Where & Who we Accompany | Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala

Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala

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99% of the crimes committed during Guatemala's war have not been brought to justice. Of over 45,000 forced disappearances, only one case has gone to trial. Send an email to support war survivors' right to truth and justice today.

Did You Know?

> Attacks against human rights defenders in Guatemala have doubled over the last five years. NISGUA's teams of on-the-ground international human rights monitors work to deter violence in communities, courtrooms and at public events.

> Former dictator Efrain Rios Montt, who ruled during the bloodiest period of the war, currently holds a seat in the Guatemalan Congress. He is wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity.

> The Xalalá hydro-electric dam is rejected by 90% of the local population because it would displace thousands of indigenous people and damage farmlands and forests.

> Almost 400 mining concessions have been granted to transnational gold, silver, nickel, and zinc companies in Guatemala, posing severe threats to rural communities' social and environmental well-being.

The People We Accompany
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Genocide Cases

In 2000 and 2001, a courageous group of war survivors filed legal cases in the Guatemalan court system against former military dictators Efraín Ríos Montt and Romeo Lucas García on charges of genocide against the indigenous population. The witnesses in these cases formed the Association for Justice and Reconciliation and requested international accompaniment. G.A.P. provides accompaniment to the witnesses and their advocates.

Read more. . .

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Groups Organizing around Resource Extraction and Mega-Projects

In the last few years, in an intensifying climate of criminalization of social movements, imposition of mega-"development" projects, and growing grassroots efforts to defend economic, social, and cultural rights, G.A.P. has increased its accompaniment of community groups, organizations, and leaders under threat for their work defending socio-economic rights and environmental justice. Read more about natural resource issues in Guatemala here, particularly the mining and dam section.
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Emergency Response Team

In recent years, threats and direct attacks targeting Guatemalan human rights organizations, indigenous communities, trade unionists, and others working for justice have increased dramatically. At the request of Guatemalan human rights leaders, G.A.P. initiated the short-term emergency response accompaniment team, designed to be flexible and to respond rapidly to the needs of those who request an international presence.