United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala

“ Although progress has been made in building a civilian protection force for the President of the Republic, the Government has not followed through on its promise to dismantle the Presidential General Staff, a presidential security unit linked to grave human rights violations during the conflict. ”

“ It is the responsibility of the Government of Guatemala to press ahead with the implementation of the peace agreements, even in the light of tight resources, limited time and political obstacles. The international community stands ready with support, provided that there is political will on the part of Guatemala’s authorities. ”

“ Lynchings are again on the rise, underscoring the weakness of the institutions responsible for justice and public security, as well as a persistent culture of violence left over from the armed conflict. Rural social conflicts persist and are magnified owing to a lack of progress on the land question and other aspects of the socio-economic accord. Efforts to build a tax base capable of sustaining a long-term modernization programme have fallen short of the goals established by the peace agreements. ”

“ One police observer will remain in each regional office to participate in the verification of human rights cases. These officers will also monitor reform efforts related to public security and the armed forces.
26. In consultation with MINUGUA and the Department of Political Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme has been tailoring its efforts to reflect peace agenda priorities, and to anticipate possible gaps created by the departure of MINUGUA. One new initiative is the establishment of a project on public security and military reform, which will get under way late in 2002. ”

“ Discrimination remains widespread, with scant advancement towards the farreaching changes envisioned in the Agreement on the Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The National Civilian Police, a cornerstone of efforts to strengthen civilian authority, began promisingly but needs greater resources to confront a crisis of public security. ”

“ The new leaders of the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman and the Public Ministry have pledged to improve their institutions, both of which are fundamental to protecting human rights and making justice accessible to all Guatemalans. ”

“ Whether the reform process under way in Guatemala is sustainable in the long term will depend on the ability of Guatemalan parties to carry forward the blueprint for peace and democracy established in the agreements. ”

“ The Advisory on Strengthening Civilian Power will emphasize key reforms that will solidify the transition, including reforms to the military defence policy and doctrine called for in the peace agreements. The Advisory on Economic Policy and Rural Development, which should be able to sustain additional staff reductions before the end of 2002, will prioritize work around rural development policy and the land issue, which is a source of increasing conflict. ”

“ Civil society organizations are participating actively and at many levels to ensure that public policies are formulated and carried out in accordance with the peace agreements. Donor Governments appear committed to funding the peace process, while conditioning their assistance on faster implementation. ”