US groups call on new US Ambassador to Guatemala to promote justice

Several individuals sent a letter to the new US Ambassador to Guatemala Todd Robinson in October. Usually, I'm not a big fan of these letters, but I like this one. It recognizes many positive ways in which the US engages with Guatemala today and call for a series of mostly reasonable ways in which the US can continue and/or extend its support.

The U.S. Embassy can play a key role in addressing human rights concerns in several areas: promoting justice and accountability; strengthening mechanisms for dialogue; addressing land rights conflicts; supporting human rights defenders; and re-assessing security policy and U.S. foreign assistance. We hope the U.S. Embassy can expand its commitment to the promotion of human rights under your leadership. 

Neither the left nor the right seem to hold the US Embassy in high regard in Guatemala. I'd be happy if the US simply continues what it has been doing these last few years - supporting victims of the armed conflict in court and in their communities; supporting judicial and police reform through the MP's office, CICIG, police training; pushing for greater respect for human rights defenders and workers.

At some point, though, the Guatemalan government is going to have to want to do these things themselves.