Guatemala had the longest and bloodiest civil war in Central American history: 36 years (1960-96). The US-backed military was responsible for a genocide (“scorched earth policy”) that wiped out 200,000 mostly Maya indigenous civilians. War criminals are still being tried in the courts.
Learn more here.
Guatemala Election Watch #44
An important summary of the Indigenous reality of what "Guatemala" is, for more than 500 years, now leading the struggle in defense of the August 20, 2023 election results, and the construction of a different Guatemala for the future.
Guatemala's Supreme Electoral Tribunal faced the removal of immunity, prompting three magistrates to leave the country amidst allegations of interference in the presidential election results. The Congress lifted the immunity of four magistrates, accused by attorneys linked to a far-right candidate of overpaying for election software. Despite international observers declaring the election fair, the magistrates certified the results. President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, an outsider promising to tackle corruption, faces legal challenges, with his party suspended and members arrested. Amidst U.S. sanctions on officials, Arévalo is set to take office on Jan. 14, but concerns about Guatemala's establishment interfering persist.
In this monthly newsletter, we include the fiscal year-end numbers from Customs and Border Patrol. CBP reports 2,475,669 “encounters” of migrants at the US-Mexico border from OCT 2022-SEP 2023. That’s up about 100,000 from last fiscal year.
Let’s be clear. There is no “border crisis.” But there is a humanitarian crisis at the border.
The numbers don’t justify any increased funding for CBP. Federal agents are not having to chase down tens of thousands of migrants along the river bank or into the desert along the 2,000 mile border. A large portion of the “encountered” migrants (roughly 30,000 per month) have actually turned themselves in voluntarily at ports-of-entry to request political asylum. Presenting themselves at ports of entry (i.e., the “legal” way to cross) are these nationalities in this order: Haiti, Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru.
But the waiting time to schedule an appointment at the border crossing (via the CBP One app) and then waiting for the actual appointment—this is causing tens of thousands of migrants to seek humanitarian assistance on the Mexico side of the border as they sit it out and wait.
As burdensome as the asylum process is, a group of US senators is trying to make it worse. They are threatening to stall any supplemental budget request that Biden is submitting for the war in Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, and the US-Mexico border. They say that won’t approve any Biden request unless it contains new border restrictions, including: more detention, family and child detention, restrictions on humanitarian parole, and banning the right to asylum for migrants who do not present themselves at ports-of-entry (note: this is clearly an illegal provision that violates both domestic and international asylum law.).
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.
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In 2022, Guatemala faced turmoil at the University of San Carlos following the contested election of Walter Mazariegos as the new rector. Bernardo Arevalo, initially a little-known figure, gained international attention after becoming Guatemala's president-elect. However, prosecutors have sought to strip him and his running mate, Karin Herrera, of political immunity for supporting student protests. The move is viewed by critics as an attempt to undermine Arevalo's presidency, adding to previous legal actions against him. The investigation into the university occupation has raised concerns about free speech suppression, with Arevalo's vocal support for the protests becoming a focal point. The attempt to lift his immunity is seen as a potential threat to Guatemala's democratic stability, drawing international criticism, particularly from the United States. The outcome could impact regional stability and collaboration on issues like transnational crime.
International organizations strongly condemn the Guatemalan Public Prosecutor's Office for criminalizing political opposition, academics, journalists, and human rights defenders in the "Takeover of the USAC: political booty" case. This abuse of power aims to prevent the inauguration of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo and others on January 14, 2024. Raids and arrests targeting 27 individuals, including human rights advocates and academics, occurred in connection with their peaceful resistance against election anomalies at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala in 2022. The Public Prosecutor's Office plans to pursue pre-trial proceedings against elected officials, deepening a strategy of unjust criminalization. International bodies, including the OAS and IACHR, express grave concern and call on Guatemala to respect election results and cease actions threatening constitutional order and judicial independence. They emphasize the need for international oversight to prevent further abuses and signal that authoritarian manipulation of laws will not be tolerated on the global stage.
Guatemala's president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, won the presidency with a surprising margin in a runoff election marred by irregularities and disqualifications. Despite initially being underestimated, Arévalo's unexpected success triggered a campaign by authorities, including the suspension of his party and investigations, leading to protests. Arévalo describes these actions as a "coup in slow motion," emphasizing the use of legal means to undermine elected officials. He calls for global attention to the challenges democracy faces worldwide and expresses confidence in assuming office as scheduled on Jan. 14, citing legal support and electoral tribunal decisions.
Welcome to the vibrant celebration of human rights at the IRTF's 43rd Annual Commemoration Program, Fiesta De Derechos Humanos! As we gather to honor and reflect on the enduring pursuit of justice, this program book serves as a testament to the diverse voices advocating for human rights around the globe. Join us in commemorating the progress made and acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in our collective journey towards a more just and equitable world. Through engaging narratives, powerful testimonials, and inspiring perspectives, Fiesta De Derechos Humanos encapsulates the essence of our shared commitment to fostering a world where human rights flourish for all.
To view the entire program book visit: https://tinyurl.com/Commemoration23
Guatemala's president-elect, Bernardo Arévalo, accuses political and judicial forces of attempting to prevent his January inauguration through corrupt means, warning that their success would lead to economic disaster, increased migration to the US, and the establishment of an authoritarian regime. Arévalo, elected in August, emphasizes the desperation for change in Guatemala and accuses Attorney General Consuelo Porras and others of undermining democracy. He anticipates sanctions if prevented from taking office, making it difficult to attract investment. Arévalo's economic plans include doubling public investment, improving the rule of law, and reducing debt relative to GDP by 2028.
The text provides an update on the ongoing Indefinite National Strike in Guatemala, initiated on October 2nd by Indigenous Ancestral Authorities and supported by various sectors of the population. The main demand is the resignation of officials involved in the "Pact of Corrupt." The Indigenous authorities have shifted their strategy, ending highway blockades but maintaining a sit-in outside the Public Prosecutor's Office in Guatemala City. The US Assistant Secretary of State met with President-Elect Bernardo Arévalo, not the current president, and discussed potential sanctions to ensure democratic order. Political parties in Congress proposed removing Attorney General Consuelo Porras from her post. Tragically, an Indigenous leader involved in the strike was murdered, demanding a thorough investigation. Despite the end of the electoral process, the strike continues, and new actions are expected as the people persist in their demands for justice and accountability. Solidarity with Guatemala is encouraged.
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, along with the Latin American Working Group and the Guatemalan Human Rights Commission, has expressed solidarity with the people of Guatemala, particularly Indigenous communities, who are fighting for democracy, human rights, and accountability. They condemn the Guatemalan government's attempts to overturn the August 20, 2023 elections and prevent President-Elect Bernardo Arévalo from taking office. The government's tactics include intimidation, threats, and legal actions against election workers and the winning party, Movimiento Semilla. The international community recognizes Arévalo's landslide victory. The protesters, including Indigenous authorities, human rights activists, women's groups, and religious leaders, demand the resignation of corrupt officials and the protection of their constitutional right to peaceful protest. The article calls on the United States to impose sanctions on the guilty officials and urges the Guatemalan government to respect the election results and ensure a peaceful transition of power. The solidarity statement expresses support for the courageous people of Guatemala in their struggle for democracy and the rule of law.
