Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, 157 Period of Sessions
Next week, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) will hold its 157 Period of Sessions, including three hearings on April 5 focused on Guatemala: Right of Women to a Life Free of Violence in Guatemala; Right of Children to Food in Guatemala; and Case 12.932 – Agapito Perez Lucas, Luis Ruiz, Nicolas Mateo, Marcario Pu Chivalan.
Click here for a full schedule of hearings, which will also be live streamed via the IACHR website.
The Fight Against Impunity in Guatemala: Past and Present
Guatemala has long legacy of state violence, discrimination, racism, and impunity. Nevertheless, recently there have been significant advances in the effort to bring justice for past crimes, including the successful conviction of two former military officers in the Sepur Zarco case this February. In this panel discussion, representatives from human rights organizations in Guatemala will share their analysis of the recent victories for human rights, other emblematic cases underway, and ongoing challenges in the struggle against impunity.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 6th, 6:30 – 8:00pm
WHERE: 1300 19th Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20006
Panelists:
- Susana Navarro, Alliance to Break the Silence and End Impunity
- Nery Rodenas, Office of Human Rights of the Archbishop of Guatemala
- Claudia Samayoa, Convergence for Human Rights
- Emma Molina Theissen, sister of Marco Antonio Molina Theissen, who was disappeared during the armed conflict.
- Representative of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (to be confirmed)
Moderator: Kelsey Alford-Jones, Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA
[This event will be in Spanish only.]
Click here for more information.
Please RSVP to intern@ghrc-usa.org by Wednesday, April 6th
Thursday, April 7th: Brownbag on Sepur Zarco Sexual Slavery Case
Please join us for a brown bag conversation on the historic Sepur Zarco case, a case led by women survivors and Guatemalan organizations that make up the Alianza Rompiendo el Silencio y la Impunidad.
In February 2016, a Guatemalan court found two military officers guilty of crimes against humanity for acts of sexual violence and sexual and domestic slavery in the early 1980s. Presenters will discuss their years-long struggle against impunity and the importance of the verdict in Guatemala and internationally, as well as what comes next for the women in Sepur Zarco.
Time: 12pm
Location: JASS Office, 2040 S Street NW
RSVP to intern@ghrc-usa.org by Wednesday, April 6
Conversation will be in Spanish (if English is needed, please note in your RSVP). Call-in option will be available (Spanish only).
A Discussion on Palm Oil and Human Rights with Indigenous Activists from Guatemala
WHEN: Friday, April 8th, 10:00am
WHERE: Friends of the Earth Office, 1101 15th Street NW (11th floor) Washington, DC 20005
RSVP here.
Congressional Briefing on the Criminalization of Human Rights Defenders
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission will be holding a briefing on the Criminalization of Human Rights Defenders in Latin America. Stay tuned on our events page for more information.
Panelists:
- Daniel Pascual, Committee of Peasant Unity of Guatemala (CUC-Comité de Unidad Campesina de Guatemala).
- Victor Fernandez, National Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH)
- Juan Carlos Ruíz Molleda, Peruvian Institute for Legal Defense (IDL).
Moderator: Vicki Gass, Oxfam America
WHEN: Friday, April 8th, 12pm
WHERE: B340 Rayburn House Office Building
