Guatemala: News & Updates

Former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei has been barred from entering the U.S. due to allegations of significant corruption. The U.S. State Department cites credible information indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes during his tenure as president of Guatemala, undermining the rule of law and government transparency. Giammattei faced criticism for not reviving a U.N.-backed anti-corruption watchdog and clashed with the U.S. over efforts to curb graft. He was replaced by anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arevalo, who was sworn in after a chaotic inauguration. Arevalo emphasizes democracy advocacy and aims to reshape Guatemala's political landscape. Giammattei has not commented on the allegations.

On January 14, 2024, Guatemala marks the beginning of its second Democratic Spring as a genuinely democratic government takes power, only the third time in the country's history. The first democratic government emerged in 1944, followed by a U.S. military coup in 1954 that ended it. Rights Action acknowledges the efforts of prosecutors, judges, lawyers, and Congress members resisting systemic corruption. The Semilla Party and newly inaugurated President Bernardo Arevalo and VP Karin Herrera receive thanks and respect. The Guatemalan people, particularly the Mayan indigenous population, endured 60 years of repression, corruption, exploitation, and violence. Sustained protests in the past six months played a crucial role in ensuring the lawful transition of power. Rights Action pledges continued support for indigenous and campesino communities in their struggles for land, rights, and environmental defense. The focus includes truth, memory, and justice work, as well as empowering indigenous Ancestral Councils as watchdogs in the new Democratic Spring.

Bernardo Arévalo, an anticorruption crusader, has been inaugurated as Guatemala's president amid resistance from opponents in the government. Despite delays and challenges, Arévalo, considered Guatemala's most progressive head of state since the 1980s, took office after international outcry and pressure from protesters. He faces a power struggle with conservative prosecutors, Congress members, and political figures who have weakened governing institutions. Arévalo's opponents aim to limit his budget for healthcare and education. The U.S. and other leaders support Arévalo, while tensions highlight Guatemala's history of political interference and exclusion of Indigenous groups.

As Guatemala's new president, Bernardo Arévalo, prepares to take office amidst challenges to his legitimacy, Indigenous leaders reflect on the past indefinite national strike defending democracy. Despite the Constitutional Court's affirmation and Arévalo's upcoming inauguration, concerns linger over the inclusivity of the new government. The Indigenous-led #ParoNacionalIndefinido successfully mobilized communities nationwide, highlighting the power of Indigenous leadership. The struggle, rooted in historical Indigenous resistance, extends beyond electoral politics. Interviews with organizations involved in the national strike shed light on broader Indigenous struggles in Guatemala, emphasizing the need for structural change and justice beyond the political transition. The disappointment with Arévalo's cabinet appointments underscores the ongoing Indigenous-led resistance and the promise of the future.

The Xinka Parliament, a key Indigenous authority in Guatemala, sees the new government as a foundation for continuing their struggle for democracy. The Xinka people have been actively involved in resisting the Escobal silver mine and have faced challenges, including denial of their Indigenous status and the killing and criminalization of their leaders. They recently participated in a national strike for a peaceful transition of state power. Despite the uncertainties, they express hope in the potential for positive change with the new government, emphasizing the need for direct governance with the people. They acknowledge the challenges within Guatemala's political system but believe in laying a foundation for lasting change. The interview highlights the importance of international solidarity and emphasizes that Indigenous authorities work voluntarily for their communities. The Xinka Parliament calls for unity and invites others to join their struggle against corruption for the sake of future generations.

This report explains how issuances of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are an effective tool to mitigate the effects of the multiple crises that Latin American and Caribbean countries currently face. SDRs are among the most important alternative financing mechanisms available within the international monetary system, as they can generate new resources without increasing debt levels. Untapped for decades, recent issuances in 2009 — to address the effects of the global recession — and in 2021 — to help countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic — reintroduced SDRs as a powerful instrument for addressing global emergencies. However, the scale of their impact could be much more significant.

The current context, marked by the climate crisis, economic stagnation, and rising external debt burdens, calls for a strong, coordinated, and global response by the international community. So far, however, the response has failed to meet these challenges sufficiently or adequately. Given these circumstances, a new SDR issuance becomes not only relevant but also necessary for ensuring that countries of the Global South receive the financial support required for climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to achieve further issuances of SDRs, a coordinated push by Latin American and Caribbean countries, together with other countries and organizations in the Global South, is essential.

President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, set to take office on January 14, plans to bring structural change to Guatemala, focusing on anti-corruption measures, democratic security, and equal law application. His opportunities include strong support from indigenous groups, engagement with the private sector, and backing from the international community. However, challenges lie in addressing organized crime and drug trafficking, navigating a divided Congress, and countering continued attacks from the Attorney General's office. The text suggests collaboration with civil society, international support, and a comprehensive approach to corruption and crime are crucial. The international community is urged to support Arévalo's administration in promoting human rights and combating corruption.

The implications of the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico, Central America, and Honduras, highlighting the failures of US policies like the Merida Initiative and drug war strategies. It emphasizes the devastating impact on these regions, resulting in violence, human rights abuses, and corruption. The focus is on adopting new paradigms, shifting away from punitive drug policies to prioritize human well-being, domestically and internationally. It also sheds light on the US influence in Honduras, pointing out interventions, support for corrupt regimes, and obstructing reforms. Furthermore, it addresses immigration, stressing the need for a humane approach rather than militarization. Recommendations include investigating DEA activities, reforming drug policies, anti-militarism measures, non-interference in Honduran affairs, and prioritizing human rights in immigration reforms.

Border security continues to be a hot button issue in Congress. And some congressional leaders are holding hostage other non-border issues because of their tough stance on immigration and desire to gut US asylum law. 

In last month’s newsletter, we shared an article about a one-page document that three Republican senators submitted to President Biden on November 6, summarizing the border and migration proposals they demand to include in the supplemental budget request that the president is submitting for the war in Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, and the US-Mexico border. The draconian measures include: ban asylum access for people who did not cross the border at ports of entry; ban asylum access for people who pass through other countries without seeking asylum there; heighten eligibility standards to pass a credible fear interview; expand migrant detention (including families and children); restrict temporary humanitarian parole.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) responded in a combined letter on December 14, denouncing that: “Republicans continue to hold funding for America’s allies hostage at the expense of migrants and to pass Trump-era border policies.”

Articles in this monthly newsletter: 1) ICE Air: update on removal flight trends. 2) How US Policy Toward Latin America Has Fueled Historic Numbers of Asylum Seekers. 3) WOLA Urges Congress to Protect Asylum and Update Obsolete Border Policies. 4) At the Border: Recent Incidents. 5) Governor Abbott Signs Law to Arrest Anyone in Texas without Immigration Papers.

See the Take Action items listed at the bottom of this newsletter. Our advocacy is needed to maintain some modicum of humanity in the nation’s immigration system and to address root causes of migration.  1) Stop Border Militarization. 2) Take Action Now Against Extreme Asylum Restrictions.  3) Help Migrants and Refugees in Cleveland. 

Read the full IRTF Migrant Justice Newsletter each month at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog .