Recognizing the indispensable role of the Indigenous people of Guatemala in ensuring a democratic transition following the 2023 general election in the face of judicial corruption, political exclusion, and historic marginalization, and urging the Government of Guatemala to follow through on its commitments to represent and equitably serve all Guatemalans.
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Committee
Latest Action · April 30, 2024
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
This resolution recognizes the critical role Indigenous Guatemalans played in protecting democratic processes during the country's 2023 presidential election and subsequent political transition. The resolution acknowledges that Indigenous people, who make up nearly 44 percent of Guatemala's population, faced systematic discrimination and marginalization throughout history, and despite their minority representation in government, mobilized massive nationwide protests to defend election results and prevent judicial corruption from overturning the democratic outcome. The resolution commends Indigenous communities for their activism and urges the new Arévalo administration and future Guatemalan governments to protect Indigenous rights, increase their representation in government, and meet commitments to transparency and accountability. It also calls on U.S. officials, including the President, Secretary of State, and USAID Administrator, to support Guatemala's democratic institutions, monitor private sector entities linked to corruption, and ensure that Indigenous communities have a voice in U.S. decisions affecting Guatemala. This is a symbolic resolution with no direct funding or enforcement mechanisms, as it expresses congressional sentiment rather than establishing new laws or appropriations.
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