The Long-Term Impacts Of The Truth And Reconciliation Commission In Guatemala

Abstract

Truth and reconciliation commissions have been implemented across Latin America as a transitional justice mechanism following an era of extreme violence and political unrest in the region during the second half of the 20th century. To analyze the long-term impacts of these recommendations, I conduct an in-depth analysis of the Guatemalan truth commission (Guatemala: Memory of Silence), which was released in 1999. Guatemala's truth and reconciliation commission has been championed for its inclusion of both international academics and community leaders in its creation. There were 84 recommendations published in Guatemala: Memory of Silence. I examine 78 of these recommendations to see if these recommendations have been implemented in the twenty years since the report was published. The overarching goals of these recommendations are to preserve the memory of the victims, repair the damage done to victims, foster a culture of mutual respect and observance of human rights, and to strengthen the democratic process. I conclude that the Guatemalan state has not sufficiently followed the recommendations. Marginalization and discrimination against the Mayan community continue to be a major concern.