FUTURES IN FREEDOM. WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS (2023)
Visibility and defense of human rights activists by lawyers
Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala
TITLE: Visibility and defense of human rights activists by human rights lawyers in Guatemala
Funder: Generalitat Valenciana
Total budget: €31,104
Grant amount: €24,718
Start date: 06/15/2023
End date: 12/14/2023
Summary
This project seeks to highlight and denounce the violence, harassment, and discrimination faced by human rights lawyers in Guatemala. These professionals not only support individuals and groups in contexts of rights violations, but also defend those who carry out their defense work, even seeing their own right to practice limited. Since 2019, the criminalization and stigmatization of these professionals has increased, seriously affecting judicial independence and access to justice in the country.
The information provided by the CALDH association demonstrates how this problem manifests itself in multiple ways: from noncompliance with Constitutional Court rulings to the promotion of regressive laws, including the withdrawal of the CICIG (National Commission for the Protection of Human Rights), threats to the Human Rights Ombudsman, and the weakening of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Added to this are pressures and attacks against independent judges and prosecutors, creating a picture of great vulnerability for those who defend justice in Guatemala. Given this context, the intervention aims to raise awareness among Valencian society and promote its involvement in defending those who risk their lives and their profession to guarantee fundamental rights.
At the same time, the project strengthens alliances between the Foundation for Justice and Guatemalan organizations committed to human rights, promoting the signing of agreements and collaborations that will enable the continuation of these initiatives. Similarly, work is being done to create synergies with Valencian organizations to enhance awareness-raising and outreach activities. The goal is to build a critical and supportive citizenry, aware of the importance of protecting those who defend human rights and capable of demanding clear commitments both locally and internationally.
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