The Government of Guatemala has introduced the Public Policy for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders 2025-2032 during a ceremony at the National Palace of Culture. The event was attended by President Bernardo Arévalo, Vice President Karin Herrera, members of the cabinet including Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food María Fernanda Rivera Dávila, as well as representatives from the international community and human rights defenders.
The policy aims to prevent attacks, ensure comprehensive protection, and promote access to justice for individuals working in human rights defense in Guatemala. This initiative marks the completion of a process that began in 2016, was interrupted in 2018, and resumed in January 2024 under the current administration. It fulfills a ruling from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), which mandated the creation and implementation of public policy to protect human rights defenders.
According to government officials, "With this presentation culminates a process initiated in 2016, interrupted in 2018 and resumed in January 2024 by the current government. Thus is fulfilled a sentence from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (CIDH), which orders the creation and implementation of public policy to guarantee protection for defenders."
The new policy will be effective from 2025 through 2032. Its objectives include promoting respect for human rights among those who defend fundamental rights and recognizing their essential role in building a democratic, just, and participatory society.
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