“Smaller than David”: the fight of human rights defenders in Guatemala. Publication of Fact-Finding Report and Documentary Film
Geneva-Paris-Guatemala-City, February 23, 2015: In itsreport and documentary published today, the Observatory denounces the extremevulnerability of human rights defenders and their constant targeting viacriminalization campaigns, threats, and physical assaults. The publication ofthe report and documentary coincides with the start of a 5-day mission in thecountry.
The Report is available for download on the OMCT website:
in Spanish: OBS_InformeCompleto_Guatemala_ES_20150223 in English: OBS_Guatemala_FullReport_English_20150223
The report reveals657 cases of attacks against human rights defenders in 2013 and that in t2014figures rose to 810 cases - the highest number since UDEFEGUA began keepingofficial records in 2000. Additionally, last year saw the deaths of 7defenders, 21 attempted murders, and the saddening figure of 30 cases of ill,cruel or inhuman treatment against human rights defenders.
“The conclusions laid out in this reportplace the utmost urgency on the Guatemalan authorities to truly commit toprotecting human rights defenders and to dealing with the structural sources ofsocial conflict. Whatis more, the international community must deliver a more effective supportstrategy for those who attempt to defend human rights in hostile environmentslacking adequate State protection”, stated GeraldStaberock, Secretary General of the OMCT.
The report published today places the spotlight on the situation of landrights defenders and the violence they experience when they raise their voicesagainst the negative impacts of natural resource extraction companies. Mostnotably, the communities that have taken action in protecting human rights,such as those of Santa Cruz Barillas, La Puyaor San Rafael de Las Flores and Mataquescuintla, have become the targetsof repressive political policies that have employed unjustifiable states ofsiege and violent evictions. The most commonly witnessed attacks include:harassment and threats, physical attacks including assassinations, criminal prosecutionand defamation.
“Despite a comprehensive legal and institutional framework and someprogresses regarding the fight against the impunity of attacks againstdefenders, they continue to act under extremely vulnerable conditions. Thisdemonstrates the State’s lack ofwillingness and capacity when it comes to ensuring of the respect of theirrights, including their physicalsecurity”, said Karim Lahidji, FIDH President.
Land rights defenders face a criticalsituation,aggravated by structural issues resulting in conflicts throughout thecountry, such as the lack of agrarian reform as set forth in the PeaceAgreements; the re-militarization and the mishandling of social conflicts viathe application of laws that criminalize protesters such as the “Túmulos Law”; the structuraldiscrimination of indigenous peoples; inequality and poverty; and thesystematic violation of the right to prior consultation, which is considered tobe legally non-binding by the Constitutional Court.
“As stated by the International LabourOrganization, it isimportant to remember that a lack of consultation mechanisms regardinghydroelectric, extraction or monoculture projects that exploit naturalresources is in large part the source of said social conflicts”, stated Claudia Samayoa, Director ofUDEFEGUA.
The Observatory and UDEFEGUA have sent an international mission toGuatemala from February 23 – 27, 2015 to launch the Report and the DocumentaryFilm, during which meetings will be held with local and internationalauthorities, civil society and the media. The objective of the mission is toestablish a dialogue on the conclusions and recommendations contained in thereport that was jointly drafted by the Observatory and the UDEFEGUA.
The Report is available for download on the OMCT website:
in Spanish: OBS_InformeCompleto_Guatemala_ES_20150223
in English: OBS_Guatemala_FullReport_English_20150223
The Documentary “Más pequeños que david” is available here:
Original Version in Spanish:
Subtitled in English:
Subtitled in French:
You can participatevia social networking sites using the hashtag #MasPequeñosQueDavid.
For more information on the Report or Documentary,please contact:
· OMCT: Miguel MartínZumalacárregui: + 41 22 809 49 24
· FIDH: Arthur Manet: +33 1 43 55 25 18 / José Carlos Thissen: + 51 95 41 31 650
· UDEFEGUA: ClaudiaSamayoa: +502 5018-4603
If you wish to arrange interviews with the missiondelegates during the mission, please contact:
· UDEFEGUA: ClaudiaSamayoa: +502 5018-4603