Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA El Quetzal A Quarterly Publication Issue #10 GHRC June/Sept 2011 Polochic: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Pérez Molina and

"We went looking for solutions, and found only pain." Baldizón to Compete in - A survivor of the Panzos massacre - Presidential Runoff The Maya Q‘eqchi‘ communi- Presidential candidates Otto Pérez Molina ties of Guatemala's Polochic and Manuel Baldizón came out on top in Valley have suffered a long Guatemala‘s elections on September 11. history of threats, displacement, The two will compete in a runoff election brutal violence, and crushing on November 6. poverty. After a series of vio- lent evictions in March 2011, The elections concluded a long and in- over 700 families are just try- tense campaign season marked by court ing to stay alive. battles, pre-election violence and intimi- dation. The elections also brought Guate- In 1954, a CIA-sponsored coup

(Photo: Rob(Photo: Mercetante) mala into the international spotlight due cut short promising land reform to allegations that the candidates are efforts in Guatemala because linked to organized crime, corruption and the reform affected the eco- human rights violations. nomic interests of US compa- nies operating in the country. Pérez Molina, of the Patriot Party, re- During the military govern- ceived 36% of the vote. Baldizón, of the ments that ruled Guatemala The lives of hundreds of indigenous men, women and Renewed Democratic Freedom party throughout the three decades children are at risk today in the Polochic Valley (Líder), came in second with 23%. following the coup, powerful families (both local and foreign) gained On May 27, 1978 campesinos Until recently, Pérez Molina´s top chal- ―legal‖ title to the land in the Polochic (subsistence farmers) of San Vincente, lenger was Sandra Torres, the ex-wife of Valley through a combination of fraud, Panzós, went to plant corn by the banks of current president Alvaro Colom. How- confiscation, intimidation, and violence. the Polochic River. They were met by the ever, she was not allowed on the ballot by sons of a plantation owner who, accompa- the Guatemalan Supreme Court, despite The Maya Q‘eqchi‘ population was dis- nied by army troops, threatened them and her recent divorce from Colom, due to a placed, and often forced to work for slave told them to stop demanding land reform. law prohibiting immediate family mem- wages on the large plantations. Tensions Two days later, hundreds of men, women bers of the president to run for that posi- between the large landowners, many of and children from different communities tion. The Broad Coalition (Frente Am- German descent, and the local indigenous gathered in the central plaza of Panzos to plio), a group of progressive and left-wing population increased as the communities speak with the Mayor, Walter Overdick parties with Rigoberta Menchú as their struggled to win legal recognition of their García, seeking a solution to the land candidate, won 3% of the vote. historic claims to the land. problem and an end to the constant threats and intimidation. Continued on Page 2 Continued on Page 3 Also in this issue: Declassification of Military Archives, Page 5 GHRC Delegation on Women‘s Rights, Page 13 Massacre in Petén Leaves 27 dead, Page 6 Exciting Changes at GHRC, Page 14

3321 12th Street NE Washington, DC 20017-4008 Tel: (202) 529-6599 Fax: (202)526-4611 www.ghrc-usa.org Page 1 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA

GHRC Mission Evictions in the Polochic Valley Continued from Page 1 Founded in 1982, the Guate- But instead of dialogue, the community mem- rum, is the most economically powerful fam- mala Human Rights Commis- bers were met with bullets. Soldiers, laying in ily in Nicaragua. They oversee a vast empire sion/USA (GHRC) is a non- wait on the rooftops of the buildings surround- that includes a bank, a hospital, car dealer- profit, nonpartisan, humani- ing the plaza, opened fire on the crowd. Men, ships, insurance companies, liquor distribution tarian organization that women and children were savagely massacred, companies, communication companies and monitors, documents, and their bodies thrown into the town dump truck, many other businesses throughout the region. reports on the human rights carted like trash to the town's cemetery, and They are the largest exporters of sugarcane- situation in Guatemala, advo- tossed into a mass grave. Others died from produced ethanol in all of Central America, cates for survivors of human their wounds while fleeing the massacre. It is and have also expanded into the cultivation of rights abuses in Guatemala, estimated that over 100 people were killed, African Palm for the production of palm oil and works toward positive, and many more were injured. and biodiesel. systemic change. Former mayor Walter Overdick Garcia re- With Chabil Utzaj back in business, the land Board of Directors cently made a shocking declaration while tes- had to be cleared — and that meant getting rid Kathy Ogle tifying during a court hearing in June of this of the Maya Q‘eqchi‘ farmers who had President year. Naming names, he publically confirmed planted their crops in the idle fields.

Amy Kunz that four wealthy landowners in the region had Vice President coordinated beforehand with high-ranking On March 14, while certain Guatemalan gov- military officials to violently repress the cam- ernment officials met with a delegation from Joan Dawson pesino gathering. the Polochic communities to find a negotiated Secretary solution to the urgent need for land, other gov- Janett Forte The Commission for Historical Clarification ernment officials were preparing the logistics Treasurer (CEH), in their truth commission report enti- to forcibly remove those very same communi-

Yolanda Alcorta tled ―Memory of Silence‖, characterizes the ties. It would be the largest land eviction in Panzos case as a clear example of the State‘s Guatemala‘s recent history. América Calderón inability to protect the historic land rights of

Christina del Castillo the Q‘eqchi‘ communities. The case reveals The following day, in the early morning hours, how large landowners utilized the State to hundreds of soldiers, national police, and pri- John Leary resolve land disputes in their favor, even to the vate security guards employed by Chabil Utzaj

Jean-Marie Simon point of using extreme violence against poor gathered in the Polochic Valley. Under the campesinos. It also clearly demonstrates the direction of Carlos Widmann, they began to willingness of the elite to involve the army in violently evict men, women and children from Advisory Board agrarian conflicts. Sadly, little has changed in their homes. One farmer, Antonio Beb Ac, Kit Gage the 33 years since the massacre of Panzos. received a fatal wound to his head. Others Jennifer Harbury were injured or became sick from tear gas In 2006, Carlos Widmann, brother-in-law of inhalation. Sr. Dianna Ortiz then President Oscar Berger, secured loans Sr. Alice Zachmann from the Central American Bank for Eco- Families desperately pleaded with the govern-

nomic Integration (BCIE) for $31 million to ment and paramilitary forces to spare the Staff move his sugar cane refinery, Ingenio Guada- crops that they had planted, but to no avail. In lupe, from the Guatemala‘s southern coast to a brutality reminiscent of the scorched earth Kelsey Alford-Jones the Polochic Valley. The company, renamed tactics used by the army during the internal Director Chabil Utzaj, eventually floundered and the conflict, indigenous families‘ homes were lands were abandoned. Displaced Q‘eqchi‘ burned and their crops destroyed, leaving Robert Mercatante communities returned to the idle lands and thousands without food or shelter. Human Rights Defender Pro- began to plant subsistence crops for their sur- gram vival. In 2010, newspapers reported that the Two days later, the government of President

lands and equipment belonging to Chabil Ut- Alvaro Colom published a confrontational Kathryn Johnson zaj were to be auctioned off by a Guatemalan communiqué entitled: "It is the Duty of the Advocacy and Development bank. Government of the Republic to Preserve Gov- Coordinator ernability and Uphold the Rule of Law." The

In March 2011, however, it was announced document asserted that the government has the Interns that Grupo Pellas of Nicaragua had come to "legal and moral obligation to stop this grow- the financial ―rescue‖ of Chabil Utzaj, invest- ing wave of illegal actions." Unfortunately, the Melissa Deal ing over $20 million in the business, under the "illegal actions" being referred to weren't the Julia Sick name "Guatemala Sugar State Corporation." violent evictions or the assassinations of cam- The Pellas family, producers of Flor de Caña pesinos, but rather the peaceful protest of Continued on p. 10 Page 2 Issue #10, June/Sept 2011

Elections Go to Runoff Continued from Page 1

The months leading up to the elections across the country. Issues of jus- saw high rates of political violence, with tice, transparency, and indigenous as many as 35 activists and mayoral and rights have been largely ignored congressional candidates murdered. during their campaigns. In fact, Many were concerned about violence on both men have had to confront

election day, access to ballot boxes, and allegations against them of in- complications due to multiple ID sys- volvement in human rights abuses tems. and organized crime.

While the day was relatively calm, elec- Pérez Molina has a long history of

tion observers, who numbered over involvement in the armed forces (Photo: Rob(Photo: Mercatante) 10,000, reported acts of voter intimida- and oversaw the military‘s tion, vote-buying, and other anomalies. scorched earth policy in the Ixil An indigenous woman votes in Guatemala City. Large numbers of complaints were regis- region in the early 1980‘s. If he tered in the departments of Guatemala, El wins, he will be the first military official National Alliance (GANA) each won a Quiché, Alta Verapaz, Huehuetenango, to be president since 1986. In recent in- large percentage of seats in Congress.

(

Photo: http://www.ourcampaigns.com)Photo: terviews, Pérez Molina denied that acts of The Patriot Party also won large numbers genocide occurred against the Mayan of local offices. Pérez Molina and people during the conflict, a troubling Baldizón are now working to form alli- sign for indigenous communities and the ances with the losing parties and other paradigmatic human rights cases cur- interest groups in order to win the neces- rently in Guatemalan courts. International sary 50% in November. The majority of human rights advocates have expressed the parties, including UNE-GANA, have deep concern for the impact his presi- joined with Baldizón, who also received

dency would have on justice and account- the support of the approximately 500,000 ability for human rights abuses (see Page ex Civil Defense Patrollers. Manuel Baldizón , left, and Pérez Molina 4). As Guatemalans prepare for another two Quetzaltenango and San Marcos. In Chi- Baldizón has been called the most power- months of political campaigning, progres- maltenango, the Spanish-only instructions ful businessman in the Petén. According sives, indigenous leaders and human at the polls created difficulties for to Guatemalan media sources, he owns rights advocates already note ominous K´aqchikel speakers, many of whom are hotels, restaurants, land and aerial trans- signs of a return to a Guatemala of the also illiterate. The Supreme Electoral portation services, commercial centers 1980´s, including increased repression, Tribunal was criticized for long delays in and media outlets, and allegedly has criminalization of social movements, and publicizing results of local elections. strong ties to organized crime. Currently a free pass for the nation´s elite ruling there are multiple complaints registered class. These issues did not, overall, deter citi- against him in court for appropriation of zens from participating. An estimated public lands. He is a strong advocate of 66% came out to vote, with youth and the death penalty and has even suggested Election Stats women participating in large numbers. public executions – an especially danger- Registered Parties: 27 ous idea in the context of Guatemala‘s Registered Voters: 7,340,841, (population Citizen security has become one of the corrupt police and judiciary. of 14.4 million)

primary issues in the presidential cam- Presidential Race Results: paigns, as Guatemalans face increasing Both candidates have been accused by an  Otto Pérez Molina, Partido Patriota (PP)— levels of violence from gangs and organ- election watchdog group, Mirador Elec- 36% ized crime. Both Pérez Molina and toral, of spending well over the legally Baldizón have promised to crack-down specified limit on their campaigns. Some  Manuel Baldizón, Libertad Democrática on crime through increased police and have suggested that only organized crime Renovada (Líder)—23% military presence. would be able to provide that much  Eduardo Suger, Compromiso, Renovación money to support a candidate. y Orden (Creo)—16% For many Guatemalans, however, neither  Rigoberta Menchú, Winaq/Frente Am- candidate inspires confidence. Both have While the presidential battle received the plio—3.27% discussed granting increased numbers of most media attention, the results of may-  Juan Gutiérrez, PAN—2.76% mining licenses for exploration and ex- oral and congressional elections will also  Patricia de Arzú, Partido Unionista (PU) traction – already a highly contentious have strong implications for the coming —2.17% issue that is opposed by indigenous com- years. The Patriot Party and the coalition  Alejandro Giammatei, CASA—1.0% munities and environmental activists National Unity for Hope (UNE) – Grand  Adela Torrebiarte, ADN—.43%

Page 3 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Organizations Call for Action Against Those Accused of War Crimes

The right to truth and justice doesn‘t disap- Molina‘s involvement in pear during election season. As the Sep- acts of torture and crimes tember 11 elections loomed, Guatemalan against humanity during organizations were actively moving for- Guatemala‘s internal ward with massacre and genocide cases conflict. from the internal conflict, and international organizations have continued their work to Specifically, the letter push the US and UN to investigate allega- asked the UN to investi- tions of military officials‘ participation in gate Pérez Molina‘s role crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, the in ―the systematic use of US government has articulated its own pro torture in the Ixil triangle -active policy to prevent mass atrocities, and other areas in the which includes denial of entry to the US 1980s, as well as the

for persons who have participated in such systematic torture of all Photo: http://www.guatemalahostal.com) acts. prisoners of war, espe- ( cially as National Direc- Presidential candidate Otto Pérez Molina in front of his Presidential candidate Otto Pérez Molina is tor of the intelligence campaign symbol “mano dura.” one person who has been accused of com- division in 1992.‖ The mitting crimes against humanity. Consider- letter provides strong evidence to back up corruption, strengthen democracies, and ing Guatemala‘s weak institutions and the request, including reports from declas- prevent humanitarian crises around the rampant corruption and impunity, the pos- sified State Department documents. globe.‖ sible presidency of Pérez Molina, a retired General, has raised many concerns in Gua- GHRC‘s work to raise awareness about In an accompanying memorandum, Presi- temala and the international commu- Guatemalans accused of war crimes who dent Obama outlined the creation of an nity. Pérez Molina, who was trained as a travel frequently to the US was reinforced Inter-agency Atrocities Prevention Board kaibil, has been implicated in numerous by the Obama administration‘s recent com- and Corresponding Inter-agency Review. human rights violations, both during his muniqué, the Presidential Directive on The memorandum begins, ―Preventing time overseeing the Quiché region during Mass Atrocities, which reiterates that it is mass atrocities and genocide is a core na- the state-sponsored genocide and as head in US interest to deny entry to those who tional security interest and a core moral of Guatemala‘s military intelligence. A have engaged in wide-spread human rights responsibility of the United States.‖ case was filed against him in Guatemalan violations and crimes against humanity. In courts in March of this year for his alleged his August 4th proclamation, Obama de- The next step will be to ensure that the US involvement in the forced disappearance clared: ―Universal respect for human rights government takes this commitment seri- and torture of Everardo Bámaca. Pérez and humanitarian law and the prevention ously when evaluating how to engage with Molina historically has had close ties to the of atrocities internationally promotes US a potential Pérez Molina administration. US. He is a graduate of the School of the values and fundamental US interests in Americas, and an investigative piece by helping secure peace, deter aggression, View a copy of the letter and more about our cam- journalist Allan Nairn also alleged that he promote the rule of law, combat crime and paign at www.ghrc-usa.org. was on the CIA‘s payroll in the mid-1990s.

After learning of Pérez Molina‘s plans to visit Washington, DC in May, GHRC and other groups organized a large rally in front of the State Department, urging the denial of visas for war criminals. Over 70 activists gathered on May 16th and held signs stating ―No Visas for Torturers, Au- thors of Genocide, or War Criminals,‖ and displayed a thirty foot banner with photos of mass grave exhumations and genocide victims‘ families.

In July, GHRC, along with Annie Bird from Rights Action and lawyer Jennifer Harbury, followed-up with a letter to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Tor- ture requesting an investigation into Pérez Lawyer Jennifer Harbury speaks to over 70 activists who gathered outside the US State Department to demand that the US deny visas to war criminals.

Page 4 Issue #10, June/Sept 2011 Debate over Guatemala‟s Military Archives Continues

By Kelsey Alford-Jones classified and unattainable, despite ongoing sification. The Commission was given ten requests from civil society organizations. The months to publish their results, but Colom The Guatemalan Defense Department‘s first release of four military plans – Plan Sofia, granted a six month extension, leading to the public archive sits open, but empty; the face Plan Victoria „82, Plan Firmeza „83 and Op- official opening on June 20 of this year. of a controversial process of declassification eration Ixil –became the center of the struggle which concluded on June 20, 2011 when the when they were requested for use in a case Guatemalan and international organizations archive was inaugurated by the presidentially- against genocide master-mind General Efraín immediately had serious reservations about appointed Commission for the Declassifica- Ríos Montt and other high-ranking military the process of collection and analysis of the tion of the Military Archives. and police officials. documents. In a letter to President Colom on July 19, GHRC joined with others in question- The Commission, tasked with analyzing and The documents were also being requested in ing the transparency of the process, the criteria organizing military files from the internal Spain (where Judge Pedraz is investigating the for the continued classification of 55 docu- conflict, gathered documents from military genocide case), and in the US, where the fail- ments, the collection‘s lack of index, and the bases and training centers across the country. ure to release the military plans from the genuineness of the archives‘ openness to the Now, after years of denying access to military 1980s became linked to restrictions on US public. records, the Guatemalan Defense Department military funding to boasts of the declassification of their secret Guatemala. “I can assure you that we are going to make public all documents from the war, holding up the ar- chive as a significant step forward in transpar- Ríos Montt, then of the Military archives.” ency and access to information. The collection President of the - President Colom includes 11,698 documents that are public and Guatemalan Con- 589 that are partially classified. Fifty-five gress, claimed the more remain secret, including key documents documents‘ declassification would jeopardize Unfortunately, the pomp and circumstance of from the height of the internal conflict. national security, but the courts disagreed. In the new archive seems more geared toward July 2007, the First Criminal Court of Appeals placating the US government than anything Located securely inside the complex of the mandated the release of the documents, and else. Just a month after the archive opened, the Chiefs of Staff of the Defense Department the decision was upheld by the Constitutional seven-member Commission flew to Washing- (Estado Mayor de la Defensa Nacional), the Court in March of the following year. ton, DC, accompanied by a member of the US archive is not a place many Guatemalan citi- military, to share details about the declassifi- zen, much less survivors of military abuses, The passage of the Freedom of Information cation process with representatives from the would choose to enter. The process to request Act in September 2008 (in effect as of March Departments of State and Defense, as well as a visit, or copies of the documents, is not easy. 2009) provided another tool to support public key congressional offices. After all, Guatema- After being open almost three months, a total access to the records – particularly Article 24, lan hopes for increased military aid were tied of four people have visited. Few Guatemalans which states that information relating to hu- to their show of goodwill and transparency know the archive exists. man rights violations or mass atrocities may during the declassification process. ―in no case […] remain classified as confiden- So far, the archive has raised more questions tial or reserved.‖ The Commission also met with human rights than it has answered. Many are skeptical of organizations, including GHRC, to explain the validity of the archive‘s content due to the Guatemalan president Alvaro Colom, mean- their process. During that meeting the Com- small number of documents, the ongoing se- while, had also ordered the declassification of mission assured us that they had ―had access crecy surrounding key military plans, and the military documents from the internal conflict. to the entire universe of documents and only lack of accessibility. Were all the documents On February 25, 2008, the National Day of reviewed secret and top secret documents.‖ relating to military operations during the con- Dignity for Victims of the Armed Conflict, The small number of documents, we were also flict really made accessible to the Commis- Colom proclaimed: ―I can assure you that we told, reflected the fact that the Commission sion? Why do key documents remain classi- are going to make public all of the Military did not collect ―administrative‖ records – only fied when they have been linked to human archives.‖ strategy plans and operations. rights violations and should, by law, be pub- lic? At the end of February 2009, after strong pres- General Morales, the coordinator of the Com- sure, then Defense Minister Valenzuela finally mission, extended a cordial invitation to visit In August, I visited the archive to see for my- turned over two of the four military plans to a their new facility, and requested our advice on self what it contained, and how accessible the judge, Plan Victoria ‟82 and Plan Firmeza how best to raise awareness about the archive. documents were. After all, if the content of the ‟83, claiming the other two could not be ―It‘s great you‘ve come all the way to Wash- archive did not fit the Commission‘s mandate, found. However, instead of giving them to the ington,‖ I commented to one commissioner, this was a moment for increased pressure Prosecutor‘s Office, the judge simply returned ―but have you been to Xela? To the Q‘uiché? rather than celebration. them to the military. To Rabinal?‖ The answer was an almost sheepish ―no‖. A Long and Contentious Process President Colom, in early March, appointed his Declassification Commission, consisting Top Secret Files Remain Classified For years Guatemalans have sought military of seven members from both military and documents as part of their right to truth, and civilian backgrounds, who were to visit Gua- During my visit to the archives, I found little struggled to uncover the military‘s policies temala‘s military bases, request secret and top to support the Commission‘s claims. I was that led to the atrocities of the internal con- secret files from 1954-1996, organize them, received by General Morales himself, and flict. Yet the military documents remained and decide, internally, the process for declas- Continued on Page 12

Page 5 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Massacre in Petén Leaves 27 Dead When police arrived at Los Cocos ranch in La Libertad, El Peten, they were met with a horrific scene. Twenty-seven farm workers were lying dead, their heads strewn across a near-by field. A message written with their blood was addressed to the owner of the ranch: ―What‘s up, Otto Salguero? I will find you and this is how I‘ll leave you. Sincerely, Z200.‖

The massacre took place on May 15. Survivors estimate that dozens of armed men murdered and decapitated the vic-

tims. Among those killed were two mexicano.com.mx) women and two children. Only three - people survived the attack: a man, a pregnant woman, and her daughter. The el (Photo: workers were seasonal migrants from 27 peasants were killed in the Petén massacre. The Zetas left a death threat written in Izabal, who spent a few months of the their blood to cattle rancher Otto Salguero. year working in El Petén. There is no evidence the workers had any connection Following the attack, President Alvaro important strong-hold, as it provides to criminal networks. Colom declared a state of siege in the access to both Atlantic and Pacific ports, northern department of El Petén for 30 proximity to the Mexican border, and According to Guatemalan authorities, days, sending police and military to pa- weak and easily-corruptible institutions. Otto Salguero had stolen a 2,000 kilo trol the area. In Santa Elena, police had a shipment of cocaine from the Zetas and confrontation with three suspected mem- The Zetas, highly militarized and with was attempting to extort them to negoti- bers of the Zetas. Two were killed in the extensive intelligence networks, recruit ate its return. The Zetas had arrived in firefight, and one, Hugo Francisco from Guatemala‘s elite special forces, early May to demand the drugs. On May Chávez Méndez, an ex-Sergeant in the the kaibiles, and have infiltrated many of 10, Salguero sent his niece's husband, Guatemalan military, was arrested. Two Guatemala‘s local and national govern- Luis Carlos Bardales Chacón, to make a days later, police also arrested Hugo ment offices. In some cities, the Zetas payment, but Chacón was kidnapped and Gomez Alvarez Vasquez in the have been known to pay juicy bribes to assassinated. His family received a ran- neighboring department of Alta Verapaz. local authorities. som call the next day, and on May 13, Many, including President Colom, have Chacón‘s father and wife left to make a speculated that Guatemala‘s elite special The group has a military-grade arsenal of payment. They were both killed en route. forces, the kaibiles, were also involved AK-47‘s, grenades, and even helicopters, in the massacre. and is known for its particularly brutal Salguero is a prominent cattle rancher shock-and-awe tactics. Their presence in who had no previous official record of This gruesome show of power is the Guatemala has led to increases in vio- involvement with drug trafficking. How- most recent evidence of the Zeta‘s in- lence, extortion, kidnapping, human traf- ever, neighbors commented on his shady creasing control over large areas of Gua- ficking, and conflicts between local businesses - hiring day laborers to pro- temalan territory. Coban, Alta Verapaz crime networks. Local businesses are duce cheese, milk and cattle feed for his has become their base of operations but charged quotas, and those who resist are ranch in El Petén, which, when investi- they also control extensive trafficking dealt with mercilessly. The Zetas were gators arrived at Los Cocos, didn‘t have routes in Zacapa, El Petén, as well as key also responsible for the massacre of 72 a single head of cattle. He was also border crossings. Central American migrants in Tamauli- found to have multiple farms in strategic pas, Mexico in August of 2010, and most locations, including one near the border Guatemala is an appealing location for recently, the arson attack on the Casino with Honduras and another near Mexico. the Zetas‘ expansion and a strategically Royale in Monterrey that killed 52.

Volunteer or Intern with GHRC!

Interested in getting more involved with the Guatemala Human Rights Commission? Let us know! Whether it is in our DC office or from afar, there are many opportunities to help out. We are looking for translators (must be fluent in Spanish), helpers for large mailings, and passionate activists who would like to help educate or fundraise in their own community. We are also accepting applications for our 2012 Spring Internship positions.

Page 6 IssueIssue #10, #2 June/Sept / March 20092011 Environmental Defender Yuri Melini Receives Death Threats

Last month, Yuri Melini received death missal of Mencilla, who was responsible Melini was the victim of a violent attack threats due to his work in defense of hu- for land management in the area. in 2008 when he was shot four times. The man rights, specifically the right to a safe shooting came after CALAS won a legal and clean environment. Melini is an envi- The note, also sent to CALAS‘s legal process in the Constitutional Court to ronmentalist, activist, human rights de- advisor, Rafael Maldonado, arrived with change mining laws in Guatemala and the fender and the director of CALAS—the mug shots of 18 men and threatened that attack was most likely retaliation from Center of Legal, Environmental and So- if they ―keep getting who you want ar- mining interest groups. Fortunately, Yuri cial Action. CALAS works to pro- survived, and has continued his tect the Guatemalan environment, outspoken activism in defense of promote community involvement the environment and Guatemala‘s and participation, and enhance protected areas. respect for indigenous rights in relation to environmental con- Environmental activists and hu- cerns. man rights defenders are fre- quently targeted in Guatemala for Melini received a note on August their work. UDEFEGUA reported 29 warning him to ―leave the 302 attacks against human rights world in peace‖ and that he would defenders in the first eight soon ―become a part of the eco- Photo title months of this year, an average of system.‖ The threats are related to 1.4 attacks daily. The great ma- the dismissal of Federico Gui- jority of the attacks (82.9%) have llermo Alvarez Mencilla from his occurred against farmers, indige- role as Executive Secretary of the nous communities, and environ- National Council of Protected (Photo: Front Line Defenders) mentalists. Human rights defend- Areas (CONAP). In the months Yuri Melini, director of CALAS, holds up an article about ers are most frequently targeted leading up to the threats, CALAS environmental damage in protected areas of Izabal with illegal detentions, persecu- had been promoting a campaign tion, and cruel and inhumane against corruption and against the con- rested and keep up the show—we will treatment; 16 have been assassinated. struction of a gas plant in Punta de Ma- settle the score after 14-01-2012 [the day The department of San Marcos reported nabique, a nature reserve in northeastern the new president takes office]…It‘s go- the majority of attacks, followed by Alta Guatemala. As part of the campaign, ing to be a problem for those who come Verapaz and Guatemala. CALAS filed a complaint with the Con- next and you‘re going to stop making a stitutional Court and lobbied for the dis- fuss.‖

Former General Arrested, Charged with Genocide

Retired army general Héctor Mario López As Rios Montt´s ―right after the case was first pre- Fuentes, 81, was arrested on June 17 on hand man‖, López sented to the courts. charges of genocide, forced disappearance Fuentes oversaw the and other crimes against humanity. López implementation of Other lower-ranking former Fuentes is the highest-ranking official to be military campaigns military personnel have also detained for human rights violations com- Plan Sofia, Victoria 82 been arrested recently for mitted during Guatemala´s 36-year armed and Firmeza 83, plans their alleged role in human conflict. that have been kept rights violations during the secret by the Guatema- same time period. Colonel López Fuentes was the third highest rank- lan military despite Héctor Bol de la Cruz, former ing official during the Rios Montt regime, ongoing demands for Director of the National Po- and as the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, their declassification. lice from 1983-85, was re- was second in command of the military. (See ―Debate over cently charged for his com- He is accused by the Public Prosecutor‘s Military Archives mand responsibility in the Office of ―over ten thousand murders, nine Continues‖, page 5.) forced disappearance of stu- thousand forcibly displaced persons, and dent and trade union leader the rape of women in the Maya Ixil region, Lopez Fuentes was Edgar Fernando García. crimes which took place between March arraigned on June 1982 and October 1983.‖ 20 and is currently detained at the Mata- Photo: "Wanted For Genocide - Héctor moros prison in Guatemala City, 12 years Mario López Fuentes: Captured" (Graham Hunt)

Page 7 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Labor Activism a Way of Life for Voiceless Recipient Adrian Ventura

These days, it is hard to find success sto- were subsistence farmers who have come or discrimination, the organization em- ries for labor and immigrant rights issues. seeking economic opportunity. Others ploys a myriad of strategies to support New Bedford community organizer and were small business owners who left to workers, including dialogue with the pri- labor leader Adrian Ventura, however, has escape violence from local gangs and vate sector, advocacy with legislators, di- had his fair share. In the last six years, he weekly quotas charged from organized rect action, and public education. His or- has taken on some of the town‘s biggest crime networks. Some arrived in New Bed- ganization has been extremely successful companies to hold them accountable to ford because they already have family or in bringing justice for victims of labor vio- labor laws and anti-discrimination poli- friends there. Still others came because lations. cies—and won. they heard there are jobs. Now they spend their days working long hours for little pay Their strategy often begins with a letter to Adrian is an indigenous Mayan from El in the town‘s fish houses or factories. the employer, asking for a meeting. ―We Quiché who fled Guatemala to avoid po- meet and discuss the issues through an litical persecution. He landed in New Bed- ―For every 100 that come, only ten return,‖ interpreter,‖ he says. ―The company will ford, MA, and despite many challenges has estimates Adrian. ―Especially these days meet because they don‘t want the allega- established himself as one of the immi- with all the problems in Guatemala…and tion getting out to the media.‖ Otto Pérez Molina,‖ he adds, re- ―I began to think about how to pre- ferring to Guatemala‘s presidential When 86 workers were dismissed from vent this [raid] at other factories. candidate and former military man their jobs at a fish house based on the E- who oversaw acts of genocide in Verify program, Adrian organized a meet- Workers were heavily discriminated the department of El Quiché. ing with the company and convinced them against and exploited. There were no to re-hire the workers. He also used it as an New Bedford is not the most wel- opportunity to raise awareness about work- labor support centers.” coming environment for undocu- ing conditions. ―We ask them to respect mented labor. The town entered our rights, our language, and that they train grant community‘s most vocal and active the national spotlight in 2007, when 300 organizers. He is the executive director and federal immigration agents arrested 350 Continued on Next Page co-founder of the Community Worker‘s workers at Michael Bianco Inc. Center (known as the CCT in Spanish), an Those detained were mostly Gua- organization that educates immigrant temalans, and had been working workers about their rights, provides legal under terrible conditions produc- support and interpretation for K‘iche‘ ing leather goods and military speakers, and even works with local police backpacks. Many were later de- to educate them about New Bedford‘s im- ported. The owner of the com- migrant population. pany, which had received over $100 million in Defense con- New Bedford, located on Massachusetts‘ tracts in just five years, was in- south coast, has a long, proud history as a dicted for knowingly hiring un- fishing and whaling center and advertises documented workers. itself as the nation‘s largest commercial fishing port. Today, commercial fishing is The raid spurred Adrian to get celebrated as an important cultural tradi- more involved. Then working tion of the town. Together with manufac- with the Maya K‘iche‘ Organiza- turing, it is what keeps New Bedford in tion, he helped support the un- business. documented workers and their families. ―I began to think about Behind the gloss of the town‘s economic how to prevent this at other fac- heritage, however, are the realities of the tories,‖ he says, ―workers were men and women who process the fish and heavily discriminated against and work in the manufacturing plants. As in exploited; there were no labor many parts of the country, those workers support centers.‖ are immigrants, often working without a legal work permit. In New Bedford, they He helped found the CCT, which are, in large part, K‘iche‘ Mayans from the now offers monthly workshops Guatemalan highlands. on labor rights, and collaborates with a legal justice organization “Which way for America?” Community leader Many arrive with almost nothing, barely on cases of labor violations. Adrian Ventura participates in a rally in New speaking Spanish, let alone English. Some When the CCT learns of abuses Bedford, MA

Page 8 Issue #10, June/Sept 2011

Adrian Ventura Labor Activism a Way of Life for Voiceless Recipient Adrian Ventura Continued from Previous Page Immigration Reform Updates

their employees to do so as well.‖ Secure Communities On August 18, after significant criticism from immigrant rights groups concerning the In another case, he learned about violations ―Secure Communities‖ Program, President Obama announced a shift in deportation occurring at an industrial tent rental com- policy. Secure Communities is a program in which local and state police send finger- pany. The company wasn‘t giving workers prints of anyone they arrest to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many overtime pay and was hiring minors to people claim that, under Secure Communities, thousands have been deported who work up to 80 hours per week. ―When we pose no threat to the US. The change in policy would allegedly stop the deportation of found out, we organized a protest outside many students who would be eligible for permanent residency under the DREAM Act the company until they decided to pay.‖ and focus US efforts on deporting those who pose a threat to ―national security or public safety.‖ “Those of us without DREAM Act documents have the same The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act would human rights. We are all qualify immigrants for permanent residency who entered the country before the age equal.” of 16 and either attend college or join the military. Originally introduced on August 1, 2001, this bill has been altered and introduced various times to both the House and the Senate. Most recently, the DREAM Act was passed in December 2010 by the His organization also helped support a House but was blocked by a filibuster in the Senate. Nonetheless, many courageous group of K‘iche‘ women who were dis- undocumented students and their supporters have continued to push for the passage of criminated against in a textile factory. the bill, risking arrest and deportation.

The immigrant community in New Bed- E-Verify ford has not been spared the negative im- E-Verify is a controversial program in which employers can check a current or poten- pacts of the Secure Communities program. tial employees legal employment eligibility. Many have criticized the program as In one case, Maria, a Guatemalan woman inaccurate and expensive, and claim that it has been used to target minority employ- whose husband was arrested and deported, ees. Nonetheless, the proposed Legal Workforce Verification Act would make the use was so anxious that she suffered a miscar- of E-Verify mandatory for all employers. At the time of publication, this act was in riage. Adrian and the CCT again took ac- committee in the House of Representatives. tion, organizing the community in re- sponse, seeking psychological support for Increased Deportations Maria, and speaking with local authorities. President Obama has been the target of massive protests in recent weeks by immi- ―We sent letters to our congress people and grant rights activists pushing for the passage of the DREAM Act and against the our representative said he would not sup- ―Secure Communities‖ Program, spurred in large part due to ongoing deportations. port the policy.‖ The number of Guatemalans deported from the US has risen steadily every year over the last decade. In the first half of 2011, US immigration authorities deported 14,478 Through his advocacy and dialogue with Guatemalans, an 11.54% increase over the same period in 2010. the police, Adrian has helped decrease implementation of the program. In the last two months, only seven people have been Guatemalans Deported from the US detained under Secure Communities. 2001-2010 Despite the difficulties of advocating for labor rights, he says the hardest part of his 35000 work is educating people about their rights and encouraging them to be their own ad- 30000 vocates. The challenges won‘t hold him 25000 Non- back; he has organizing in his blood, he 20000 Criminal says proudly. ―Those of us without docu- ments have the same human rights,‖ he 15000 explains, and then quotes from the K‘iche‘ 10000 Criminal holy book, the Popol Vuh, ―Leave no one 5000 behind, let‘s all walk together, men and women. We are all equal.‖ 0 ———— The Voiceless Speak Fund provides small grants to Guatemalans in the US, thanks to a generous GHRC donor. See our website for Source: Department of Homeland Security Yearbook of Immigration Statistics 2010 details.

Page 9 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA

Polochic Evictions Continued from Page 2 those human rights violations by social A “New” Chabil Utzaj ture. The ―new‖ Chabil Utzaj reflects a movement organizations. The government very old feudal mentality. In June, a PR piece posing as a news arti- threatened to "immediately carry out all cle entitled ―Grupo Pellas buys Sugar Re- pending land evictions" and "freeze all The Work of GHRC finery and Will Create 2,000 Jobs‖ was dialogue" with campesino organizations. published in the Siglo XXI newspaper. It Immediately following the evictions,

stated that the Pellas Group had assumed GHRC joined with a coalition of Guatema- The attacks didn‘t end with the evictions. ―total control‖ of the business, and that lan and international organizations in peti- On March 21, members of the Canlún they were creating a ―new Chabil Utzaj.‖ tioning the Inter-American Commission on community were cultivating land which In addition to job creation, Miguel Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organiza- they own through their cooperative. They Maldonado, the new general manager of tion of American States to approve precau- saw three tractors excavating in a nearby Chabil Utzaj, promised to ―provide aid, tionary measures for the communities. field, accompanied by 18 private guards maybe help the schools and build a little Precautionary measures request that a State and the head of security for the Chabil hospital or support the existing health clin- take concrete steps to ―prevent irreparable Utzaj sugar company. When the farmers harm‖ to persons, asked what was going on, organization, or com- they were told that the munities who are at tractors were digging their risk. graves. Immediately, the head of security ordered On June 20, the the guards to open fire. IACHR granted pre- Oscar Reyes, a 34 year- cautionary measures old farmer, was shot dead. for the 14 communi- Three others received ties forcibly evicted in bullet wounds. the Polochic. It states,

in part: Then, on May 13, three private helicopters flew ―Between 700 and over the community of 800 families from the Aguacaliente, dropping communities are liv- grenades on the cornfields ing in precarious con- that had survived destruc- ditions, without ac- tion during the evictions cess to food and wa- and intimidating the fami- (Photo: Rob Mercatante) ter, and that State lies that were trying to agencies have failed harvest the corn. GHRC and other petitioners in the Inter-American Commission process meet to provide them with with members of displaced Polochic communities. shelter or nutrition On June 4, María Marga- solutions. […] The rita Che Chub, a 37 year-old community ics. We don‘t want to arrive empty- Inter-American Commission requested that leader from Paraná, was shot and killed by handed, we want to help the people, but for the State of Guatemala adopt any neces- heavily-armed men who arrived by motor- that to happen there has to be productiv- sary measures to guarantee the life and cycle at her home. She was murdered in ity.‖ physical integrity of the members of the 14 the presence of her two young children. Q'eqchi‘ indigenous communities; adopt

The patronizing offer to ―help the people,‖ any necessary measures to provide hu- At midnight on August 10, 22 families will provide little in the way of long-term manitarian assistance, including food and were attacked by 30 paramilitary forces. change for communities in the Polochic shelter, to the members of the 14 displaced The armed men, their faces covered, began Valley. Half of the proposed new jobs are communities; and come to an agreement firing their weapons and demanding that temporary ―high season‖ positions. By with the beneficiaries and their representa- the community members leave the land proposing to replace family farming with tives on the measures to be adopted.‖ belonging to Chabil Utzaj. The families‘ large-scale sugar production the ―new‖ fragile homes were destroyed and their Chabil Utzaj is creating a situation of fi- GHRC has been working tirelessly with belongings, including their clothes and nancial and food dependency, a break with other human rights, campesino and indige- harvested corn, were set on fire. Martín existing community structures, usurpation nous organizations to ensure their imple- Pec May was shot in the abdomen and of the role of the State in providing health mentation by the Guatemalan government. Carlos Ical was shot in the leg. An 8-year and education services, and complete dis- We‘ve met constantly with the communi- old girl was injured when a bullet grazed regard for the fundamental cultural impor- ties in an effort to define their most press- her leg. tance of corn within the indigenous cul- ing needs in the areas of security, food,

Continued on Next Page

Page 10 Issue #10, June/Sept 2011

Polochic Evictions Polochic Evictions GHRC Denounces Policy of Continued from Page 2 Continued from Previous Page Forced Evictions health, and shelter. We‘ve also maintained wondered: ―The government talks about On August 30, the Guatemala Human pressure on the government to come to a housing, but where are they going to build Rights Commission in Washington, DC consensus with the beneficiaries about how my house? In the air?‖ joined local and international groups in to best implement the measures. expressing serious concern over the pat- As long as the majority of tern of violent land evictions occurring in arable farmland continues to campesino and indigenous communities remain in the hands of a few across Guatemala. wealthy families and transna- tional corporations; as long as Forced evictions have been carried out by biodiesel crops such as Afri- state forces with violence, extreme intimi- can palm and sugarcane con- dation, and a pattern of destruction remi- tinue to replace the traditional niscent of the scorched earth policy of the crops of corn and beans; as internal conflict — leaving the nation‘s long as the justice system con- poorest and most vulnerable populations

( Photo:Rob Mercatante) tinues to serve the interests of with little or no access to food, potable private property instead of water, or shelter. The communities‘ cries protecting human rights; as for urgent assistance and protection from long as the Congress refuses threats and violence are met with silence to pass any law relating to and indifference from local and national rural development and as long authorities. as the government favors

forced evictions instead of  At the end of July, 138 farmers were Ammunition and other objects recovered in Paraná after meaningful and productive attack by paramilitary forces. evicted by hundreds of state forces dialogue, we can expect more from Soledad Cafetal farm in Retal- of the same. huleu. One man was killed from blows The government‘s response, up until now, to the chest and intoxication from tear has been disappointing, to say the least. It Polochic is an emblematic case of what gas, and the families´ temporary huts wasn‘t until a September 2 meeting be- other agrarian communities throughout were burned to the ground by workers tween COPREDEH (the Presidential Hu- Guatemala are facing. In fact, since hired by the landowner. The 250 fami- man Rights Commission) and community Polochic, there have been other violent lies who had planted on the land had representatives that the government finally land evictions in Retalhuleu and the Petén, occupied it for the last seven months took concrete steps towards complying with tragic consequences. after being expelled from their jobs and with the precautionary measures. land by the owner for failure to pay The lame duck Colom administration is in their quota of rent on the property. The One important step forward was the com- the process of ―closing up shop.‖ The work workers complained to multiple gov- mitment to carry out a health and food of government ministries and institutions is ernment agencies that they had never census in the communities to determine slowly grinding to a halt. Much of the ac- received minimum wage, and requested how the government can best provide im- tual efforts during the remaining four access to the land to plant subsistence mediate health care and urgent food aid to months will be geared toward preparing crops until an agreement was worked the families. As for security, there has been the transition to the incoming government out with the government to find afford- a rotation of the police officers assigned to that takes office on January 14, 2012. able land for the community. the area and an investigation of Chabil Utzaj‘s private security company is under- Meanwhile, the families of the Polochic  In August, 300 people were forcibly way. and other displaced campesino communi- evicted from a community in Sierra ties struggle day-to-day to find a way to del Lacandón, El Peten, after being In the end, though, we return to the begin- put food on their table. accused of collaborating with drug traf- ning: the issue of land. The government ficking organizations. The International has stated repeatedly that topics of access How you can help: Commission of Jurists said Interior to land and land ownership are not up for Minister Carlos Menocal had used an discussion. However the farmers say that it (1) Sign on to GHRC‟s urgent action demanding government action ―illegal generalization‖ to justify the is ludicrous to talk about their food and eviction. The campesinos have publi- housing needs without mentioning the (2) Become a Friend of the Polochic cally complained that the evictions need for land. ―How am I going to feed my by making a tax-deductible donation to come as part of a development plan that family if I can‘t work the land? I‘m not a GHRC; 100% of your funds will go includes four hydroelectric dam pro- beggar and I don‘t want handouts. I‘m a directly to support community advo- jects, a university for the study of bio- cacy efforts. (Simply write “Polochic” farmer and I want to plant,‖ exclaimed one diversity, an electric train and improved campesino during a meeting. Yet another on the memo line!) Continued on Page 12

Page 11 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA

Evictions Military Archives Continued from Page 11 Continued from Page 5 tourism facilities at Mayan cultural escorted to the small computer lab. Under the military secret and top secret documents from sites that President Colom hopes will watchful eye of a Guatemalan military staff the conflict, or if those documents remain clas- attract 12 million tourists each year. member, I poked around the digital archive for sified, access becomes a moot point. The deci- Colom has stated that to achieve the over two hours. I was surprised when my com- sion to include a large number of files unre- panion informed me on multiple occasions that lated to the Commission‘s mandate has only park‘s development, the region needs to I wasn‘t supposed to take notes on what I read, served to delegitimize the archive. be cleared of ―invaders.‖ The region and that the ―information wasn‘t for just any- was remilitarized during the State of one to see.‖ Were these Siege in May 2011 in order to ―protect documents not fully park lands.‖ Meanwhile, the contract of declassified, public Despite the Commission‟s mandate, many docu- French company PERENCO to drill oil information? ments were not from 1954-1996. The majority were on lands partially located on national not labeled secret or top secret. Key military plans protected areas, was extended in July Contrary to the Com- remain classified. 2010. The project is expected to have mission‘s statement in major environmental impacts. DC, the majority of documents I saw in the archive were not la- beled secret or top secret, but were instead What are the next steps? The evictions have been denounced by military students‘ thesis papers. Some docu- the Office of the High Commissioner for ments, it was obvious, had never been classi- The Commission‘s process, particularly the Human Rights as a violation of interna- fied, such as press clippings and Congressional access to –and collection of – files from re- tional standards and basic human rights. Decrees. Many PDFs simply didn‘t open. gional military bases, will be difficult to re- examine, both for practical and political rea- The very entities charged with ensuring Despite the Commission‘s mandate, many sons. Neither the military nor current political due process and respect for human rights documents were not in fact from 1954-1996. leadership has interest in a public audit of their often accompany the eviction process as Take, for example, a document from 1952 actions. For that reason, many suspect that the mute observers of the violence unfolding regulating military bands and marimba groups military‘s key documents may already be de- (typed, with no scan of the original), or a stroyed or safely hidden. before their eyes. ―Planning Guide‖ from 2011 (two colorful pages of text boxes). Ongoing pressure will be needed for Guatema- The evictions have been de- lans to have true access to military records Most interestingly, under the section labeled from the internal conflict. nounced by the Office of the High ―orders, reports and plans‖, I didn‘t find a sin- Commissioner for Human Rights gle document. The four key military plans The Defense Department and other govern- as a violation of international mentioned above, of course, remain classified ment agencies must initiate sincere consulta- standards and basic human rights. –although they can be requested by a Judge – tions with Guatemalan experts and victims‘ ironic since at least one is already publically rights organizations, solicit input and recom- available on the internet (see the National Se- mendations from civil society, and engage in a curity Archive website for an authenticated The Guatemalan State is responsible for true campaign to raise awareness. The actual copy of Operación Sofía). ensuring the basic rights of all of its citi- number of ―secret‖ and ―top secret‖ documents from 1954-1996 should be made public. zens, including right to food security, When I asked my military accompanier about potable water, dignified housing, physical these discrepancies, she informed me that ―the In order to facilitate access to the newly declas- integrity and due process of law. Violent Commission hasn‘t finished scanning the docu- sified documents, the archive must be moved forced evictions create an environment of ments‖ and that the spotty collection wasn‘t the to a neutral location and be overseen by civil- fear and militarization and do nothing to fault of the Commission, that ―they only have ian staff. Documents, including classified and resolve deep and ongoing conflict over what was handed over to them.‖ partially classified files, should be indexed for access to land. public record. Article 24 of the Freedom of The military is in a delicate position. Seeking Information Act should be interpreted in its While 2% of the population continues to to validate the archive, the government has broadest sense for purposes of declassification own 70% of the land as well as the vast promoted the number of declassified docu- –and the operations that led to the scorched ments (94.78% are public!), encourages visits earth campaign of the early 1980s should be majority of other resources, the conflict to the reading room, and is even considering made public. will continue. moving the archive off the grounds of the Estado Mayor. Yet, as the declassified files are Achieving justice and accountability from the GHRC condemns the Guatemalan gov- more closely analyzed, the military will surely internal conflict will be a long process, and it ernment‘s lack of respect for dialogue confront increased public scrutiny; the material has only just begun in earnest. This archive processes and a public policy that is will- and intellectual authors of the vast and sys- may prove to be an important first step toward ing to sacrifice the life and well-being of temic crimes against humanity committed by increased transparency, but it is clear that the men, women and children in the single- Guatemala‘s armed forces will be more vulner- process must not end here. minded defense of private property, and able to prosecutions. called for an end to the destructive and In addition, if the content of the archive does violent policy of forced evictions. not accurately reflect the full collection of

Page 12 IssueIssue #10, #2 June/Sept / March 20092011

Delegation Meets with Women Leading the Struggle Against Violence

GHRC‘s annual August delegation, focused brutal violence women suffer in the present on violence against women, brought together day became widespread, and was even en- people from across the US, as well as one couraged, during the internal conflict. Romanian participant from the EU Delegation to Guatemala. This year, women leaders high- ―Men were systematically taught to rape lighted the historic and current impunity for women,‖ explained Luz Mendez, of the Na- sexual violence and the links between vio- tional Union of Guatemalan Women and long- lence against women and conflict over land. time women‘s rights activist.

The intense week of meetings and testimony Despite over 9,000 (documented) cases of from women advocates, activists and survi- sexual violence during the internal conflict, vors of violence began with an inspiring pres- there has not been a single case brought to entation by Lorena Cabnal, a Xinca commu- court and no one has been held accountable. nity leader and anti-mining activist. Delegates met with organizations working to change that. Mendez, along with women at Lorena‘s leadership grew out of a personal GHRC delegates gather with representatives psychosocial support organization ECAP and search to define her identity as a Xinca of ISMU and FUNDAESPRO in the capital. legal advocacy group Women Transforming woman, a difficult process that brought into the World, is working to bring the first case of question long-standing gender norms and sexual violence from the war to the courts this power structures in her community. She began told the delegation. fall. to help other women question and overcome Rosa, a Q‘eqchi‘ women from Lote 8, and internal oppression. Now, with the women‘s victim of sexual violence and forced eviction, Delegates also had the unique chance to meet group AMISMAXAJ, she is developing a has experienced that destruction in her own with one of the most forgotten groups in Gua- model of ―community feminism‖ to break free community. temala—incarcerated women. In Puerto Bar- rios, the group visited a prison with 40 female Delegates traveled to the remote community inmates, many of whom are far from their of Lote 8, outside of El Estor, Izabal, to hear families and children. The women receive about the violent eviction suffered in 2007 by support, workshops, and solidarity from the almost 100 families, part of an effort to open Artisan Collective. They shared their art, po- land for the Guatemalan Nickel Company ems and music with the delegates in the prison (CGN), until August 2011 a subsidiary of courtyard. Canadian mining giant HudBay Minerals. Back in Guatemala City, the group heard Getting to Lote 8 was not easy. After a two- about community health, education and advo- hour ride from the nearest town in the back of cacy projects being pioneered by two women- a pick-up truck and over rugged terrain, dele- run groups in marginalized communities gates reached the original location of the com- around the capital. Representatives of the munity. It was then an hour walk through the Institute for Overcoming Urban Poverty Delegate Chris Morales listens to testimony in forest and cardamom crops to reach the ‗new‘ (ISMU) and Strength and Prosperity Founda- the Q‟eqchi‟ community of Lote 8. Lote 8. tion (FUNDAESPRO) spoke of the challenges of improving living conditions and the lack of of women‘s ―eternal‖ victimization, as well as During the eviction, women in the community response by the state. While pushing for po- systemic racism, entrenched patriarchy, and were gang-raped by state forces and CGN litical change, they are building community destructive capitalist practices. security guards. Two women who were preg- and providing literacy and educational work- nant lost their babies. Rosa herself can no shops to hundreds of women and youth. For Lorena, the struggle for women‘s rights is longer have children. These women shared deeply tied to land rights and respect for their difficult testimony with the delegation, The testimonies shared with the delegation Mother Nature. She has led her community‘s but they did so apart from the men in the com- throughout the week reflected women‘s wide- struggle against the mining in historic Xinca munity. It has been a challenge for the women spread struggle to break the cycle of historic territory, known internally simply as ―la mon- to talk about the violence they suffered, ini- victimization and impunity, and their powerful taña‖ – the mountain. tially fearing their husbands would blame leadership at the community and national them or retaliate against them because of it. level. Petroleum deposits were discovered on the mountain in 2008, and the Guatemalan gov- As in 98 percent of cases in Guatemala, the Back in the US, participants have already ernment, without consulting the Xinca com- men responsible for the sexual violence in begun to raise awareness and build interna- munities, was quick to grant licenses for ex- Lote 8 walk free. Rosa and 10 other women tional solidarity in their own communities by ploration and extraction. In response, Lorena from the community have brought a case sharing their delegation experience and the and others had rallied 20,000 people in a against HudBay in Canada, hoping to hold the voices of the women they met. march to the capital in 2009. Her activism, company accountable for the actions of its however, led to death threats and Lorena was security personnel. GHRC leads a delegation to Guatemala every forced to leave her community. August. If you would like to join us in 2012, Gender inequality and discrimination has a please contact [email protected]. ―Mining is destroying the Xinca people,‖ she long history in Guatemala, but much of the

Page 13 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA GHRC Opens Office in Guatemala, Welcomes New Staff In May of 2011, GHRC opened its first permanent office in Guatemala City. The office coordinates with Guatemalan partners and other international organizations in the country, and oversees the Human Rights Defenders Program. This year we will not only be increasing our advocacy efforts, but will also continue providing direct support for defenders who need emergency relocation, as well as the children of community leaders who have been threatened or attacked through our education fund.

As we expand our efforts in Guatemala, we also welcome new staff. Outgoing Director Amanda Martin says farewell after three years of incredible work to build and strengthen the organization. Her vision to have staff on the ground in Guatemala led to the hiring of Rob Mercatante, who we are proud to present as GHRCs representative in Guatemala. Here he introduces himself and his long-time commitment to Guatemalan human rights and justice issues.

Letter from Outgoing not commit. The information gathered on Now I am reconnected and will carry Gua- Director Amanda Martin these fact-finding trips was brought back temala with me wherever I go, in my to the US, and to GHRC supporters, via El thoughts and work. Three years ago, I sat in a wooden booth at Quetzal and email blasts. a restaurant in Brookland, in Northeast As I move on to a new chapter in my ca- Washington, DC, having just accepted the Organizing and leading delegations from reer, working for human rights in Burma, I position of director at GHRC. Board presi- the US to Guatemala was by far my great- will bring the lessons, experiences, and dent Kathy Ogle told me ―one of the best est joy at GHRC. Engaging with commu- inspiration of GHRC‘s work with me. things about this job is that you will meet nity leaders, professors, students, activists, Kelsey Alford-Jones, who worked with me so many amazing, inspiring people who social workers, and so many other dedi- for three years (as Associate Director), has are doing courageous work.‖ Her words cated people from across the US on week- taken over as director of GHRC. There is rang true again and again, throughout the long immersion trips opened my eyes to no one else who could fill this position as past three years. new perspectives. Many of you have be- thoroughly and excellently as Kelsey. And, come close friends of mine, and with each she is now working with Rob Mercatante, Traveling to Guatemala every three other, creating a new branch in a network who runs the new GHRC office in Guate- months fueled my passion for the work, of solidarity. mala City. while allowing me to spend months at a time in the GHRC office in DC. Trips to I intended to stay at GHRC for three years, During this transition at GHRC, your con- Guatemala brought me face to face with and that time has come to a close. Working tinued support and interest in our work for these amazing community leaders, as I at GHRC has been incredibly fulfilling and Guatemala is especially important, and traveled to communities to hear the stories life-changing for me. I have reconnected essential, to creating positive, systemic of organized resistance to megaprojects, with Guatemala, a country and people that change. and listened to the testimony of men and I learned to love 18 years ago when I first With gratitude, women charged with crimes that they did arrived there as a Peace Corps volunteer. Amanda Martin

Letter from Rob Mercatante, Rosario, a small village on Guatemala's Human Rights Defenders Program Director southern coast. Living in El Rosario was like appearing on a three-year long episode There is a brief moment of paralyzing fear of "Survivor": no electricity, no running when you realize that you've got a scorpion water, no telephone, and a heat so brutal in your underwear. that the only time you stopped sweating was when you were dangerously dehy- I stood there, frozen in my fruit-of-the- drated! looms, as I felt the venomous invader scurry across my backside. Immediately I But it wasn't just the heat and scorpions dropped my drawers and began dancing Rob Mercatante, center, shows his pictures to that made life in El Rosario so difficult. around like a naked version of John Tra- community members during an exhumation For the first time in my life I understood volta in "Saturday Night Fever". (And you what "living in poverty" meant; I saw how can bet that the song I was hearing in my hanging on the wall of my house, and it affected the lives of my neighbors, head was "Staying Alive".) added another hashmark. Rob 81, Scorpi- my co-workers and my friends. I saw the ons 0. inhumane working conditions in the sugar- Quickly I reached for my ever-handy ma- cane fields that surrounded our village. I chete and with a flick of the wrist dis- Ah, life in Guatemala. saw the broken-down health clinic that had patched the scorpion. I let out a huge sigh no permanent doctor and medicine that had a relief. Another near miss. I first came to Guatemala as a volunteer gone bad because there was no refrigera- with Habitat for Humanity. My assignment tion. I saw the school with empty black- I walked over to the Scorpion Scoreboard was to help build low-cost homes in El Continued on Next Page

Page 14 Issue #10, June/Sept 2011

Letter from Rob Mercatante Continued from Previous Page boards because the teachers had no chalk. Yet for all of those advances, Guatemala times, it is easy to stay inspired. After all, I saw army helicopters land on the stony still faces a series of seemingly insur- I work with heroes! soccer field and soldiers search house-to- mountable challenges: families living in house for guerillas. I saw children die extreme poverty, a terrible vulnerability I consider myself incredibly fortunate to from diseases that should have been pre- to natural disasters, a debilitated and un- be part of the GHRC team. Kelsey, our vented and could have been treated. derfunded government, a powerful oligar- director, is an exceptionally talented chy that prioritizes profits over the pro- woman: hard-working, insightful, and It may seem odd to say, then, that El gress of the nation, the presence of drug profoundly knowledgeable about all Rosario is also where I fell in love with cartels, organized crime and gangs, politi- things Guatemalan. Our interns have a Guatemala. In the midst of poverty, in the cal nepotism and corruption, high indices jaw-dropping array of skills and abilities midst of daily suffering, I witnessed the of impunity and a barely functional judi- that they tirelessly bring to the endless resilience and beauty of the human spirit. cial system, unequal land distribution and tasks at hand. Our board of directors is I saw generations of families living under violent evictions of family farmers, the incredibly involved and supportive. And, the same thatched roofs, grandparents mass exodus of immigrants to the US, the as of this month, Kathryn Johnson joins swinging newborn infants to sleep in proliferation of foreign-owned destruc- our staff as Advocacy and Development hammocks. I saw community members tive mining projects, violence against Coordinator in Washington. working together under the unforgiving women and femicide, racism and dis- sun to help build one another's homes. I crimination, continued attacks on human Even though I am the sole staff person in saw moments of genuine solidarity as the rights defenders, etc. Guatemala City, I rarely work alone in- entire village would gather to accompany country. There is a network of human a grieving family. I saw extraordinary Oh… and did I mention that there is a rights defenders here who have dedicated generosity as those who had practically very good chance that the next president their lives to the struggle for social jus- nothing would invite me into their homes of Guatemala will be a former Army tice. Some are well-known, nationally to share their meals with me. General accused of torture, massacres and and internationally. But the great majority other crimes against humanity? of these inspiring people work quietly As an outsider, as a white male of privi- behind the scenes, often putting their lege from the "developed" world, the It shouldn't come as much of a surprise lives at risk in ceaseless and selfless ser- welcome of unconditional acceptance that that many people question my decision to vice to the poor, the marginalized, and I received in El Rosario can only be de- stay in such a difficult and dangerous the oppressed. scribed as an act of grace. Those three country. Heck, I constantly question it! I years forever changed my life and have been harassed by gang members, And then there's you. marked the beginning of a path that I mugged, and robbed at gunpoint— would follow, with its twists and turns, repeatedly. I have been tear-gassed, shot You who have supported GHRC through for over two decades. at, had my telephone tapped, been de- our delegations, letter writing campaigns, tained by the police, and received death donations, speaker tours, or other activi- This month, in fact, I will be celebrating threats. ties. Without you, none of this work is my 22nd year working and living in Gua- possible! Whenever I attend workshops, temala. During those years I have been But when I think of all of the amazing marches or protests, whenever I speak to witness to moments of beauty and brutal- Guatemalan men, women and children those in power or confront injustices, ity, breakthroughs and setbacks, hope and that I have met, and all of the terrible whenever I accompany individuals, fami- despair. adversities that they face day after day, lies, or communities at risk…I do so, not the question quickly shifts from "why do as Rob, but as the Guatemala Human I have had the privilege of participating I stay?" to "how could I possibly walk Rights Commission. I speak with your in pivotal moments of Guatemala's recent away?" It's not much of a choice after all. voice and I act with your support. history: the return of the refugees from In the face of such great injustice, and Mexico, the first overland visits to the such tremendous need, all but the hardest There is a general consensus that the hu- Communities of Population in Resis- of hearts would be moved to work for man rights situation in Guatemala is at its tance, the awarding of the Nobel Peace peace and justice. most critical point since the 1980s, the prize to Rigoberta Menchú, the signing of bloodiest years of the armed conflict. The the Peace Accords, the transformation of Which is why being hired by the Guate- challenges are formidable. Lives are at URNG from guerilla organization to pro- mala Human Rights Commission to open risk. I am convinced that only by all of us gressive political party, the forensic exhu- their new office in Guatemala City is, for working together can justice and human mations of mass graves from the armed me, a dream come true. rights prevail. conflict, the groundbreaking human rights trials against military officers re- My first six months with GHRC (two in I am proud to be a part of GHRC. I prom- sponsible for the massacres of the indige- Washington, DC and four in Guate) have ise that nothing, not even scorpions, will nous population, etc. been exciting, exacting and exhausting. stop me from giving all that I have give Thankfully, even in the most difficult of to this important work.

Page 15 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA Two Legends Remembered Argentine Resistance Singer Killed in Guatemala Facundo Cabral, an Argentine singer- circumstances through a songwriter and leading voice of protest profound dedication to against military dictatorships in Latin social justice and gift

America, was shot to death while on tour for music. After a in Guatemala in July of this year. Cabral rough adolescence and a and his promoter were on their way to the series of menial jobs, airport in Guatemala City when they were Cabral started perform- ambushed by two armed vehicles. While ing in 1959 and released the true motives of the attack remain un- his first major hit in known, some argue that the shot was 1970. By the mid-

meant for his promoter while others, in- 1970‘s he was firmly ak.last.fm/serve/252/26046893.jpg ) cluding Rigoberta Menchu, have stated established in the Latin - that he was assassinated for his beliefs. American music scene and had gained a reputa- In reaction to the murder, fans throughout tion as a protest singer. Guatemala held a memorial concert and

President Alvaro Colom declared three Because of his open http://userserve (Photo: national days of mourning. In early Au- political criticisms, gust, Guatemalan police detained a sus- Cabral was forced into exile in Mexico losophy, and music before sold-out audi- pect in the case, a hit man with connec- following the Argentine coup in 1976. ences. In 1996, the United Nations de- tions to organized crime groups, particu- Nevertheless, he continued writing and clared Cabral a ‗worldwide messenger of larly narco-traffickers. performing, and gained popularity with a peace‘ for his continued commitment to wide range of audiences. When he re- justice and freedom for the people of Born in La Plata, Argentina in 1937, turned to Argentina in 1984, his popular- Central and South America. Cabral was the eighth child of a poor ity only increased, as he performed a family, but overcame his unfortunate unique mix of spoken word, poetry, phi-

Political Activist Alfonso Bauer Paiz Dies at 93 The noted Guatemalan political activist bers. Paiz was victim of an and human rights defender, Alfonso Bauer armed attack in 1970, from Paiz, affectionately referred to as which he spent five months ―Poncho,‖ passed away this past July 10 at recovering in the hospital. the age of 93 due to heart failure. He was the only member of

the commission who sur-

Paiz was born in Guatemala City on April vived. 29, 1918. He graduated from the National

University Department of Legal and Social Paiz traveled to Chile in photoessays.org) Sciences as a lawyer and notary public. In 1971, but fled after the left- - the years following the revolution of Octo- ist leader Salvador Allende ber 1944, Paiz actively participated in a was overthrown in 1973. mimundo number of political positions in Guate- He lived in Cuba until 1980, mala. Following the CIA-supported 1954 supporting the Ministry of coup, Paiz went into exile in Mexico until Justice. Between 1981 and (Photo: www. he secretly returned to Guatemala three 1988 he worked as a government advisor the great defenders of the rights of the peo- years later, at which time he became a pro- to the Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua. ple, the unbreakable Alfonso Bauer Paiz, fessor at the University of San Carlos. In 1988, Paiz returned to Mexico to work he who defeated henchmen and served with Guatemalan refugees who had fled humbly the people of Guatemala, Chile, He was also elected to be a member of the the armed conflict until finally returning to Cuba, Nicaragua, and particularly those commission that studied and eventually Guatemala in 1995, where he continued to who fled certain death in Guatemala by denounced illegal nickel concessions on fight for the rights of the people. seeking refuge in Mexico. the part of the government of Carlos Manuel Arana Osorio. Due to the open Miguel Angel Albizures, a Guatemalan Supporters and mourners filled Guatema- criticisms made by the commission, the human rights activists and newspaper col- la´s streets to remember and commemorate government sought to eliminate its mem- umnist referred to Paiz as: ―Another one of one of the nation‘s heroes.

Page 16 IssueIssue #10, #2 June/Sept / March 20092011 Human Rights UPDATE

March 23: Colom and wife Torres file June 22-23: Secretary of State Clinton August 30: US Presidential Commis- for divorce. Soon after the divorce, San- attends security conference. Clinton sion condemns 1940‟s penicillin re- dra Torres declared her candidacy for attended the International Conference in search in Guatemala. The Presidential president. Support of Central American Security Commission on the Study of Bioethics Strategy, hosted by the Secretariat of condemned a US-funded study in which April 18: Resurgence of Violence in Central American Integration (SICA). researchers infected hundreds of Guate- Alta Verapaz. Two months after the The objective of the conference was to malan prisoners, psychiatric patients and state of siege was lifted there was a recur- coordinate collaboration between interna- sex workers with syphilis and gonorrhea, rence of violence with 7 murders in the tional representatives, organizations and declaring that participating researchers department over the course of two weeks. institutions regarding a coherent regional and doctors are morally responsible. The security strategy. Commission will recommend compensa- April 26: Anniversary of Gerardi‟s As- tion for the victims in its next published sassination. Hundreds of people gathered July 6: Human Rights Defenders file report. at Bishop Juan Gerardi‘s grave to com- complaint with the United Nations Spe- memorate the 13th anniversary of his cial Rapporteur on Torture. GHRC, August 31: Two women charged with death. Rights Action, and Jennifer Harbury sub- facilitating illegal adoptions. Alma mitted a formal report to the UN Rappor- Beatriz Valle Flores de Mejia and Enri- May 9: Portillo declared „Not Guilty‟. teur on Torture with allegations against queta Francisca Noriega Cano have been Former president Alfonso Portillo was presidential candidate Otto Pérez Molina accused of illegal association, falsifica- declared not guilty during a hearing for torture and crimes against humanity tion of documents, human trafficking, where he was charged with laundering 15 during the armed conflict. illegal adoption, and establishing a struc- million dollars during his presidency. The ture supporting illegal adoptions in Gua- prosecution and the CICIG have since July 13: United States deports former temala. The two women supposedly appealed the decision. kaibil. Pedro Pimentel Ríos, a former ‗robbed‘ a young girl, Anyeli Liseth Her- kaibil linked to the Dos Erres massacre in nandez Rodriguez and turned her over to May 17: State of siege declared in El 1982, was deported from the United parents in the United States. Petén. President Colom declared a state States after being denied asylum and fac- of siege in El Petén following the May 15 ing charges of lying about past human September 15: State of siege extended in massacre of 27 in an attempt to restore rights abuses on his citizenship forms. He El Petén for the second time. President peace and rule of law in the department. was handed over to Guatemalan authori- Alvaro Colom extended the state of siege The region has become a center of organ- ties upon arrival. for an additional thirty days hoping to ized crime activity. restrict arms trafficking and conclude the August 2: Senate confirms new US am- investigation of the May 15 massacre. June 1: Spain authorizes extradition of bassador to Guatemala. President The first extension was announced on Carlos Veilmann. Veilmann´s extradi- Obama nominated Arnold Chacon as the June 16. tion was requested so he could face new ambassador to Guatemala. He has charges for the murder of 10 prisoners thirty years of experience in the Foreign September 19: Irregularities and pro- between the years of 2005 and 2006. Service with positions in Ecuador, Peru, tests following the elections. Acción Chile, Mexico, and Honduras. He has Ciudadana has presented 165 denuncia- June 3: Guatemala honors the memory declared that human rights will be one of tions of irregularities in election proceed- of Jacobo Arbenz Guzman. Fifty seven his top priorities. ings, including disturbances of order and years after the US backed coup of Presi- the buying of votes. Some of the claims dent Arbenz, the nation will finally rec- August 3: Ex-kaibiles sentenced in Dos include evidence that citizens were in- ognize him in school curriculums. Erres case. Daniel Martínez Méndez, timidated. Protests demanding repeat Manuel Pop Zun, Carlos Antonio Carías elections have occurred in at least 40 mu- June 8: Political party finances made López and Reyes Collin Gualip were nicipalities across the country since the public. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal sentenced to 6,060 years each for the elections. made political party finance reports avail- murders and human rights violations they able to the public, and required candi- committed. September 24: Guatemala to reiterate dates to disclose their funding sources. request for TPS. The Minister of For- August 24: Ambassador Stephen eign Relations announced the request, June 10: Former police chief arrested. McFarland says farewell to Guate- which comes during another year of Former chief of the national police, Hec- mala. McFarland left his post to continue tragic natural disasters. The initial peti- tor Bol de la Cruz, was arrested in Guate- his work in Afghanistan. Since he began tion was submitted in June of 2010 after mala for involvement in the disappear- work in Guatemala 11 years ago, he has tropical storm Agatha caused widespread ance of student activist Edgar Fernando been applauded for his public commit- flooding, displacement and damage to Garcia in 1984. ment to human rights. infrastructure.

Page 17 The Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA

GHRC Donors FY10/11

A.J. Schumacher * Abbey of Holy Trinity * Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity * Alan D. Hutchinson * Alaskans Concerned about Latin America * Albert N. Demott * Alexander Dupuy * Alexandra Roth * Alice D. Rosenfeld * Alison Davis * Allen C. Ladd, P.C. * Alyssa Piccirilli * Amy Austin * Amy Beth * Amy Kunz * Anavela Mijangos & Karl Glasener * Andrea Versenyi * Andrew Petonak * Ann and David Loretan * Ann Unatin * Anne Sayre * Annella J. Auer * Anonymous Donors * Anthony Foxen * Ava Nelson Zandi * Barbara and Alan Krause * Barbara and Philip Brandhuber * Barbara Judge * Barbara Parsons * Barbara Rogoff * Barrie Ryan * Benedictine Foundation Vermont * Bernard Dansart * Bonnie Sommers * Brenda L. Metzler * Brenda Merida-Manzardo * Brian J. Stefan-Szittai * Bruce and P. Hirsch * Bruce Cohen * Bruce J. Calder * Candace Odiorne * Carol Brandel * Carol Kaplan * Carol L. Reinsberg * Carol Newman * Caroline L. Everts * Cathy Mirabile * Charles Askins * Cheryl Wilfong * Choate, Hall and Stewart LLP * Cindy Boland * Claire L Evans * * Claire Molner * Connie Newton * D and M Faulkner * Dagmar Hoxsie * Dale Sorenson * David and Diane Perkinson * David Holiday * David Leroy Winkler * David Rorick * David W. Palmer * Debra Delavan * Debra Riklan Vekstein * Diana and Christopher Carson * Diane M. Nelson * Donald Sibley * Dorothy Walker * Douglas and Carol Wingeier Trust * Dr. Burritt S. Lacy, Jr. * E.L. and C.S. Kelly * Edward and Joyce Wright * Edward Corwin * Eileen Carney * Eileen Goodwin * Einheuser and Nakisher PLLC * Elaine Goldman * Elaine K. Martinez * Elaine Kihara and David Sweet * Elizabeth De- simone * Ellen K. Radday * Emily R Stashower * Erik Lang * Evan M. Fales * F.C. Siebold, Thank You! Jr. * Fayette Krause * Fiona Knox * FR Joseph Mulcrone * Fran- ces Taylor * G. Harrison and Lynn E. Houston * Gail Lebow * Garrett D. Brown * Gary Cozette * Gene and Harriet Your generosity Badesheim * George and Grace Gilson * Gerald Kohler * Glo- ria Bletter * Gloria Jean Gar- land * Grace Brinker * Gregg and Marian Forte * Gretchen Beerline * Harriet I Hayes * Henry Cody * Hermann Engel- hardt * Hilda M. Wilcox * Irma makes our work Schwartz Rev Trust * J. Diane Mowrey * Jackie DeCarlo * Jacqueline Freeman * James De- gel and Jeanne Berwick * James Loucky * James Ruck and Gail Britanik * James W. possible. Schmitt * Janet Watchman and Joel Weisberg * Janett Forte * Jeannette Breunig * Jeff Maguire * Jeffrey Ojemann & Karen Selboe * Jennifer H. Slusser * Jennifer Jiunta * Jessica Mott and Keith Oberg * Jo Ann Scott * Joan B. Croc Institute * Jody Slocum and Kurt Buetow * Joe Shields and Mary Vercheck * John and Christine Sutton * John and Kristine Leary * John and Mary Lou Winder * John Bohman and Luise Van Horne * John Dunker and Amy Paige * John Murray * John R. Prybot * John T Schmitt * Jonathan Eric Pearson * Joseph and Janice Miano * JP Morgan Chase Foundation * Judith A. Bohler * Judith Brady * Just Give (anonymous ―in the name of Bethany Palmer‖) * Just Give * K and C Johnson * K. I. McLoughlin * Karen Buck, Scott Gilbert * Karen and Thomas Schiller * Karen Rotabi * Kate F. Todd * Katherine and Charles Pang * Katherine E. Kasten * Kathleen Kenney and David Depp * Kathleen Klare * Kathleen McNeely * Kathryn Taylor * Kathy Ogle * Kay Berkson and Sidney Hollander * Kristen Weinman * L. and B. Strieb * L. William and Virginia Corzine * Lance Eric Laver * Laura J. Rampe * Lauri Rose Tanner * Law Offices of Alan Hutchison * Lawrence Krantz * Lee Ann Ward and H. Lawrence Lack * Leonor Blum * Liisa Lukkari North * Lisa Haugaard and Joseph Kirchner * Louise Van Horne * Luise and Hermann Engelhardt * Lynn Shoemaker * Lynn Yellott * M P Rehm * M. Brinton Lykes * Malcome H. Bell * Margaret and Arnold Matlin * Margaret and John Oliver * Margaret B Bocek * Margaret Morton * Margaret Robinson and Jeanne Gallo * Marilyn Moors * Marjorie Van Cleef * Mark Hathaway and Priscilla Johnson * Marta Sylvia del Rio * Martha Pierce * Martin and Virginia Davis * Martin Mellett and Ju- dith Walsh-Mellett * Mary and Nicholas Eoloff * Mary and Patrick Ahern * Mary Ann Litwiller * Mary B. Rein * Mary E. Coenen * Mary Jean Schmelzer * Mary O. Naftzger * Mary Rose Curtis * Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers * Matthew McGuire * Meredith Larson and Alex A. Taylor * Michael and Pamela Orbach * Michael Martel * Michael Shimkin * Michael Weddle and Sandra Rowland * Michelle Prentice-Leslie and Mark Gregory * Mike Jenkins * Miriam Spencer * Nadine Meyer, SSND * Nancy L. Ashley * Nancy Tsou * Nastasha Everheart * Natalie Rendergast * Norma Bechtel Hummerstone * Our Lady Queen of Peace Church * Owen D. Owens * Pat Davis * Patricia Goudvis * Patrick Bonner * Patrick Kole * Peace Development Fund, Babson Fund * Phil and Julie Carroll * Philip and Barbara Brandhuber * Philip E. Wheaton * Phyllis Duffy and

Page 18 IssueIssueIssue #10 #10, /#2 June/Sept / March 20092011

GHRC Donors FY10/11

Martha Bowen * Public Welfare Foundation * R. Levin * Rachel DeGolia * Rael Nidess * Randall Shea * Raymond and Vivienne Kell * Rebecca Mills * Rebecca Van Horn * Renata Eustis * Richard and Betty Fridena * Richard and Audrey Vincent * Richard and Joan Clinch * Richard and Margaret Weaver * Richard Broderick * Richard and Lucy Henighan * Richard Vanden Heuvel * Robert and Betty Brown * Robert and Carla Horwitz * Robert and Dorothea Brayden * Robert and Dorothy Lockhart * Robert and Joycelyn Johnson * Robert and Kathryn Bachmann * Robert Denniston * Robert E. Hinshaw * Robert Larson * Robert Roth * Robert Textor * Roberta R Palen * Robin Hood and John Cavanagh * Roger Waha * Ron Castaldi * Ronald and Shari Coburn * Ronald Wilhelm * Ross and Gloria Kinsler * Roy Bourgeois * Royce B. Murray * Rudolph L. Nelson * Sally Allen Lunin and Robert Krzewinski * Sara Bartel * School Sisters of Notre Dame * Severino Perez and Kathleen Studer * Sheila A. Brady * Sheila H Schultz, Trustee * Sheila Schultz * Sherna Gluck * Simon Klein and Lenore Feigenbaum * Sister of Charity * Sisters of Charity, B.V.M. * Sr. Therese Ann Zanmiller * Steven and Martha Hillyard * Steven Metalitz and Kit Gage * Susan Randall * Susanne Jonas * Suzanne Miller * Tanya Kramer * Teresa Keller * The West Farm Account * Thomas and Darlene White * Tho- mas Bird * Thomas Brown * Thomas Murphy and Ellen Garrity * Timothy and Marilu MacCarthy * Tom Clements * Unitarian Uni- versalist Church, Arlington * Ursula Hill * Vera and William Kelly * Victoria Steinitz * Vincent and Catherine Gallagher * Vivian B. Harvey * Walter Sherwood * Wayne Alt * Whiting-Arnold Foundation * William and Jane Lotter * William and Lorraine D'An- tonio * William D. Arvidson * William Davis * William Donnelly * William G. Schomp * William Garner * William J. Reilly * William Russell * William Wardlaw and Patricia Arnold * Wizard Window Washing

We would also like to thank the following FY10/11 grantors for their support:

Osprey Foundation, Sisters of St. Dominic/Racine Dominican Mission Fund, Eighth Day Faith Community, St. Margaret‘s Church, SSND Gospel Fund, John and Kathryn Greenberg

Financial Summary FY10/11

Support Human Rights in Guatemala! Make a contribution to support our new office in Guatemala City and expansion of our Human Rights Defenders Program.

Page 19 Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA NONPROFIT ORG ______US POSTAGE PAID 3321 12th Street NE WASHINGTON, DC Permit NO. 469 Washington, DC 20017 Tel: (202) 529-6599 Return Service Requested Fax: (202)526-4611 www.ghrc-usa.org

El Quetzal A Quarterly Publication

Guatemala’s Elections

Land Conflict and Violent Evictions

Exciting Changes at GHRC