In a pressing call to action, UN Special Rapporteur Balakrishan Rajagopal demanded an urgent moratorium on evictions in Guatemala, describing them as “violent and inhumane.” Rajagopal highlighted the severe violations of international law, including the destruction of homes, crops, and personal belongings of impoverished communities during these evictions. The most affected are vulnerable Indigenous and rural populations, who face these harsh realities with little to no legal recourse or prior warning.

The urgency of Rajagopal’s plea is underscored by a constellation of crises engulfing the nation, from escalating land dispossession issues and a deepening water crisis to a concerning erosion of judicial independence. These issues are intertwined with Guatemala’s colonial past and ongoing disregard for Indigenous land rights, creating a volatile mix that threatens basic human rights, including access to adequate housing.

Despite some forward movement by the Guatemalan government, the Special Rapporteur emphasized the need for a unified and comprehensive approach to tackle these challenges. He stressed the importance of collaboration across all branches of government and full engagement with Indigenous communities to establish legal certainty over land rights.

Adding to the country’s troubles, a recent report from Human Rights Watch casts a stark light on the dire water scarcity affecting Guatemala. Despite its abundant freshwater resources, nearly half of the Guatemalan population struggles with reliable access to clean water, a situation exacerbated by political manipulation of the judiciary, which further undermines the rule of law.

As Guatemala teeters on the brink of these multifaceted legal and humanitarian crises, the international community watches closely. The calls for action by UN experts like Rajagopal and Satterthwaite highlight the critical need for immediate intervention to prevent further injustices and ensure the basic human rights of Guatemala’s most vulnerable populations.