Cultural Protections: Accord for a Firm and Lasting Peace
Implementations
Cultural Protections – 1997
The Government established a Commission to define indigenous groups’ sacred places in April 1997.1
- “The Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala: Overcoming Discrimination in the Framework of the Peace Agreements, Verification Report,” United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), September 2001.
Cultural Protections – 1998
In August 1998, the Commission to define indigenous groups’ sacred places reached an impasse and dissolved. After a long process of negotiation, the Commission was re-established.2
Cultural Protections – 1999
The referendum for the full package of constitutional amendments occurred on 16 May 1999. With low turnout, voters denied the proposed amendments related to the redefinition of the nation and the formal recognition of indigenous peoples—including cultural protections—along with all other proposed amendments. While this vote prevented the complete fulfillment of many components of the peace agreements, the parties to the agreements for their part showed good faith by drafting, submitting and approving the reforms. As provisions for improved rights and protections for indigenous peoples were featured prominently in the referendum, this outcome indicated that the country was far from reconciled after the formal end of the civil war.3
- “United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala: Report of the Secretary-General,” United Nations General Assembly (A/54/526), November 11, 1999.
Cultural Protections – 2000
When the Commission for the Follow-up of the Peace Agreements agreed to move the final deadline for compliance from 2000 to 2004, it confirmed that most of the stipulations related to cultural protections for indigenous peoples were still pending. One important concern was the ongoing social marginalization of indigenous communities, which kept them from becoming more involved in the political, justice and education systems.1
- “The Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala: Overcoming Discrimination in the Framework of the Peace Agreements, Verification Report,” United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), September 2001.
Cultural Protections – 2001
By September 2001, only the Ministry of Education had recognized the right of indigenous persons to wear their traditional attire. However, the Ministry of Education had so far failed to implement comprehensive intercultural and bilingual education programs or improve indigenous communities’ access to education at the levels stipulated by the agreements.1
Cultural Protections – 2002
The extended timetable for the implementation of the Agreements was yet unfulfilled. The Government made no effective moves to correct ongoing violations of the cultural rights of indigenous peoples.4
- “Thirteenth Report on Human Rights of the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala,” United Nations General Assembly (A/57/336), August 22, 2002.
Cultural Protections – 2003
The Ministry of Education passed Ministerial Agreement No. 930-2003 to respect indigenous dress in official and private establishments.5
- “Information Received from Governments: Guatemala,” Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, United Nations Economic and Social Council (E/C.19/2010/12/Add.8), March 3, 2010.
Cultural Protections – 2004
Ministerial Agreement No. 294-2004 made the drama Rabinal Achi’ part of the cultural heritage of the nation.1
Cultural Protections – 2005
No developments observed this year.
Cultural Protections – 2006
Indigenous persons continued to be discriminated against in society. Traditional dress was still not accepted widely.6 As such, implementing cultural protection provisions of the accord is still a problem.