Statement of Guatemala at the WPS Debate October 2016

A year ago the Security Council adopted resolution 2242 (2015). As Guatemala was one of the 72 sponsors of the resolution, we are happy to inform the Council that pursuant to the resolution, the Government of Guatemala has established an interagency panel on women, peace and security in order to improve governmental coordination for the establishment of a national plan of action, which is expected to be completed this year. The appropriate implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) requires the unwavering political will of all competent Government authorities, requiring the allocation of clearly earmarked resources both in national budgets and in the contributions of international donors. Governments and civil society should work together and complement each other’s efforts.

It is also worth noting the establishment of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security and of the national focal point network for women and peace and security on 23 September under the leadership of Spain. Moreover, we acknowledge the contribution of mechanisms, such as the Global Acceleration Instrument for Women and Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, together with additional existing mechanisms, as a way not only to raise resources, but to coordinate responses and accelerate implementation. The participation of women is essential to ensuring operational effectiveness and ensure sustainable peace. The concept of sustainable peace is very important, as Ambassador Rosenthal mentions in his report (S/2015/490).

Guatemala is striving to combat impunity and to bring the perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice. In that regard, early this year we brought to justice two soldiers who were responsible for the sexual enslavement of 15 Quechi women in the military base of Sepur Zarco. Although it took 32 years to bring this case to trial, we believe that it is worth mentioning because access to justice should be guaranteed for all Guatemalans. However, we must improve access to justice and strengthen the participation of women in the process of drafting national legislation.

The Rome Statute, which is the international legal framework on gender-based crimes, is the most progressive to date. It is important to incorporate it into national legislation so that States have a comprehensive framework for investigations into international crimes of sexual and gender-based violence, targeted proccedings to support victims and witnesses, programmes to inform women of the laws that concern them, resources to monitor the implementation of laws that take the gender perspective into account, and provisions for the compensation of victims. All of those components are essential to ensuring that women have access to justice.

Guatemala has always supported that agenda and eiterates that women play an essential role in preventing and resolving conflicts, promoting justice, fostering reconciliation, supporting disarmament, demobilization and social reintegration, and rebuilding national institutions. Women are the critical link in development as they are the centre of the family and the source of its values, customs and the identity of each child. All these are essential pillars for consolidating lasting peace. It is essential that women be involved in decision-making at all levels.