Overview and Relevance
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), an independent organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), has removed Guatemala from its blacklist of countries with severe human rights violations. This decision comes as per the CIDH’s annual report for 2024, published on Thursday.
Positive Trends and Areas of Concern
Andrea Pochak, Vice President of the CIDH, explained to AFP that the report provides a “snapshot of human rights situations across all regional countries,” highlighting positive trends in gender equality, indigenous peoples’ rights, and the elderly. However, there are “regressive” trends in areas such as judicial independence, democratic institutional strength, persecution of human rights defenders, migration policies, and the use of violence by police and military.
Guatemala’s Removal from the Blacklist
Guatemala was removed from Chapter IV.B, a section that warns of systematic threats to human rights. This change is partly due to the new government under President Bernardo Arévalo, who allowed the CIDH to visit Guatemala since taking office in January 2024. Despite this, the CIDH still has serious concerns about Guatemala’s democratic institutional issues.
Remaining Countries on the Blacklist
Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—countries that left the OAS—continue to be on the blacklist. The CIDH report states that there is no improvement in Cuba’s human rights situation and calls on the Castro regime to end illegal or arbitrary detentions. In Nicaragua, the report denounces arbitrary detentions to suppress opposition in a context of “complete absence of an impartial justice system.” Venezuela is heavily scrutinized for the conditions surrounding the 2024 campaign and elections, accusing President Nicolás Maduro’s government of planning a strategy to discourage political participation, hinder free and fair competition, and repress social protests.
Mexico Under Scrutiny
The CIDH includes Peru in Chapter V this year to verify compliance with its recommendations, alongside Brazil, El Salvador, and Mexico. The Commission expresses deep concern over impunity surrounding crimes committed during Alberto Fujimori’s government (1990-2000) and issues related to judicial independence in Peru.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CIDH? The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) is an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in the region.
- Which countries were removed from the blacklist? Guatemala was removed from the CIDH’s list of countries with severe human rights violations.
- Which countries remain on the blacklist? Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela continue to be listed due to ongoing human rights concerns.
- Why was Guatemala removed from the blacklist? The new government under President Bernardo Arévalo allowed the CIDH to visit Guatemala, signaling a willingness to improve human rights situations.
- Which countries are currently under scrutiny by the CIDH? Peru, Brazil, El Salvador, and Mexico are being closely monitored by the CIDH for compliance with human rights recommendations.
