Guatemala hosts first UN mission on business and human rights

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo met with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights to reaffirm the government's commitment to protecting fundamental rights. This meeting marks the beginning of the group's first official mission to Guatemala, scheduled from August 18 to August 28, 2026.

The UN delegation, including experts Fernanda Hopenhaym and Lyra Jakulevičienė, will examine the efforts of both the Guatemalan government and private companies to fulfill their human rights obligations in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The mission's agenda includes reviewing labor rights, access to justice, and reparation mechanisms.

During the 11-day visit, the experts will meet with government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, Indigenous communities, human rights defenders, trade unions, and industrial associations. The delegation plans to travel to several departments, including Quetzaltenango, San Marcos, Suchitepéquez, Escuintla, and Santa Rosa. A final report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2027.