Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 7 September 2018
58. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that to date in 2018, 18 environmental activists have been killed in Guatemala and it is now one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental activists (details supplied); if the killing of these activists will be condemned; and if the issue will be raised with his Guatemalan counterpart. [36354/18]
View answerI am aware of the difficult situation that currently exists for environmental activists and other civil society actors in Guatemala, and across Latin America, and my Department is monitoring developments closely.
I unreservedly condemn the violence being perpetrated against these groups, and would like to extend my sympathies to all those affected. The rights of freedom of expression and to peaceful demonstration are essential to a functioning democracy and must be protected.
Although great advances have been made in Guatemala since the signing of peace accords in 1996 that marked the end of three decades of civil war, I am aware that there are concerns about a culture of historic impunity that remains. I urge the Government of Guatemala to fully investigate the incidents to which the Deputy refers and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Ireland engaged in the Review of Guatemala during the 28th Session of Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in November 2017. We took this opportunity to voice concerns over attacks and intimidation against human rights defenders in Guatemala, and called on the Government of Guatemala to take all necessary measures to protect human rights defenders.
We also took the opportunity of the Universal Periodic Review to urge the Government of Guatemala to continue with its efforts to address inequality suffered by indigenous peoples, a group which I understand is heavily affected by the violence outlined by the Deputy. I reiterate these calls today and urge their Government to protect all civil society actors and their ability to carry out their important work across the country. While we do not have a resident embassy in Guatemala, my officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin meet regularly with civil society organisations and human rights defenders active in Guatemala and the wider region, and raise concerns at EU and international level.
