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ghrcusa

We are a nonprofit, grassroots, solidarity organization dedicated to promoting human rights in Guatemala. 🇬🇹
📍Washington DC / Guatemala

International Organizations Condemn the Criminaliz

International Organizations Condemn the Criminalization of Indigenous Authorities in Guatemala

We express our deep concern over the detention of Luis Pacheco and Héctor Chaclán, and the attempt to strip Edgar Tuy of his immunity. These acts are part of a broader, alarming pattern of political persecution targeting Indigenous leaders who courageously defended democracy in Guatemala.

We call for an immediate end to this criminalization and urge recognition of the vital and legitimate role that Indigenous authorities play in protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.

#Guatemala #IndigenousRights #HumanRights #Justice #Democracy

International organizations condemn the disinforma

International organizations condemn the disinformation campaign and unfounded criminalization against the media outlets @prensa_comunitaria and @ruda.gt, whose community-based journalism plays a crucial role in defending democracy.

We call on the Public Prosecutor’s Office to uphold the rule of law and respect press freedom, and to cease pursuing spurious cases against human rights defenders and journalists. #HumanRights #Guatemala #Journalism #pressfreedom #democracy

Because of your generosity, we continue to stand w

Because of your generosity, we continue to stand with those fighting for justice and democracy in Guatemala.

Most recently, we organized a five-day advocacy tour for a group of exiled prosecutors and former judges, including Alice Zachmann Award recipient Eva Siomara Sosa; former Constitutional Court president Gloria Porras; former head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity Juan Francisco Sandoval; and Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez. Like many others working for justice in Guatemala, they were forced into exile after facing retaliation for their efforts to combat corruption and defend judicial independence.

We met with 16 congressional offices, raising urgent concerns about democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Guatemala. We also engaged with local organizations to strengthen solidarity and build networks of support, and co-hosted a joint panel with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization on the experiences of Central America justice operators in exile and the ongoing threats to judicial independence in the region.

These efforts come at a critical time. Guatemala will appoint a new Attorney General and elect Constitutional Court and Supreme Electoral Tribunal judges next year–decisions that will either uphold justice or further entrench authoritarian control. The preliminary steps for these elections have already begun. Meanwhile, Attorney General Consuelo Porras and President Bernardo Arévalo remain locked in a battle for power, with democracy hanging in the balance.

Now, more than ever, we need your support to continue this fight. You can help by Donating online to sustain our advocacy efforts and our work on the ground in Guatemala.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and X to stay informed, and share this message with friends and family to amplify our impact!

Thank you for standing with us and the brave defenders of human rights in Guatemala. #humanrights #Guatemala #GHRC #DerechoaHumanos

We are so thankful to the @umschoolofinformation A

We are so thankful to the @umschoolofinformation Alternative Break students, for spending your break with us @ghrcusa and for the thoughtful note you left us! Your dedication and passion for human rights made a real impact, especially through your work on our archive and website redesign.

We truly enjoyed having you with us, and seeing ‘U of M loves GHRC’ on our board —was a heartwarming reminder of the connections we build through this work.

Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you again in the near future!

#AlternativeBreaks #HumanRights #Guatemala #GHRC

Two days ago, GHRC founder Sister Alice Zachmann t

Two days ago, GHRC founder Sister Alice Zachmann turned 99!

Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez, who joined the GHRC team last summer, and I traveled to Minnesota to visit Alice. Cake, birthday wishes, friends—it was all a 99th birthday should be.

Alice was interested to hear our report on conditions in Guatemala and prospects for change under the Arévalo administration. She was also thrilled to know that the Alice Zachmann Human Rights Defender Award ceremony earlier this month was a success! We shared photos and videos of Eva Siomara Sosa receiving the award.

Alice is so happy to know that her brainchild and heart-child, founded 43 years ago, is still working for justice and human rights in Guatemala. She shared with us that her most treasured possession is a book filled with news, letters, and photos from GHRC’s 20th anniversary—the moment she made the decision to step down as director, allowing others to take the lead and continue the vital work she began.

Her determination to take action, despite the obstacles she faced, continues to inspire us. She recalled that when she first arrived in Washington to found GHRC, she spoke no Spanish, but that didn’t stop her. She explained, “You just need to have a heart and know that it is something that needs to be done.” GHRC survived on a shoestring, on heart and faith, shored up by Alice’s prayers.

Alice is still praying. If being part of the answer is something you can do, please make a donation in honor of Sister Alice, and we’ll report it to her. It will give her more to celebrate!

Thank you for being faithful to GHRC and to the cause of justice, in Guatemala and beyond.

Sincerely,
Veronica

#humanrights #Guatemala #GHRC #AliceZachmann #DerechosHumanos #washingtondc

The panel “Central American Justice Operators in

The panel “Central American Justice Operators in Exile” provided important insights into the judicial crisis in Guatemala. Co-organized by the Guatemalan Human Rights Commission (@ghrcusa) and RFK Human Rights, the event was moderated by @juan_francisco_sandoval, former head of the FECI (Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity) from 2015 to 2021, recognized for his leadership in the fight against corruption.

Panelists included:
• Eva Siomara Sosa, former anti-corruption prosecutor in Guatemala, known for her dedication to promoting justice and defending fundamental rights.
• Erika Aifán, former judge in Guatemala, honored with the 2021 International Women of Courage Award by the US State Department for her efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Guatemala.
• Miguel Ángel Gálvez, former judge in Guatemala, widely recognized for his work in combating organized crime and corruption.

The event also highlighted the recognition of Eva Siomara Sosa, who received the Alice Zachmann Human Rights Defender Award for her outstanding contributions to justice in Guatemala, representing all Guatemalan judicial operators in exile.
#Guatemala #HumanRights #Justice #DerechosHumanos

Central American Justice Operators in Exile Please

Central American Justice Operators in Exile
Please join the Guatemala Human Rights Commission (GHRC) and RFK Human Rights for a panel discussion.
Tuesday, March 18th at 10:00 a.m. at RFK Human Rights
1300 19th St NW #750, Washington, DC
This event will feature prominent panelists who will share their experiences and perspectives:
Juan Francisco Sandoval: Former Guatemalan prosecutor who led the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity (FECI) from 2015 to 2021, recognized for his fight against corruption.
Judge Erika Aifán: Former judge in Guatemala, awarded the 2021 International Women of Courage Award by the US State Department for her efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Guatemala.
Eva Siomara Sosa: Former anti-corruption prosecutor in Guatemala, recognized for her work in promoting justice and fundamental rights.
Patricia Ferrufino: Former prosecutor and former coordinator of the Group Against Impunity of the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic of El Salvador, specializing in the intersection of criminal law and ethics.
Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez: Former judge in Guatemala, known for his commitment to justice and human rights in the country, especially in the fight against organized crime groups and corruption structures.
This panel is part of the recognition of Eva Siomara Sosa, who has received the Alice Zachmann Human Rights Defender Award from GHRC in honor of her outstanding work in the defense of human rights and justice in Guatemala, on behalf of all Guatemalan justice operators in exile.
Please RSVP to carbonell@rfkhumanrights.org.
#Guatemala #HumanRights #Salvador #derechoshumanos

Today, we presented the Alice Zachmann Human Right

Today, we presented the Alice Zachmann Human Rights Defenders Award to Eva Siomara Sosa, on behalf of the Guatemalan community in exile and women prosecutors who have been persecuted and jailed for their work for justice.

Eva Siomara Sosa was one of five high-level prosecutors arrested within a two-week span in February 2022. All five were women. All had worked with the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity. Over 12 years, CICIG’s investigations led to the prosecution of high-ranking officials, including presidents and members of the political and economic elite.

As the second-highest official in the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity, Eva Siomara dedicated herself to the fight against corruption. When she was released from prison, she was forced to flee Guatemala by land—swimming across the border river into Mexico, where the challenges of her journey truly began.

The Alice Zachmann Human Rights Defenders Award honors those who continue the fight for justice despite immense risks. Named after Sister Alice Zachmann—who founded GHRC in 1982 and led it tirelessly for over 20 years—this award highlights the struggles of human rights defenders and seeks to protect those at risk.

We are deeply honored to recognize Eva Siomara.

#EvaSiomaraSosa #AliceZachmann

Don’t miss our Presentation of the Alice Zachman

Don’t miss our Presentation of the Alice Zachmann Human Right Defender Award this Thursday! Former prosecutor Eva Siomara Sosa will receive the award on behalf of the Guatemalan community in exile and women prosecutors who have been persecuted and jailed for their work for justice. Join us at the Whittemore House at 6:30 pm. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and other drinks, music and solidarity—join us to celebrate courage!

There is still time to register. Click the link here to RSVP or email veronicaserranotama@ghrc-usa.org.

We hope to see you there!

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