Promoting civil security and resolving conflicts

Context

Guatemala is a multicultural country with enormous economic and social inequalities. The increasing pressure on scarce natural resources, such as water and land, and the lack of legal regulations are the reasons for the numerous conflicts. In many cases they remain unresolved and result in violence. The International Labour Organisation (ILO)'s Convention 169 paves the way for indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making processes. However, it is rarely applied. Corruption and lack of transparency are widespread.

Although the government under President Alejandro Giammattei has set violence prevention and conflict transformation as priorities, the institutions are inefficient and poorly coordinated. Moreover, state and civil society stakeholders such as associations and initiatives are reluctant to engage in dialogue. There is limited willingness for reform and scant financial means that would enable significant progress towards a more peaceful society.

Objective

The state, civil society and the private sector implement coordinated strategies for greater citizen security.

Approach

The project operates in three areas:

It enables local government employees and initiatives and associations to plan projects on violence prevention, especially for women and young people. There is designated funding for this.

The project promotes strategies in the administrative districts to increase the involvement of disadvantaged groups such as indigenous peoples in environmental and social conflicts.

The project improves the transparency of local governments in relation to finances and investment projects. Information is disseminated adapted to specific target groups, ranging from digital methods to formats for illiterate people and in indigenous languages. The public uses the information appropriately for social control.

In the final phase from 2019 to 2022, the project aims to consolidate and disseminate the numerous approaches that have been developed and tested.

Date: Mai 2022