Julie Chappell

Increasing attacks on Human Rights Defenders

Hi, it’s David - Julie’s Deputy here (another newbie to Guatemala). Last week I was struck by the press coverage here about the increasing level of attacks on human rights defenders in Guatemala. According to statistics, published by UDEFEGUA (Unidad De Proteccion De Defensoras Y Defensores De Derechos Humanos Guatemala), there had been 257 recorded attacks so far in 2009. Compare this to the whole of 2008 when there were 220 (compared to 127 in 2003, so virtually doubling in 5 years).

So it is clear where the trend is heading and it’s worrying. The EU Group on Human Rights discussed the matter at its monthly meeting on 8 September and recommended that EU Ambassadors raise it formally with the Guatemalan Government, which they did on 9 September.

The UNDEFEGUA’s statistics are even more worrying as the perpetrators of these crimes enjoy almost total impunity – something that I have learnt a lot about since I arrived. But there are examples of the justice system here working, for instance the sentencing in June of the man responsible for the murder of Human Rights Defender, Israel Carias, and his sons in 2007.

The protection of human rights is one of the pillars of the UK’s foreign policy, and an important part of our work here in Guatemala. Human Rights defenders play a key role upholding the protection of human rights, and they too have the right to the same freedoms and security that you and I are entitled. What do you think about this issue?

Posted at 15:56 14 September 2009 by Julie Chappell  |  Comments[0]

"Raising her voice" in Central America

Yesterday, I had the privilege to open a 3-day workshop with Oxfam called "Raising her voice". It's part of a programme being run across Africa, Asia and Latin America with the support of the UK. The aim is to encourage women across the world to become more involved in public and political life, and ultimately to reduce inequality. I remember being involved in similar work in Iraq. It struck me then what an incredible difference it could make even just bringing people together so they knew they were not struggling alone.

In Guatemala, there are some specific challenges. For example, only 38% of indigenous women can read and write. Plus levels of violence against women are both shocking and increasing. (Guatemala's total murder rate rose from 17 to 19 murders per day last month.)

But there is some good news too. Recently, Congress showed its commitment to tackling sexual violence and exploitation by revising Guatemala's penal codes. The new law (strongly supported by the Vice-President and civil society groups) gives more explicit descriptions of what constitutes a sexual crime, including within families. It is also more explicit about situations in which a higher penalty must be served, including for gang rape and rape involving weapons, alcohol or drugs. As the Vice President has said, the emphasis is now on implementation.

Posted at 16:31 21 August 2009 by Julie Chappell  |  Comments[4]