Ramirez, Castro, Casar Honor Indigenous People Fighting for Enduring Democracy in Guatemala

The resolution was introduced on the 106th day of President Arevalo’s government in commemoration of the 106 days Indigenous communities marched in Guatemala

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), joined by Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Greg Casar (TX-35), introduced a resolution recognizing the indispensable role of the Indigenous people of Guatemala in ensuring a democratic transition of power following the 2023 general election in the face of judicial corruption, political exclusion, and historical marginalization. 

The resolution also affirms the need for the United States to work in partnership and collaboration with Guatemala and other Latin American countries to confront the complex challenges of the 21st century, such as democratic backsliding, economic stagnation, and the humanitarian crisis of displacement. 

“For 106 days, Indigenous leaders in Guatemala marched, resisted, and stood strong to ensure their voices were heard and their democracy protected from political corruption. Today, the people of Guatemala, the Western Hemisphere, and democracies around the world celebrate 106 days of a democratic government in Guatemala because they prevailed,” said Congresswoman Ramirez, Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee. “As we build stronger, more trustworthy, bilateral relationships with Latin American countries, I am proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Castro and Casar, in recognizing the perseverance and courage of the Indigenous communities who centered and protected the sanctity of their democracy. “Democracy is a fragile thing, and it is up to all of us to defend it.”

“As Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I’m proud to join Congresswoman Ramirez and Congressman Casar to introduce this resolution of support for the people of Guatemala and the Indigenous leaders who are the center of their fight for democracy,” said Congressman Joaquin Castro. “Guatemala is a vital partner for the United States, and this resolution is an important symbol of our Congressional commitment to a free, safe, and prosperous future for all Guatemalans.”

“In the face of political corruption and extremist opposition, Indigenous people in Guatemala are continuing to work toward a peaceful democratic transition for the country,” said Congressman Greg Casar. “As the U.S. strengthens relationships with our Latin American neighbors, I join my colleagues in standing with the Guatemalan people and urging the U.S. to advocate for policies that prioritize democracy and the wellbeing of all Guatemalans.”

Specifically, the resolution resolves that Congress and the United States:

• Commends the efforts of Guatemala’s Indigenous people to uphold democratic processes and attain equitable outcomes for their communities;
• Underscores the need for the Arévalo administration and future governments to protect, represent the will of, and serve the interests of all Guatemalans;
• Urges the United States to work in partnership with Guatemala to uphold democracy and protect human rights in the country.

The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Summer Lee (PA-12), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).  

The resolution is supported by national and international organizations, including the Latin America Working Group, Washington Office on Latin America, Seattle International Foundation, Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA, Human Rights Watch, Justice in Motion, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - Justice Team, Demand Progress Action, and Guatemala Solidarity Project. 

Bill text available HERE. 

BACKGROUND:

Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez is the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants. To better understand the interconnectedness of 21st-century challenges, she has visited Guatemala twice as a U.S. Congresswoman. Most recently, she was the guest of civil society and Indigenous leaders for President Bernardo Arévalo's inauguration and was in the country during the attempt to nullify the free and fair election.

Given the series of efforts by Guatemala’s Public Ministry, led by Attorney General María Consuelo Porras Argueta, to overturn the electoral results and undermine President-elect Arévalo, Indigenous organizations spearheaded massive nationwide protests beginning in October 2023. The protests garnered global attention and pressure on the Guatemalan government to adhere to the election results. Following 106 days of protests, President-elect Arévalo was inaugurated just after midnight on January 15, 2024.

Indigenous people in Guatemala comprise nearly 44 percent of the country’s population. Despite the Guatemalan government’s formal recognition of the rights of Indigenous people, underinvestment, systemic discrimination, and exclusion have led to stark social, health, educational, economic, and political disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Guatemalans, with inequities even worse for Indigenous women.