The Race for Latin America's Security Council Seat

U.S. officials claim that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is a threat to democracy in Latin America and that his presence within Security Council circles would be counter-productive for the world body.

"It should come as no surprise that we believe Venezuela would not contribute to the effective operation of the Security Council, as demonstrated by its often disruptive and irresponsible behavior in multilateral forums," said State Department spokesman Eric Watnick.

In contrast, Washington believes Guatemala is a "viable candidate." State Department officials cite Guatemala's previous work with the U.N. and its contribution of peacekeepers as evidence of its qualifications.

Guatemala's Qualifications

U.N. High Commisioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour after an official visit to Guatemala last month expressed concern that democratic reforms were "progressing slowly." Guatemala is ten years removed from the 1996 Peace Accords which ended a 36-year civil war that left over 200,000 people (mostly indigenous) either dead or disappeared.

"Nothing can exemplify this better than the delay encountered by victims of the armed conflict in obtaining justice and reparation," said Arbour. "Where impunity is the rule for past violations, it should come as no surprise that it also prevails for current crimes."

Arbour cited a list of problems plaguing the country, which include: ongoing threats and violence directed at human rights workers, the government's meager investment in social services (the lowest in the region), the continued disrcimination and marginalization of idigenous peoples, as well as the continued rise of homocides. Also, after ten years Guatemala has failed to adopt and enforce the Peace Accord on the Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The U.N. is not alone in its criticism and concern about the Guatemalan government's failure to address discrimination, violence and impunity. Amnesty International issued a report in April 2006 that examines Guatemala's enforcement of the U.N. Convention Against Torture and Inhuman Treatment and Punishment.

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