DSC International Delegation to Guatemala

Between 26 to 31 March 2023 an independent delegation of international lawyers, organised with the support of Peace Brigades International, travelled to Guatemala. The delegation was composed of Camila Zapata Besso, Ben Cooper KC, Stephen Cragg KC and Margherita Cornaglia from the Doughty Street International team, as well as other international lawyers. The group assessed the deteriorating human rights situation of rural indigenous communities in the Alta Verapaz region. Delegates explored the application of Guatemalan and international law, particularly as it applies to land rights, forced evictions, environmental law, business and human rights, and due process in cases where indigenous rights defenders are accused of crimes. After meeting with indigenous communities, campesino organisations, civil society actors, local and national authorities, diplomats and the private sector, the delegation gave a press conference where they voiced their initial observations. They will now work on a full report, for publication in September 2023.

More information and the delegation's full press release is available here. It has been reported on by El País Internacional and Guatemalan national news (e.g. Prensa Comunitaria).