GHRC/USA Home

Asylum Support

The Asylum Support Program provides information vital to political asylum cases including written affidavits and expert witness testimony. GHRC works with a national network of lawyers, legal clinics, law students and non-profit organizations to help open the door for persons seeking refuge from physical harm and danger in Guatemala.

Immigration and Trade

There are an estimated 1.5 million Guatemalans in the United States, many who came out of necessity, risking their lives to seek employment opportunities and send support home to their families. GHRC focuses on the root causes of migration, and the tremendous impact of migration on the economy, family, culture and community of the Guatemalan people. Furthermore, GHRC advocates for a just and humane immigration reform in the U.S.

For Women's Right to Live

GHRC works to end the brutal violence against women that has claimed the lives of over 5,000 young women since 2000, making Guatemala one of the most dangerous places in the western hemisphere to be a women. Women victims in Guatemala confront entrenched gender bias and rampant impunity. As rates of domestic violence and femicide increase, GHRC continues to educate the international community and advocate for increased support for Guatemalan women.

Human Rights Defenders

In the face of the deteriorating rule of law and pervading impunity for past and present crimes, human rights defenders (HRDs) have suffered. Since 2000, there have been over 2000 aggressive attacks against human rights activists. The targets of this violence include indigenous leaders, community organizers, environmentalists, justice officials, journalists, union representatives, women’s rights advocates, and faith leaders. The Guatemalan government has shown neither the will nor the ability to effectively address the issue. GHRC monitors ongoing aggressions against HRDs and works with Guatemalan partners to increase security for defenders, advocate on their behalf in the national and international arenas, and educate the public about the importance of their work.

Violent Evictions in Polochic

Voiceless Speak Fund

Since 1987 GHRC/USA has encouraged Guatemalans in the US speak truth to power through the Voiceless Speak program. GHRC provides direct assistance to Guatemalans in the U.S. who have suffered human rights abuses in Guatemala, are in financial need, and are engaged in Guatemala human rights work.

	Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA

	. . . Working for human rights in Guatemala since 1982
	Home\|About GHRC\|Programs\|Resources\|About Guatemala\|How You Can Help
	Guatemala News & Human Rights Updates Demand protection for the communities in resistance in San Jose del Golfo! The communities in resistance to mining in San Jose del Golfo and San Pedro Ayampuc continue to hold their ground at the roadblock they have maintained since March of this year as they are increasingly threatened by a large group of pro-mining provocateurs. Please contact the US Embassy in Guatemala and the US mining company to demand that they ensure the safety of these brave men and women. Recent News from GHRC October 31, 2012: GHRC was chosen as a 2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits! September 27, 2012: GHRC Turns 30. GHRC celebrated 30 years in solidarity with the people of Guatemala with a dinner and awards ceremony. If you weren't able to join us, you can read about the event here. To send a postcard to support the recipients of the first annual Alice Zachmann Human Rights Defender Award, who we honored at the dinner click here. August 4-12, 2012: GHRC leads a delegation to Guatemala focused on "Women In Resistance:Defending our Bodies, Our Rights and Mother Earth " where they met with organizations in Guatemala City, Xela and San Jose del Golfo to discuss important topics about the promotion and protection of human rights for women and indigenous communities. August 3, 2012: GHRC delivers dozens of letters and postcards from our supporters to Lolita Chavez and the Consejo de Pueblos K'iche (CPK) expressing concern for the attacks on Lolita and their support for human rights in Guatemala. June 28, 2012: GHRC delivers the petitions denouncing the attack on Yolanda Oquelì and the closing of the Peace Archives Directorate to the Ministerio Publico, the Office of the President, SEPAZ, and the Ministro de Gobernacion as well as the US Embassy in Guatemala and the Guatemalan Embassy in the US. Thank you to everyone who signed the petitions and expressed support! June 21, 2012: The Inter American Court on Human Rights hears the case brought by survivors of the Rio Negro Massacre against the Guatemalan Government. GHRC supports the survivors and expresses concern over the Governments disrespect for the court and the victims. June 13, 2012: GHRC denounces the attempted assassination of anti-mining activist Yolanda Oquelí and insists that the Guatemalan Government protect members of the communities of San Jose del Golfo and San Pedro Ayumpuc. June 4, 2012: GHRC denounces the closure of the Guatemalan Peace Archives Directorate/GHRC denuncia la clausura de la Direcciòn de los Archivos de la Paz. Read GHRC´s statement here. Lea el comunicado de GHRC aqui. Programs Asylum Support The Asylum Support Program provides information vital to political asylum cases including written affidavits and expert witness testimony. GHRC works with a national network of lawyers, legal clinics, law students and non-profit organizations to help open the door for persons seeking refuge from physical harm and danger in Guatemala. Immigration and Trade There are an estimated 1.5 million Guatemalans in the United States, many who came out of necessity, risking their lives to seek employment opportunities and send support home to their families. GHRC focuses on the root causes of migration, and the tremendous impact of migration on the economy, family, culture and community of the Guatemalan people. Furthermore, GHRC advocates for a just and humane immigration reform in the U.S. For Women's Right to Live GHRC works to end the brutal violence against women that has claimed the lives of over 5,000 young women since 2000, making Guatemala one of the most dangerous places in the western hemisphere to be a women. Women victims in Guatemala confront entrenched gender bias and rampant impunity. As rates of domestic violence and femicide increase, GHRC continues to educate the international community and advocate for increased support for Guatemalan women. Human Rights Defenders In the face of the deteriorating rule of law and pervading impunity for past and present crimes, human rights defenders (HRDs) have suffered. Since 2000, there have been over 2000 aggressive attacks against human rights activists. The targets of this violence include indigenous leaders, community organizers, environmentalists, justice officials, journalists, union representatives, women’s rights advocates, and faith leaders. The Guatemalan government has shown neither the will nor the ability to effectively address the issue. GHRC monitors ongoing aggressions against HRDs and works with Guatemalan partners to increase security for defenders, advocate on their behalf in the national and international arenas, and educate the public about the importance of their work. Violent Evictions in Polochic Voiceless Speak Fund Since 1987 GHRC/USA has encouraged Guatemalans in the US speak truth to power through the Voiceless Speak program. GHRC provides direct assistance to Guatemalans in the U.S. who have suffered human rights abuses in Guatemala, are in financial need, and are engaged in Guatemala human rights work.





		Home \| Site Map \| Contact Us 3321 12th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 This site is maintained by the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA as a means of informing the general public of the Commission's work on behalf of the people of Guatemala

Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA