work of international observers and accompaniers to monitor, document and denounce human rights violations is important for the protection of human rights defenders. This arbitrary action by the Guatemalan Office of Migration Services and Interior Ministry puts defenders at increased risk and undermines efforts to promote human rights and peaceful conflict resolution.
Read PBI’s alert here (en español abajo):
CLOSURE OF SPACES CONTINUES: CANCELLATION OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMITS OF TWO VOLUNTEERS OF PEACE BRIGADES INTERNATIONAL
A new attack against the right to defend rights
2nd July 2014
Dear Sir or Madam,
Please accept cordial greetings from PBI Guatemala. The purpose of this Alert is to bring attention to and share our grave concern following the cancellation of the temporary residence permits of two volunteers of the PBI Guatemala project. This measure was decided by the Sub-directorate for Foreign Citizen issues which is part of the Office of Migration Services (Dirección General de Migración, DGM) and the Ministry of Interior (Ministerio de Gobernación), in two resolutions dated 1st July, without stating the reasons or events that led to this decision. The resulting situation affects both individuals and their immigration status, as well as the work of international accompaniment and observation for the defense of human rights which PBI has carried out in Guatemala for over 30 years. Continue reading
Guatemala Human Rights Commission 