Secretary-General Reaffirms Support for ‘Groundbreaking Efforts’ to Strengthen

Rule of Law in Guatemala, As Commission Fighting Impunity Marks Anniversary

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Today, as the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) marks its second anniversary, the Secretary-General reaffirms his strong support and appreciation for CICIG’s ground-breaking efforts to help strengthen the justice sector and rule of law in Guatemala.  He commends CICIG Commissioner Carlos Castresana and his staff for their dedication and notes with satisfaction the broad support the Commission has earned from all sectors of Guatemalan society.

The Secretary-General calls on Guatemala’s political and judicial authorities to strengthen their commitment to the fulfilment of CICIG’s mandate over the coming two years.  He urges full respect for the Commission’s mandate and independence, and calls for prompt action on legal and institutional reform proposals made by CICIG aimed at removing obstacles to the identification and prosecution of criminal organisations.

The Secretary-General encourages the international community to continue to provide political and financial support to the Commission.  The people of Guatemala deserve judicial institutions they can trust and be protected by, and the United Nations is pleased to be assisting, through CICIG, towards these ends.

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For information media • not an official record