19 August 1996 SG/SM/6034
MINUGUA REPORT CITES CLEAR BUT INSUFFICIENT PROGRESS IN HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN GUATEMALA 19960819The fifth report of the Director of the United Nations Human Rights Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) was issued today. In the report, which covers the six-month period between January and June 1996, the Mission cites clear progress in compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights, but concludes that these steps forward were insufficient to bring about a definitive improvement in the still-serious human rights situation in Guatemala.In presenting the report, Mission Director David Stephen emphasized that while the human rights situation continues to be of serious concern, involving impunity and serious public insecurity, the overall context in Guatemala is increasingly positive, and is marked by important strides forward in the peace process and a growing commitment by the Government and civil society to move forward in the fight against impunity and the consolidation of a state of law in which human rights are respected. In this connection, in the fifth report, the Mission recognizes the efforts made by President Arzu and his Government to combat crime and, with regard to the peace process, highlights the suspension of offensive actions by the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) and counter-insurgency actions by the Army, which has helped to reduce the suffering of the civilian population. By the same token, the Mission considers that the elimination of military jurisdiction over common crimes committed by army personnel is an important step forward in the fight against impunity. MINUGUA salutes the recent announcement by the Government that the voluntary civil defence committees will be disarmed and dissolved. Thorough implementation of this measure will signify an important step towards reducing human rights abuses and will lay the groundwork for reconciliation. The Director also underlined the fact that, while goodwill and action by the Government are necessary, they were not sufficient in themselves to bring about desired results. Action is also required by national institutions and by society as a whole, supported by the international community. In this regard, MINUGUA's institution-building programme is representative of the professional efforts and technical cooperation being provided by the international community, through the Mission with the aim of helping to strengthen national institutions and contribute to the promotion of a culture of respect for human rights. * *** *
United Nations
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