On January 24, 2022, Guatemala Court ruled that, five former paramilitary patrolmen were guilty of sexually abusing and raping the Indigenous women during the war. This ruling has been welcomed by survivors of Guatemala’s decades-long armed conflict.

Key Facts

• Judges Gelvi Sical and Yassmin Barrios ruled that 36 Indigenous Maya Achi women were subjected to rape, sexual violence and domestic slavery, during 36-year conflict, which pitted military of Guatemala against leftist forces from 1960 to 1996.
• Court pronounced 30 years imprisonment to five former members of “Civil Self-Defence Patrols” paramilitary group, for crimes that took place in 1980s.

What was the issue?

• The issue is related to Indigenous Mayan Achi women plaintiffs from villages in Rabinal municipality in Baja Verapaz department. It is located around 176 km from capital Guatemala City.
• These women were demanding justice for crimes committed during the conflict, in which Guatemalan government and military mobilised paramilitaries in fight against leftist fighters in rural communities.

The Achi

In Guatemala, the Achi are a Maya people. Their indigenous language is also called Achi. It is closely related to K’iche.

The Maya

The Maya are an indigenous people of Central America and Mexico. They have continuously inhabited the lands comprising if modern-day Yucatan, Campeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, & Chiapas in Mexico as well as Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, and Honduras.

The Maya Civilisation

Maya civilization originated in Yucatan Peninsula. It is known for its monumental architecture as well as advanced understanding of astronomy & mathematics. Rise of the Maya started around 250 CE and lasted until 900 CE.

Guatemala

Guatemala is a country in Central America. It is bordered by Mexico, Belize, Caribbean, Honduras, El Salvador and Pacific Ocean. The country has an estimated population of around 17.2 million. It is the most populous country in Central America. Guatemala is a representative democracy. Guatemala City is the largest as well as capital city of Guatemala.