As attacks on human rights defenders in Guatemala continue with impunity, IUF Latin America (Rel-UITA) is calling on the Guatemalan government to release previously earmarked funds of over USD 2.5 million (GTQ 20 million) to fund numerous organizations and projects.
Numerous NGO’s and human rights organizations are on record describing the crisis in Guatemala:
- NGO Udefegua recorded 1004 cases of attacks, 15 assassinations and 22 attempted assassinations of human rights defenders
- Front Line Defenders and Global Witness have stated that Guatemala continues to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world with the highest per capita murders of land and environmental defenders
- According to the most recent United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights annual report, Guatemala continues to present a difficult human rights context with high and persistent levels of inequality, discrimination and insecurity
Regional Secretary for IUF Latin America, Gerardo Iglesias stated, “It is unacceptable to continue to deprive such an important and strategic institution of the necessary resources for the protection, respect and the safeguarding of the fundamental rights of millions of citizens. Rel UITA urges the board of the Legislative Branch to disburse the funds still owed as soon as possible. Have no doubt that we will continue to monitor this and will continue our public denunciations if the situation is not resolved.”
