UN assessments of judicial systems in Latin America

United Nations assessments have highlighted varying judicial and institutional developments in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.

In the Dominican Republic, the United Nations Development Programme reported on a decade of institutional transformation. While noting progress in digital transformation and judicial management, the report identified significant hurdles, including delays and legal costs, with 70% of surveyed individuals remaining unaware of available digital legal services. Subsequently, Dominican officials presented progress on anti-corruption efforts to the United Nations in Vienna, citing the adoption of new laws regarding public procurement and asset forfeiture as strategic components for economic and democratic development.

In Guatemala, UN experts raised concerns regarding the criminalization of human rights defenders. The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights warned that the legal system was being used to intimidate journalists and community leaders, particularly those reporting on extractive or agro-industrial projects. The group also noted potential private sector influence on state institutions and a lack of accountability regarding abuses in indigenous territories.