CEJIL condemns the request for withdrawal of the Swedish ambassador in Guatemala

San Jose, May 11th 2018.- The Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL) expresses its concern over the decision by the Government of Guatemala to request the withdrawal of the current ambassador of Sweden, Anders Kompass.

Historically, the Kingdom of Sweden has fostered diplomatic relations with Guatemala, providing significant economic investment, as well as technical and political capital to strengthen the country’s institutions thereby promoting the protection of human rights. This has been shown  through their continuous support to civil society groups  and to different actors that look to create a fairer country and more transparent institutions.

Therefore, we condemn the decision by the Government of Guatemala of trying to remove a key actor in the fight against corruption and development of a culture that values human rights. 

According to Transparency International, Guatemala ranks 143 out of 180 on the corruption index scale. The fight against this phenomenon is an outstanding debt owed by the State that impacts the capacity to address critical human rights issues in a disproportionate way. 

Any support granted to the fight against corruption and addressing the causes that underlie it, far from having an interventionist intentions, correspond to international solidarity in the face of an urgent need  that’s been recognized by the Guatemalan State itself.

That being said, Mr. Kompass has continuously acted in line with Swedish policies.  Moreover, these policies are consistent with the demands made by Guatemalan citizens who have frequently denounced corruption. 

We recognize the valuable contribution that the Kingdom of Sweden has made in Guatemala and we are confident that it will maintain its commitment to the promotion of human rights, especially the strengthening of security, reconciliation, women’s rights and the reduction of violence and poverty. Their support and cooperation will remain indispensable for the residents of Guatemala and for the strengthening of the rule of law