heks

HEKS has been working in Guatemala since the mid-1970s for the defence of human rights and the promotion of peace. The people of this Central American country have an eventful past, and the extreme inequality in the distribution of the natural resources, especially the fruits of the fertile countryside, is one of the greatest obstacles blocking the way to a more peaceful future.

Over half of the population is of American Indian origin. Their options and opportunities to be part of society are still severely restricted. Decades of war and violence have left their mark on the country as it is today. In addition to the unequal distribution of goods, the population also feels the negative effects of a globalised economy which has little or no regard for the needs of the marginalised.

The programme run by HEKS in Guatemala is helping to promote peace and human dignity and concentrates on three main areas: safeguarding the provision of food supplies in rural communities, strengthening human rights, and preventing catastrophes. HEKS works with local groups and organisations and supports their work and initiatives. HEKS coordinates its projects and programmes with other aid organisations and seeks, by liaising in this way, to amplify the effect of its work.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

Programme for the safeguarding of food supplies and the development of rural communities:
The projects are targeted at three primary-focus regions: Ixcán, Baja Verapaz and San Lucas Toliman. Partner organisations include local organisations like the Asociacón de Mujeres para el Progreso de Ixcán (AMPI), Asedsa in San Lucas Tolimán, and Acdij in Baja Verapaz. Another partner organisation is the Plataforma Agraria which is committed to solving land ownership conflicts and campaigns for land reform.

The projects help to improve income by diversifying production, encourage income from non-agricultural initiatives and strengthen local groups and organisations. The aim is to equip participants to insist upon their rights and represent their interests, even when dealing with authorities and other official bodies.

Human rights and peace-building programme:
For many people in Guatemala there is no guarantee that their basic human rights will be respected. All too often people are treated indiscriminately despite constitutional statutes and laws. HEKS supports the work of some partner organisations which are seeking to change this state of affairs. Two such organisations are the Catholic Church (Pastoral Social) and the Puente de Paz women’s organisation in Ixcán. The aim is to make sure people are aware of their rights and know how to demand them. Basic and advanced training sessions are offered in the villages. People whose human rights have been violated are given legal support. One area of particular focus is the prevention of violence towards women.

At national level HEKS supports the work of Liga, an organisation which looks for lost children. HEKS also works with Conavigua. This organisation is involved in exhuming mass graves and offering support to next of kin and village communities.