United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala

“ I am convinced that, through the verification and institution-building activities of the Mission, the international community will continue to play a very significant role in promoting the protection of human rights and the settlement of the last armed conflict in Central America. ”

“ At stake is the confidence of the Guatemalan people and the international community at large in the peace process and in the undertakings given by the parties. It is also essential that the peace negotiations be brought to an early and successful conclusion as the continuation of the conflict provides pretexts for human rights abuses and a culture of violence and intolerance, which thwart efforts, including those of MINUGUA, to protect human rights and strengthen the rule of law. ”

“ In conclusion, I must reiterate that it is incumbent upon the parties to comply fully with their commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and with human rights aspects of the Agreement on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which they have requested the United Nations to verify. In that context, it is critical that the Government of Guatemala and the leadership of the URNG take action to carry out the recommendations of the Mission, which have too often remained unheeded. ”