Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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124. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the security situation that human rights defenders are facing in Guatemala (details supplied); and if he will raise the deteriorating situation with his Guatemalan counterpart and request that the Government of Guatemala conducts prompt investigations and legal prosecution of those responsible for murders, attacks and harassment against defenders. [50329/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the difficult situation that currently exists for human rights defenders in Guatemala and elsewhere in Latin America. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is monitoring developments closely and remains committed to supporting the advancement of human rights in the region.

I wholly condemn any intimidation or violence against those seeking to defend their rights, and I would like to extend my sympathies to all those effected. A free, fair, and open civil society space is essential for a democratic society that functions for all.

Guatemala has made some advances in its political and social development over the past two decades, since the gradual cessation of armed conflict from 1996 onwards. While overcoming the legacy of human rights crimes committed during the country’s three decades of civil war remains a challenge, it is an essential element of Guatemala’s development as a democratic society. I urge the Government of Guatemala to address historical impunity at all levels, and 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 the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in November 2017. We took this opportunity to voice concerns over the levels of violence, intimidation, harassment, and criminalisation faced by human rights defenders in Guatemala. Ireland called on the Government of Guatemala to take all necessary measures to protect human rights defenders and to allow them to carry out their important work in safety.

Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also meet regularly with human rights defenders and civil society organisations active in Latin America, including in Guatemala, who provide valuable insight into the situation on the ground.

While Ireland does not have a resident Embassy in Guatemala City, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and working with partners on the ground, we will continue to follow the situation in Guatemala closely, and to raise our concerns regarding threats against human rights defenders in discussions on Guatemala at EU and international level.