The outcome of the Guatemalan genocide resulted in the deaths of an estimated 200,000 Mayan Indians (Gutemala, 2014). 50,000 are still presumed "missing." Anywhere from 500,000 to 1.5 million Mayan citizens either fled to different parts of the country or became refugees abroad (Guatemala, 2014).
After the genocide, in 1986, civilian rule and a new constitution were established, but the army managed to hang on to its power, largely because half a million Guatemalans were part of the army, police, or civil defense forces, who were the main perpetrators of the genocide.
In 1991, peace talks were set up by the UN, but made poor progress. Suspended in 1993, they resumed in 1994 under a new democratic government. A human rights accord was signed by the government and in 1996, a peace agreement was finally signed. As part of the peace agreement, the Historical Clarification Commission was set up to investigate into the atrocities that occurred. It began work in 1997, funded by many countries, including the USA. The army was unable to provide its records from 1981-1983. However, the three commissioners traveled the country and gathered about 9,000 witness statements, protected by a UN amnesty agreement (Gutemala, 2014). The commissions mandate was limited, however, reflecting the strength of the Guatemalan army during the peace negotiations. No names of human rights violators could be given, so the work of the commissioners could have no judicial effect.
After the genocide, in 1986, civilian rule and a new constitution were established, but the army managed to hang on to its power, largely because half a million Guatemalans were part of the army, police, or civil defense forces, who were the main perpetrators of the genocide.
In 1991, peace talks were set up by the UN, but made poor progress. Suspended in 1993, they resumed in 1994 under a new democratic government. A human rights accord was signed by the government and in 1996, a peace agreement was finally signed. As part of the peace agreement, the Historical Clarification Commission was set up to investigate into the atrocities that occurred. It began work in 1997, funded by many countries, including the USA. The army was unable to provide its records from 1981-1983. However, the three commissioners traveled the country and gathered about 9,000 witness statements, protected by a UN amnesty agreement (Gutemala, 2014). The commissions mandate was limited, however, reflecting the strength of the Guatemalan army during the peace negotiations. No names of human rights violators could be given, so the work of the commissioners could have no judicial effect.
The report, titled 'Guatemala: Memory of Silence' was presented in February, 1999. Its discoveries clearly showed a governmental policy of genocide towards the Mayan Indians. In 1998, another report, titled 'Never Again' was publicly released. like Memory of Silence, it placed the majority of the blame on the Guatemalan army. It was presented by a noted human rights
activist, Bishop Juan Gerardi. Two days later, he was murdered. In June 2001, a former head of military intelligence and two other officers were sentenced to 30 years in prison. Guatemala's chief prosecutor, who secured the conviction, faced repeated death threats and was forced into exile. Also in June 2001, a legal action on behalf of 12 Mayan communities succeeded in bringing a charge of genocide against a former dictator who seized power in
1982.
activist, Bishop Juan Gerardi. Two days later, he was murdered. In June 2001, a former head of military intelligence and two other officers were sentenced to 30 years in prison. Guatemala's chief prosecutor, who secured the conviction, faced repeated death threats and was forced into exile. Also in June 2001, a legal action on behalf of 12 Mayan communities succeeded in bringing a charge of genocide against a former dictator who seized power in
1982.