Country: Guatemala Source: European Commission The EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR), Ambassador Olof Skoog, carried out a three-day visit to Guatemala (February 17-19). The Special Representative contributes to the implementation of the EU’s policy on human rights worldwide as well as to promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and supporting international criminal justice. His visit forms part of the European Union’s longstanding investment in democracy, human rights and sustainable development in Guatemala, utilising all the instruments at its disposal including political dialogue, trade, development cooperation, electoral observation as well as individual restrictive measures. During his visit, the EU Special Representative met with government officials, including the President of the Republic Bernardo Arévalo, State institutions, indigenous representatives, civil society, human rights defenders, media and the private sector.Ambassador Skoog acknowledged the government’s dedication to democratic governance and a positive human rights agenda with special attention to social and economic rights. This includes the right to education and health, in order to address the country’s structural inequality. In this context, the EU Special Representative welcomed ongoing efforts to advance a national dialogue with the indigenous communities, and with other sectors of the Guatemalan society, as an important step towards inclusive governance. The EUSR expressed his appreciation for Guatemala’s commitment to and close collaboration with the international and regional human rights mechanisms, including visits and engagements with the UN and Inter-American Commission special procedures. In this regard, the EUSR encouraged Guatemala to consider advancing towards a ratification of the Escazú Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean.The need for structural engagement and consultation with indigenous peoples, who represent almost half of the country’s population, was also confirmed during the EU Special Representative’s meeting with indigenous leaders from all over Guatemala in the city of Solalá. The EU expressed its commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all. The EU Special Representative highlighted the need to establish national mechanisms that ensure that affected communities are consulted and reap the benefits of commercial activities in their territories. In this regard, the EU supports the efforts to develop a National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights and to comply with EU regulations on corporate sustainable development, forced labour and deforestation. Moreover, in the context of the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the EU mobilises investments in favour of a circular economy, green transition and digital transformation.At the same time, Ambassador Skoog reiterated the EU’s deep concern that the situation for human rights defenders, and in particular those defending land and the environment, continues to be highly dangerous. Justice often remains inaccessible for those facing threats, violent attacks and criminalisation for defending their rights. In this context, the EU Special Representative welcomed the government efforts to advance the adoption of a National Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. Simultaneously, the protection of human rights is the responsibility of all powers of the State, and fighting impunity requires a transparent and impartial justice system that generates trust.The EUSR expressed the EU’s deep concern over the deterioration of rule of law in the country, and in particular the persistent instrumentalisation of the justice system for the persecution or intimidation of public officials, democratically-elected authorities, civil society, media and judicial operators. Ambassador Skoog met first hand with individuals subject of spurious and long drawn judicial processes as well as arbitrary detention, targeted for their activities as journalists, prosecutors, lawyers and university students.In this context, the individual restrictive measures adopted by the Council of the European Union in February 2024, directly targeting individuals responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law, have been extended for one more year. In his meeting with the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office, the EUSR inquired about the activities of this institution, on the basis of its responsibility for the monitoring of state institutions’ actions in accordance with human rights commitments.Ambassador Skoog reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable development in Guatemala, which indispensably includes consolidating democratic governance, strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights.As stated by Mr. Skoog: “The EU has been a consistent partner to all sectors of Guatemalan society invested in the promotion of human rights, the rule of law and democracy. This includes support to human rights defenders and civil society - often at risk - as well as private sector committed to investing in inclusive development and responsible business conduct. This support will continue. The EU recognises the significant efforts made by the government of President Arévalo and we are ready to work together to achieve tangible results. It is also clear that to this end, all State institutions will have to join this effort. ”