GHRC analyzes the structural causes of human rights violations and the impact those abuses have on the population, with a particular focus on human rights defenders, women, indigenous communities, and other vulnerable communities. We provide reports and educational materials to the international community related to human rights in Guatemala and offer ways in which allies can effect positive change. We advocate for government policies in Guatemala and the United States that promote human rights, protect those Guatemalans striving to uphold those rights, and contribute to positive, systemic change. We also provide accompaniment and support to human rights defenders and indigenous communities threatened or attacked for their work in defense of human rights.

Our current areas of focus include civic space; militarization; women’s rights; truth, justice and historic memory; criminalization and impunity; and access to land and natural resources.

GHRC was founded in 1982. Our Guatemala City office was opened in 2012.