CICIG - The International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala
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At the forum "Young and Committed", Commissioner Iván Velásquez called upon the youth to join forces in fighting impunity.

The swedish embassy signs an agreement to ensure the continuity of cicig’s work against impunity
Guatemala, September 2, 2009. – The Swedish Embassy signed an extension of its Cooperation Agreement with the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) for US $ 1.3 million in order to ensure the continuity of CICIG's work in the new phase that begins with the renewal of the mandate.

CICIG is of vital importance in combating and putting an end to the high levels of crime, violence and impunity in the country. With this extension, Sweden's total donation since the Commission started operating amounts to US$ 5,500,000.

"We are convinced that CICIG's efforts to combat violence and impunity in the country are the cornerstones of a new Guatemala that desperately needs to live in peace, without violence and with justice for all", said Swedish Ambassador Ewa Werner-Dahlin..

The fight against impunity and the strengthening of the capacity of state institutions to guarantee its citizens’ human rights are priorities in the Swedish Cooperation Strategy for Guatemala. Swedish cooperation with CICIG is part of that strategy.

CICIG’s work has reached a crucial point that in the next few months will render more successes in terms of the investigation of cases that are going to trial as well as the continuation of support to strengthen national authorities in their capacity or investigating and prosecuting illegal groups and parallel structures.

CICIG’s recommendations to the Guatemalan Government and Congress to adopt new laws, criminal policies and mechanisms and procedures to strengthen state institutions in their fight against impunity are vital for the country's democratic development.

In the long-term, Sweden hopes that CICIG will leave State institutions with an enhanced capacity to enforce the rule of law.

"Contributing to the fulfilment of the Peace Accords and enabling the country to live under the rule of law with security for all, children, men and women, is an obligation for the international community together with the Guatemalans," said Swedish Ambassador Ewa Werner-Dahlin.

Statement by CICIG Commissioner

I would like to publically thank the Kingdom of Sweden, which has always been at the forefront in promoting the Commission, even before its creation, and has consistently provided political, financial and operational support.

The contribution made by the Kingdom of Sweden to strengthen the rule of law in Guatemala is very significant, because it paves the way for the Commission's activities during the third year that is now beginning.

Guatemala has many friend countries, particularly the Kingdom of Sweden, which assists Guatemala and is committed to strengthening democracy. I wish to echo the words of Ambassador Ewa Werner-Dahlin in the sense that democracy is not only a political system in which public officials are replaced from time to time, but above all, it is a society of rights, a society that is governed by the law, and in which the law applies equally to the powerful, the marginalized, the rich and the poor, to everybody, with total independence from the citizens’ social condition, race, sex or other status.

In this regard, strengthening the rule of law, strengthening institutions, ensuring that one day Guatemalans can effectively enjoy the fundamental rights recognized in the Constitution, and to have a National Civil Police, a Public Prosecutor’s Office, a Judiciary and a Penitentiary System that will guarantee that effective enjoyment, is the main objective of creating an advanced democratic society; Guatemala has a close partner in Sweden in this endeavour.

Ewa Werner-Dahlin, Ambassador of Sweden

Carlos Castresana, Commissioner CICIG

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        About Guatemala
  The Republic of Guatemala, a mountainous country that lies in the Central American isthmus, has an estimated population of 13 million people.
  Guatemala won its independence in 1821, following almost three centuries of Spanish colonial rule.
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