Attacks against judicial officials increase in Guatemala

He UN high commissioner for the human rightsVolker Türk, said this Friday, March 1, that his organization recorded a “considerable increase” last year in attacks and reprisals against judicial officials of Guatemala that investigated cases of corruption and serious violations of human rights.

“In 2023 we registered 71 cases, 69% more than the previous year. I encourage the Government and Congress to take urgent measures to guarantee the safety of Justice officials,” Türk said when presenting the annual report of his office on human rights in Guatemala.

He asked that conditions be created so that those who left the country for security reasons can return.

The high commissioner promised that his entity will remain attentive to the situation that was created when the Attorney General’s Office undertook a series of actions that affected the elections and their results, a situation that he will continue to monitor – he added – for its eventual impact on the separation of powers. and in compliance with the Constitution.

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UN delegate also points out attacks against other sectors

The report from the UN human rights area also raises concerns about attacks against activists, particularly by defenders of citizen rights and freedoms, journalists and indigenous authorities.

Türk urged the authorities to adopt a stronger public policy to protect them.

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On the other hand, she expressed her discomfort at the persistent violence against women and LGBTQ+ people in Guatemala.

On a positive note, he thanked the government for the recent extension of the agreement that allows the UN Human Rights Office to have a presence in Guatemala, in this case until 2027.

“I recently met with President (Bernardo) Arévalo and expressed my deep gratitude for his commitment to the cause of human rights,” he declared.

* With information from the EFE news agency.