January 2012 Action Item

CAN has been committed to highlighting cases of abuses against the most vulnerable people and advocating for them. In our world, violence against women and children has become endemic, and even those courageous enough to speak up for them often pay a high price. Norma Cruz, a human rights defender in Guatemala and founder of Survivors’ Foundation (Fundación Sobrevivientes), has faced continuous death threats and attacks since 2008 related to her work defending women in Guatemala and seeking justice in cases of violence against women. She and now her family have also received threats specifically related to the legal assistance provided by Survivors' Foundation in the case of a young girl who was raped in 2004. Up to this time, the Guatemalan government has done nothing to ensure the safety of Norma Cruz, her family, or others who work defending human rights, or those they protect. We are joining Amnesty International in calling for the Guatemalan government to investigate the threats against Norma Cruz, offer her adequate protection, and implement justice for women who are victims of violence.



WRITE TO:

Dr. Claudia Paz y Paz Bailey
Attorney General and Head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office
Fiscal General de la República y Jefa del Ministerio Público
15a Avenida 15-16, Zona 1, Barrio Gerona
Ciudad de Guatemala
GUATEMALA

AND

Ambassador Francisco Villagrán de León
Embassy of Guatemala
2220 R St. NW
Washington, DC 20008

Suggested points:

  • Express your concern about the safety of Norma Cruz, human rights defender and founder of Survivors’ Foundation (Fundación Sobrevivientes).
  • Indicate that you are aware that she has received numerous death threats since 2008 related to her work, and that these have escalated in 2009 after Survivors' Foundation offered legal assistance in the case of a girl who was raped.
  • Demand that a swift and thorough investigation into these threats is carried out, and that those responsible are brought to justice.
  • Also urge the Guatemalan government to take extensive action to improve the situation for women within their country, especially protecting those who take great risks defending the rights of women and working to stop violence against them.
  • Be sure to thank them for their prompt attention to this matter!