Holiday Card Action 2008

GUATEMALA – Fredy Peccerelli

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Forensic anthropologist Fredy Peccerelli and his colleagues have been threatened, followed, watched, and shot at on many occasions because of their work to combat impunity. Mr. Peccerelli heads the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation, which carries out forensic investigations and exhumations of mass graves dating from the time of Guatemala's internal armed conflict (1960-1996). The uncovering of mass graves and the identification of human remains is a key contribution to the pursuit of truth, justice and reparation for the relatives and the survivors of the armed conflict, most of whom are indigenous people.

Authorities have provided some level of protection to the human rights workers, but Fredy Peccerelli believes it is not sufficient to safeguard his team. He has repeatedly pressed the police to improve the protection, but his requests have been ignored. Violations against human rights defenders in Guatemala are widespread and show no signs of improvement. Many defenders have received so many threats and acts of intimidation that they have stopped or radically curtailed their important work.

If you wish to send messages in Spanish, you may write: "Estimado Fredy, Te envío mi solidaridad ante las amenazas contra ti, tus colegas y tus familiares recibidas en los últimos años. Que pueden Uds. seguir desarrollando su trabajo tan importante." This means "Dear Fredy, I am writing to express my solidarity regarding the threats that you, your colleagues and your relatives have received over the last few years. I hope that you will continue your important work."

Please send cards of support to:
Fredy Peccerelli
Fundación de Antropología Forense de Guatemala (FAFG)
Avenida Simeón Cañas 10-64, Zona 2
Ciudad de Guatemala
GUATEMALA