Center for Independent Media denounces attacks following its coverage of violence in Alta Verapaz
Below is NISGUA's translation of a press release by Guatemala's Center for Independent Media (CMI-G) regarding attacks suffered as a result of its coverage of the violent eviction of communities opposing the imposition of mega-projects in Alta Verapaz. For the original version in Spanish click here. CMI denounces attacks following its coverage in Alta Verapaz Since a team from [...]
Will new World Bank lending policies undermine advances for justice in Guatemala?
Only days after a Guatemalan appeals court emitted an historic ruling strengthening the domestic jurisdiction of Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO 169), a leaked draft of the World Bank’s new Safeguard Policies revealed proposed changes to the Bank’s lending policies that could undermine international laws in place to protect the rights of indigenous communities. The draft, "Review [...]
Court rules that Guatemala must recognize results of community consultations
In an historic resolution, a Guatemalan Appeals Court ruled last week that the government must take into account the right to free, prior and informed consent when granting mining licenses on the lands of indigenous communities. The ruling came in response to a legal action presented by the Sipakapense People's Council in March 2014, arguing that the Ministry of Energy [...]
Witnesses give pre-trial testimony for Military Diary case
On July 3 and 4, four witnesses presented their testimony to the High Risk Court "B" in anticipation of the upcoming trial in the Military Diary case. Although a trial date has yet to be set, the court allowed the elderly witnesses to give their testimony, which will be admitted as evidence when procedural issues, currently impeding the start of [...]
Retired military officials arraigned for atrocities at Sepur Zarco military base
Ex-colonel Esteelmer Reyes Girón and ex-military commissioner Heriberto Valdéz Asij were arraigned and ordered to pre-trial detention on June 23 by Tribunal "B" of the High Risk Crimes Court. The two will remain in prison while they await trial on charges of assassination, forced disappearance, and crimes against humanity.Estelmer Reyes Girón and Heriberto Valdéz Asij in court on June 23.Photo: [...]
Red del Proyecto de Acompañamiento de NISGUA denuncia intento de expulsar observadores internacionales
Toma acción inmediata para expresar su apoyo para el acompañamiento internacional en derechos humanos y los defensores de derechos humanos en Guatemala! Favor de remitir la siguiente carta a las autoridades guatemaltecas y estadounidenses hoy! Descarga la carta aquí y mandarla con un mensaje personalizado a los embajadas, consulados y autoridades guatemaltecas. Se puede encontrar la lista de contactos [...]