
Human Rights Placements
Work alongside human rights defenders, public officials and journalists to bring about profound change in Guatemala. Pre-departure Spanish lessons included.
Human Rights in Guatemala
Guatemala is a culturally and geographically beautiful country. However, it faces deep-rooted poverty and social exclusion. The effect on indigenous communities is particularly acute, with discrimination in land ownership, working conditions and access to basic services. State instiutions have struggled to adequately address these issues partly due to internal corruption.
The country has also been left with an immense debt in terms of justice, from it’s 36-year civil war which came to an end in 1996. During this period, human rights violations were committed on a mass scale, including extrajudicial executions, illegal detentions and forcible displacement. 83% of the victims were members of the Maya indigenous population.
Progress and the Future
In recent years, there has been important progress in Guatemala, including the signing of the Peace Accords in 1996, the decision of the United Nations to install the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG); and the appointment of the first female Attorney General.
Types of Projects
There are organisations across Guatemala which are working towards establishing a more just and equal nation. Placements are available with grass-root organisations which focus on documenting and denouncing abuses, educating the international community and advocating policies that foster justice. Other organisations work directly with victims of human rights abuse to protect and help them re-build their lives.
Whether it’s in communication, report-writing, organisational development or advocacy, you will be contributing your time and skills in return for the experience of working with organisations on the frontline of human rights protection.
Online private Spanish lessons are included.