Guatemala Will Complain to Inter-American Human Rights Court

Carlos Raul Morales

The strategy of the government of Guatemala following the shooting of thirteen-year-old Julio Alvarado Ruano is two-fold. It wants an investigation and for those responsible to be taken to trial. Guatemala also wants the moral condemnation of Belize.  In the extended television program, Foreign Minister Morales discloses the steps Guatemala is taking, including presenting a complaint before the Inter-American Human Rights court. It is interesting because Guatemala is perceived as a country with the worst human rights record.  But here is what the Foreign Minister says:

Carlos Raul Morales, Foreign Minister, Guatemala

“Let’s see, as of today, the Organization of American States has pronounced with a communiqué that fills our expectations, condemning the shooting by the army of Belize of this child.  Mexico, the United States, United Kingdom pronounced much more prudent they do not condemn the Belizean forces or the act of the Belizean Forces.  They instead call for a dialogue and to strengthen the road towards   conversation.  This morning, I had conversations with several Foreign Ministers of Latin America and the Caribbean to ask and to demand from them the solidarity and to become involved in this matter and to express their condemnation of the shooting of a child. We have asked for two actions. One; that the persons responsible for the shooting of the child be brought before the Belizean authorities and two; we cannot permit that the country of Belize not be condemned morally for this act.  Belize is not a signatory to the San Jose Accord, so it is not possible to take them to the Inter-American Human Rights Court.  But obviously, they are members of the O.A.S. and signatures to the Democratic Charter of the O.A.S.  Therefore, they can be demanded before the Inter-American Human Rights Court.  Since the Commission is to demand a State and not a State to demand another State we have already asked a Civil Society on Human Rights to accompany the family to make this demand before the commission.  This cannot go without being investigated.”