PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
HUMAN RIGHTS IN GUATEMALA (20 December 1994)

That this House congratulates President Ramiro De Leon Carpio on the substantial advances made in the peace talks; expresses concern over the continued grave human rights violations in Guatemala; urges the President to fully implement the March 1994 Human Rights Accord, including the commitment to take firm action against impunity, to ensure that military conscription is not forced, and to protect individuals or entities working to promote human rights; also urges the President to facilitate the return of refugees under the terms of the October 1992 Accord and support the Technical Commission under the June 1994 Accord; believes that direct indigenous representation in the peace process is essential for achieving a settlement which respects the identity and rights of the Mayan people; also believes that a firm and lasting peace must address the extreme social and economic inequalities in Guatemala; and calls on Her Majesty's Government, both bilaterally and through the EU, to urge full compliance with accords already signed and support the UN Verification Mission (MINUGUA) in carrying out its full mandate.

Sponsored by:
John Battle (Labour)