32 years of economic and political information and analysis on the region

Guatemala

MINUGUA leaves with CICIACS and UNHCRHR still pending
At the official conclusion of its term of office, the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) considered the development of the peace process as positive, although "certain anxieties" persist, according to the director, Tom Koenigs. Although the organization believes that "the process has matured sufficiently for MINUGUA to retire", areas of concern remain - such as the weakness of Guatemala's State of Law and the precarious progress of human rights. Social activists accuse influential sectors in the Executive of failing to place the issue of human rights at the center of the national agenda. This is evident in the reluctance to establish the Commission for the Investigation of Illegal Groups and Clandestine Security Organizations (CICIACS) as well as the United Nations Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCRHR).

Resurgence of a national Social Movement?
The creation, on October 12, of the Indigenous, Campesino, Trade Union and Popular Movement (MICSP) has provoked concerns among various analysts about the possibility of a new wave of mass social and popular organization in Guatemala. The success of this new movement will depend on its capacity to represent and incorporate the demands of all sectors, while steering clear of political, personal or sectorial interests.

Progress in Youth Law debate
The situation for young people in Guatemala continues to be problematic, but lately there have been signs of hope for this "forgotten" sector of society. Following a protracted process of 12 years, the Child Protection Law was finally approved in June 2003, and has so far been well received by most of the legal profession that work with young children. Now the National Youth Council (CONJUVE) and various youth organizations are working towards the creation of an Integrated Youth Development Law which aims to tackle the diverse needs of young people between 15 and 29 years old.

Region

Corruption: obstacle to development
The World Bank and Transparency International have published reports analyzing global developments in 2003 and 2004 regarding economic growth and transparency. Political corruption and its impact on developing economies features among the themes and is as important a topic now as ever, given the number of recent scandals in the region. In many cases, multinationals are as much to blame as the political elite of the respective countries. Concluding that the situation in Central America can no longer be ignored, the report argues for global regulations against corruption to be implemented.

Honduras

Law advances to combat secrecy
Thanks to persistent lobbying by the Committee for the Freedom of Expression (C-LIBRE) since 2002, on October 26 the Freedom of Public Information Act finally reached parliament. Party chiefs from five different parties have already expressed their support. The need for such legislation is also reinforced by the results from the National Census on Freedom of Expression and Right to Information, published on October 29. However, passing the law will be no mean feat, as it will have to overcome opposition from a number of media moguls.

Costa Rica

Moratorium urged on GM crops
A group of academics, farmers and environmentalists have asked the government to suspend the planting of genetically modified (GM) crops on national soil, until the results of safety studies have been published. Some specialists argue that a moratorium against transgenics at this stage would prematurely end the research and development necessary for further understanding. Meanwhile, those in favor of the moratorium believe the move is vital to avoid the future contamination of native crops or the destruction of the lucrative local organic farming industry.

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26 November 2004