Educating the International Community
GHRC provides analysis of both ongoing threats to human rights in Guatemala, as well as the structural causes of human rights violations and works to raise awareness in the international arena. We provide timely human rights updates and analysis to our grassroots base, partner organizations, US government offices, and the public. In recent years, this analysis has expanded to include the identification of trends in Central America, including Honduras.
Publications. GHRC’s publications range from private analyses for congressional offices to in-depth public reports, fact sheets, blog posts, and urgent actions. View our publications.
Delegations. GHRC leads occasional delegations to Guatemala. These trips provide an immersion experience to help participants understand the complex human rights challenges in Guatemala. Trips focus on human rights defenders, violence against women, and root causes of migration. GHRC delegates meet with a range of governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as community leaders, both in the capital and indigenous communities. Read more.
Speaking tours. In order to bring Guatemalan voices to the largest number of people possible, GHRC invites notable Guatemalan activists to speak at venues across the US. Our speaking tours happen in the fall and spring, and have visited universities and community centers on the east coast, midwest, south, and west coast. Learn more.
Presentations. GHRC staff frequently speak about human rights in Guatemala at forums, events and universities. Recently, this has included George Washington University, American University, School of the America’s Watch Vigil, Ecumenical Advocacy Days, Latin America Studies Association Conference, among others.
Advocacy
GHRC advocates for policies in both the US and Guatemala which promote human rights and protect human rights defenders.
Grassroots actions. GHRC mobilizes our grassroots base, comprised of thousands of people across the US and internationally, to take action in support of human rights in Guatemala. Through urgent actions and petitions, call campaigns, and rallies, GHRC’s network pushes governmental officials in both the US and Guatemala to support victims of threats and attacks, investigate those responsible, and take steps to prevent future abuses.
Legal advocacy. GHRC supports the advancement of cases brought before the Inter-American Commission and Inter-American Court on Human Rights and serves as a resource for Guatemalan organizations during Commission hearings. In March of 2011, GHRC became a petitionary organization in a case for precautionary measures to support evicted communities in the Polochic Valley and continues coordinating and supporting efforts toward justice and protection in that case. In Guatemala, GHRC also advocates for just application of the rule of law and for an end to impunity for war crimes of the past. GHRC has fostered helpful connections for the legal and human rights communities in Honduras, as well, linking Guatemalan experts with their Honduran counterparts to assist with strategic litigation and support.
Advocacy with the US government. US policy has a tremendous impact in Guatemala. In an effort to create foreign policies that promote peace and justice, GHRC coordinates meetings for Guatemalan organizations and community leaders with the US Congress and State Department, among others.