Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA

Militarization: 2009

December 2, 2009: A large coalition of organizations in the Ixcán have released a statement rejecting the reopening of a military base in the region and the remilitarization of communities still recovering from massacres at the hands of the army. Read their statement in English. Lea su comunicado en español. (pdf)

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October 21, 2009: Complaints resume after military decision to reopen Sixth Brigade in Ixcan. The remilitarization of Ixcan is reopening wounds from the massacres that occurred at the hands of the military during the 36 year civil war. Many civil society groups are rising up against the military instillation. The official purpose is to stop the increased violence, however some say this is not the case at all. [La Hora]

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July 25, 2009. Consequences of little to no arms control. At least 17 people die by firearms daily in Guatemala. Although national hospitals do not keep statistics of those who enter with wounds from stray bullets, they receive at least 75 each month for gunshot wounds, many of whom die after arriving at the hospital. According to Eleonora Muralles, from Family and Friends Against Crime and Kidnapping (Familiares y Amigos contra la Delincuencia y el Secuestro, FADS), there is a need for a general disarmament and control of those with a weapon, as several young people between the ages of 15 and 16 go to clubs armed and are irresponsible. Muralles also said that the institution of the police must be strengthened so the argument for self-protection is not given as much credit as it currently is. [La Hora]

June 3, 2009: Army to reopen brigade in Ixcán

 

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