Where and Who We Accompany
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Organization Accompaniment

Since the beginning of 2000, threats and direct attacks have increased against Guatemalan human rights organizations, indigenous groups, exhumation teams, and others who work for justice. In response to this situation, and at the request of Guatemalan human rights leaders, G.A.P. initiated its Organization Accompaniment Program. Its mandate is to provide accompaniment for groups and/or individuals who are committed to the nonviolent social movement in Guatemala for a democratic, multiethnic, and pluricultural society, based on socioeconomic justice and full respect for human rights and freedom of expression. G.A.P. respects the autonomy and confidentiality of the organizations and does not intervene or take a position in the affairs of the groups we accompany. The accompaniment we provide must not be related to illegal activities of any kind.

Two G.A.P. accompaniers based in Guatemala City respond to short-term requests for accompaniment for organizations and individuals. Organization Accompaniment is designed to be flexible and to respond rapidly to the needs of those who request an international presence. Several Guatemalan organizations have asked that the accompanier spend a morning or an afternoon in their office for a number of weeks at a time. Accompaniers have also traveled to rural areas with exhumation teams and mental health support groups, either for quick visits or for longer periods of time. Individuals in the capital have also asked for members of the OA team to stay overnight in their homes.

Requests for Organization Accompaniment are evaluated to be sure they fit within our mandate, the security risk is acceptable, and that – based on our available human resources – it is a priority request.

The work of the Organization Accompaniment team – like that of the other accompaniment efforts G.A.P. participates in – is supported by NISGUA’s network of activists who are committed to responding to Action Alerts, as well as pressuring U.S. and Guatemalan officials to take action regarding issues of concern to the human rights community. Funding for the accompaniers comes from the Sponsoring Communities LAGOS and SEPA.

To learn more about the current political situation, contemporary trends, and historical context that has led to the need for the creation of the Organization Accompaniment team, visit our News and Analysis section.