Our development work in Guatemala is based on the peace agreements signed by the government and guerrilla groups in 1996. In some areas, work is progressing, but in others such as the fight against poverty and improving the rights of indigenous people, things are happening more slowly.
Guatemala still has one of the world’s highest rates of inequality. Despite a steady increase in economic growth, the number of people living in extreme poverty has not fallen.
More than half of all children under the age of five are chronically undernourished and 13.5 per cent of the population live on less than USD 1 per day, according to a Human Development Report from 2007.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says that Guatemala can still achieve its Millennium Development Goals of halving the level of poverty. But the current policy is not helping the country reach these goals.
A long road to true democracy
A series of military dictatorships have been in place in Guatemala for decades. This has left a mark on society. The country now has a democratic system, but there are still major deficiencies, especially in the ability of women and indigenous people to exercise their political rights.
Between 10 and 14 per cent of the population are not registered. This means they can neither vote nor demand other social rights.
Women make up 12 per cent of the members of parliament, which is far below the average in Latin America. Only one woman occupies a ministerial post and only one minister has an indigenous background. The indigenous people, principally Maya Indians, make up between 40 and 60 per cent of the inhabitants.
Years of military dictatorship have weakened civil society. Government institutions are underfinanced and inefficient and corruption is widespread. The same applies to the judicial system, where an overwhelming majority of all crimes can never be solved, which also applies to crimes committed during the civil war.
Impunity an obstacle to development
The lack of a functioning judicial system and a rise in narcotics-related organized crime have contributed to an increasing spiral of violence that has made Guatemala one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America. In 2008, more than 6,200 people were murdered in Guatemala.
Women and children are particularly vulnerable. Their position in society is weak and most of them are dependent on men to provide for them.
The widespread violence poses a major challenge to the state. Low taxes mean that public resources are limited. The battle against crime and impunity is using up resources that are needed in other areas, such as improving schools and access to health and medical care.
Sweden’s focus areas in Guatemala:
- Democratic governance and human rights
- Sustainable economic growth related to poverty in poor regions
- Health.
Read more about Sida’s work in Guatemala
