UN Calls for Immediate Halt to Evictions in Guatemala Amid Crises
The United Nations is urging the Guatemalan government to immediately suspend what it describes as “violent and inhumane” evictions. This call comes from UN Special Rapporteur Balakrishan Rajagopal, who raised concerns that these actions violate international law and are detrimental to vulnerable populations, particularly Indigenous and rural communities.
During recent forced evictions, homes have been burned down along with food crops and personal belongings of impoverished individuals. Rajagopal stated that such actions “amount to cruel and inhuman treatment,” emphasizing that many evictions occur without proper legal procedures. He noted that affected individuals often have no opportunity to present evidence of land ownership or to salvage their possessions, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
Converging Crises in Guatemala
Guatemala is currently facing multiple crises, including widespread land dispossession and a deteriorating water supply. Rajagopal linked the ongoing violations to the country’s unresolved history of colonial land dispossession, highlighting the lack of legal recognition for Indigenous ownership. He expressed his concern regarding the ongoing injustices, stating, “[W]”.
Despite some positive steps from the Guatemalan government, Rajagopal insists that coordinated action is urgently needed to address these complex land rights issues. He called for collaboration among the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, emphasizing the importance of including Indigenous Peoples and local communities in decision-making processes.
In a related humanitarian context, a recent report by Human Rights Watch revealed stark disparities in access to clean water, particularly affecting Indigenous populations. The report indicates that nearly half of Guatemala’s population lacks reliable access to potable water, despite the country possessing more freshwater per capita than the global average.
Furthermore, Rajagopal’s concerns echo those raised by Margaret Satterthwaite, another UN Special Rapporteur, who in May described a “disturbing pattern” of political interference in Guatemala’s judicial system. This interference raises alarms about the country’s ability to tackle its pressing social challenges effectively.
As Guatemala navigates these intertwined crises, the UN’s appeal for a suspension of evictions highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. The international community continues to observe developments closely, advocating for the protection of vulnerable populations and the upholding of human rights within the nation.
