Peace and freedom come at a price

The Republic of Guatemala is roughly twice the size of Switzerland, with a population of around 12.7 million. This is made up of the two large population groups, the Indígenas and the mestizos (Ladinos), as well as smaller groups of white and black people.

The country is marked by great social divisions. The peace accord, signed in 1996 after decades of civil war, set out plans for comprehensive economic reforms, greater rights for the indigenous population and the reintegration of the guerillas into civilian life. Implementation so far has been at a very slow pace. A large part of the population suffers as a result of the lack of land reform, the poorly functioning justice system, the lack of access to drinking water, to work and to education. Poverty, sickness and illiteracy are the consequences. Many refugees and internally displaced persons from the era of the military dictatorships continue to live in precarious, insecure conditions.

Fastenopfer focuses its support on initiatives in the areas of peace-building, reconstruction and strengthening of the social network, access to and cultivation of the land, as well as pastoral cooperation.

Consultant and Programme officers

Olga Inés Pérez

Tobias Buser