OHCHR releases its report on the human rights situation in Guatemala

In early March, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published its report on the situation in Guatemala, highlighting progress made in terms of equality, non-discrimination, and sustainable and inclusive development. However, concerns remain regarding violations of women’s and indigenous peoples’ rights. Discrimination and systemic racism continue to impact the full enjoyment of the rights of indigenous peoples, Garifuna, and people of African descent.

March 22nd is World Water Day. This year, representatives from Guatemala’s diverse indigenous peoples and territories presented their findings and demands regarding the water situation to the government of Bernardo Arévalo. This was the result of 24 assemblies for water and life, held during the first quarter of the year in different regions. Over 600 people from more than 35 community organizations, including ancestral authorities, participated in these assemblies.

National Day of Dignification for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict: Plan for Reparation and Dignification

On February 25, 1999, the Commission for Historical Clarification (CEH), which was created within the framework of one of the Peace Accords, presented its report Guatemala: Memory of Silence. This day has been claimed by organizations representing victims and survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC) as a day to commemorate the memory of the more than 200,000 victims who were killed or disappeared.

Two weeks ago, the Constitutional Court (CC) confirmed the sentences against indigenous authorities Rigoberto Juárez Mateo and Bernardo Ermitaño López Reyes and maintains a sentence of 8 and 24 years in prison respectively.

We share with you an article from our new Bulletin 54, which explains the background of the criminalization against indigenous authorities and leaders:

Another indigenous authority criminalized and prosecuted for defending democracy1

2026 began with a fourth criminalization and prosecution process against another one of the leaders of the national strike and 106-day uprising to defend democracy, which took place at the end of 2023. Indigenous and ancestral authorities, together with their communities, defended the results of the presidential elections and democratic processes, demanding the resignation of Attorney General Consuela Porras.

Malicious litigation continues against Luis Pacheco and Héctor Chaclán

At a press conference, civil society organizations condemned the continued use of malicious litigation in the criminal proceedings keeping Luis Pacheco and Héctor Chaclán in prison. The two men are accused of terrorism, criminal conspiracy, and obstruction of justice in connection with their participation in the mass demonstrations in defense of democracy in late 2024. Another indigenous leader, Esteban Toc Tzay, has also been charged with the same crimes and is currently under house arrest.

Government presents its Public Policy on Human Rights Defenders

On November 13, the Public Policy on Human Rights Defenders was presented in the Peace Courtyard of the National Palace of Culture. At the ceremony, Guatemalan government authorities unveiled this protection tool, which includes mechanisms to prevent risks and threats, as well as a protection system and investigative protocols for when a human rights defender’s life and safety are under threat.

The struggle and resistance of the Tz’utujil people in Santiago Atitlán

On October 24, the people of Santiago Atitlán succeeded in removing Mayor Francisco Coché from office on charges of corruption. They also succeeded in having the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) recognize First Councilman Andrés Ajuchán as the new mayor.1

Criminalization and prosecution of justice operators

Guatemala is one of the most dangerous countries for justice operators.