Update on attacks against Inter Pares' counterparts in Guatemala
Many of you are aware that several of Inter Pares' local counterparts in Guatemala working on the issue of sexual violence in armed conflict have been attacked and intimidated over this past year, including Project Counselling Service (PCS). When the violence escalated in mid-May, we sent an e-mail to our e-newsletter subscribers asking for their support. Many of you have notified us that you have contacted the Canadian and Guatemalan authorities expressing your concern for the safety of our colleagues.
These letters have been, and continue to be, very helpful. The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala have to date received a great number of letters asking them to intervene. The Embassy has played a key role of support to PCS, accompanying staff to high-level meetings with the Guatemalan government and raising this issue within the diplomatic community in Guatemala. Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay has raised concern about the deteriorating human rights situation with his Guatemalan counterpart. PCS staff as well as some counterparts are also now receiving accompaniment from Peace Brigades International. PCS staff and counterparts are encouraged and comforted to know that their international friends are with them in this difficult time.
PCS and Inter Pares have conducted a series of high-level meetings with the Canadian government and the international community since these attacks occurred, asking for continued political support and accompaniment in resolving the current situation of escalating violence directed against those working to combat the situation of impunity in Guatemala. The support received to date has been very much appreciated, and very effective.
Inter Pares and PCS have received assurances from the Canadian government of its continued political and financial support for our work on sexual violence in armed conflict. These attacks show all too clearly the importance of work on this issue, and why it must continue. It is important to send the message to Guatemala and the international community that Canada will continue to support the promotion of democratic process, peace, and human rights in Guatemala.
If you would like to help, letters to Guatemalan authorities continue to be appreciated; mail and e-mail addresses are below. Please copy the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala, and Inter Pares. We thank you for your support.
Su Excelencia
Lic. Oscar Berger Perdomo
Presidente de la República de Guatemala
Guatemala Ciudad
Guatemala, C.A.
Fax: 011 502 2221 4423
or 011 502 2238 3579
oberger@presidencia.gob.gt
varroyave@presidencia.gob.gt
mgarcia@presidencia.gob.gt
Kenneth Murray Cook
Ambassador
13 Calle 8-44 Zone 10,
Edificio Edyma Plaza
Guatemala Ciudad
Guatemala, C.A.
Fax: 011 502 2365 1210 (General)
011 502 2365 1211 (Political)
Email:
gtmla@international.gc.ca
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