Various international organizations expressed their concern about the crisis faced by the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (Usac) and denounced alleged retaliation against students who have questioned the election process of rector Walter Mazariegos.
In a joint statement, the organizations indicated that they have received information about irregularities in the election of university authorities and about measures that would affect students who participated in protests or expressed their disagreement with the process.
According to the statement, some students would have been prevented from being assigned courses and from entering university facilities, actions that, in the organizations’ opinion, could violate the right to education and other fundamental rights recognized in the Constitution of Guatemala and in international human rights treaties.
The entities stated that any arbitrary restriction on access to academic activities or any sanction derived from the exercise of freedom of expression represents a threat to university autonomy and the democratic functioning of higher education.
Call to respect fundamental rights
The organizations called on the authorities of the University of San Carlos to immediately restore the academic rights of the affected students and guarantee their access to education without restrictions.
Likewise, they urged that no person be subject to retaliation for expressing opinions, presenting petitions or questioning, through legal means, decisions related to university governance.
In the document they also asked the authorities to respect the rights to freedom of expression, demonstration and participation of the entire university community.
They request intervention from state institutions
The statement urges the Human Rights Ombudsman to personally verify the situation at the University of San Carlos and document possible human rights violations.
Furthermore, it asks the competent courts to resolve judicial appeals related to the election of university authorities independently and quickly.
The organizations also urged the Public Ministry to investigate the complaints filed for alleged irregularities in the university electoral process and to determine the corresponding responsibilities in accordance with the law.
They ask for a solution to the university crisis
In the final part of the statement, the organizations urged all State authorities to adopt urgent measures to overcome the crisis that the University of San Carlos is going through.
They indicated that the solution must fully guarantee the right to education, as well as respect for the freedoms of expression, demonstration and participation of students, teachers and other members of the university community.
The statement was signed by various international organizations dedicated to the defense of human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law, including the Due Process Foundation (DPLF), the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), WOLA, Impunity Watch, Be Just, Jotay, the Luis von Ahn Foundation and other regional entities.
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