The IACHR issues a resolution to follow up on precautionary measures granted in favor of the families of the Laguna Larga Community in Guatemala

January 6, 2022

Washington, D.C. On December 31, 2021, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Follow-up Resolution 112/2021, whereby it addressed the implementation of precautionary measures in favor of the families of the Laguna Larga Community in Guatemala. The IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of the aforementioned beneficiaries through Resolution 36/2017 of September 8, 2017, considering that they were in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to their rights.

In this Resolution, the information provided by the parties regarding the implementation of these measures was analyzed. The actions taken by the State aimed at safeguarding the rights of the beneficiaries were assessed. Similarly, the Commission considered the information provided by the beneficiaries' representation regarding their situation in the current context, as well as spaces of agreement between the parties. After analyzing the available information, the IACHR identified a series of challenges, which it addressed in the Follow-up Resolution.

Under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission decided the following:

1. Maintain the precautionary measures granted in favor of the families of the Laguna Larga Community. Therefore, it requires the State of Guatemala to continue adopting the necessary measures to effectively guarantee the life and personal integrity of the beneficiaries in the terms of the requests made through Resolution 36/2017, considering the assessments of this resolution;
2. Not to request provisional measures from the Inter-American Court in light of the information available, and continue to follow up on this matter under the terms of Article 25 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure;
3. Request that the parties send specific, detailed, and updated information on the situation of the beneficiaries with the aim to continue to analyze their situation pursuant to Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure; when providing such information, they are asked to specify the situation of the beneficiaries; progress in the implementation of these precautionary measures; if changes or modifications have been made to the implemented measures; and progress on the issue of relocation of the beneficiaries of the community;
4. Request that the parties continue with the consultation and coordination spaces at the domestic level within the framework of the implementation of these precautionary measures;
5. Express the willingness of the IACHR to carry out an on-site visit to Guatemala in the terms set forth in this Resolution. During the visit, the Commission would seek to hold a working meeting with the parties to this matter, in order to establish a space for dialogue to address the challenges identified, as well as obtain more details regarding the situation of the beneficiaries and on the implementation of these precautionary measures. The foregoing, as part of the appropriate follow-up measures for the effective implementation of these precautionary measures; and
6. Continue to implement the appropriate follow-up measures pursuant to Article 25(10) and other provisions of its Rules of Procedure.

A principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 002/22

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