GUATEMALA
PBI pioneers international protective accompaniment with leaders and activists of the Mutual Support Group for Families of the Disappeared (GAM), some of whose leaders had been brutally assassinated by State agents.
Guatemala
GUATEMALA: Peace talks begin between the government and rebels of the Guatemalan Revolutionary National Unity
Peace talks begin between the government and rebels of the Guatemalan Revolutionary National Unity; right-wing parties win a majority in legislative elections.
GUATEMALA: General Efrain Rios Montt siezes power after military coup
General Efrain Rios Montt annuls the 1965 constitution, dissolves Congress and suspends political parties in Guatemala. Local ‘civilian defense patrols’ are deployed alongside the military throughout the country to ‘reclaim’ guerrilla territory.
Carlos Morales
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Lesbia Artola
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Mary Scott
Working as a field volunteer had a profound effect on me. I learnt so much about the country, its history and politics. I have remained interested and keep up to date with what’s happening
Mary Scott
Guatemala, 2006-2007
Silvia Weber
As long as human rights defenders are valuing international accompaniment as a tool that gives them protection, security and moral support to continue their struggles, PBI’s work (and other signs of international solidarity) must continue.
Silvia Weber
Guatemala, 2008-ahora
Laura Gomariz
PBI’s work is important because the defenders feel safer with the accompaniment without invading their space
Laura Gomariz
Guatemala
Antonio Pérez
PBI’s work is important because it creates the right spaces for human rights defenders to fight with dignity for the causes they defend
Antonio Pérez
Guatemala
Christa Hijkoop
I will always have much admiration for the defenders, I feel it as a privilege to have the opportunity to meet and accompany them, to share experiences with them. In spite of many serious difficulties they continue their struggle. It is an example for me.
Christa Hijkoop
Guatemala, 2012-2012