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Guatemala's First Lady, Lucrecia Peinado, announced the government's commitment to improving the rights of persons with disabilities at a dialogue organised by CBM. This event aimed to energise legislative initiatives under the new administration, which has shown a keen interest in addressing inclusion and disability issues.

In Guatemala, where 10 per cent of the population has a disability, persons with disabilities encounter numerous obstacles due to inadequate legal frameworks and weak enforcement of existing laws.

Persons with disabilities in Guatemala (around 1,4 million) face significant barriers due to systemic neglect and social exclusion, according to the XII National Census 2018. They are often excluded from education, employment, and healthcare and face physical and attitudinal barriers. Infrastructure is often inaccessible, and there is a lack of public awareness and government support. This is exacerbated for Indigenous persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, who suffer from compounded discrimination due to their ethnicity and gender, according to the UN.

Key legislation, such as the Law on the Attention to Persons with Disabilities (Decree No.135-96), is not harmonised with international conventions. Additionally, the forum discussed the implementation of the newly approved certification law for people with disabilities, as well as the proposed legislation known as law initiative 5125.

The CBM dialogue gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), service providers, government representatives, and international bodies like UN agencies, to discuss solutions to barriers affecting persons with disabilities.

First Lady Peinado stressed the importance of visibility and discussion in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities.

“Creating spaces for discussion and visibility is essential to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and ensure their organisations are represented,” she said, marking a significant shift in government engagement.

Lucrecia Peinado, Guatemalan First Lady at the dialogue organised by CBM.
©CBM/EFE

This commitment signals the Guatemalan government's renewed dedication to addressing the needs and rights of persons with disabilities and collaborating with disability organisations to promote more inclusive legislation and societal integration.

Juliana Turqui, CBM’s Central America representative, expressed optimism following the dialogue.

“Today, we see encouraging signs that authorities are willing to work collaboratively with disability organisations. This dialogue is essential in bridging the gap between the population and decision-makers,” Turqui commented.

This commitment from the highest levels of government represents a crucial victory for CBM, reflecting its successful advocacy efforts in the region.

Congresswoman Brenda Mejia, representing the Congressional Commission on Disability Affairs, highlighted the urgency of legislative action, reinforcing the government’s renewed focus on disability rights.

“Guatemala owes a debt to persons with disabilities, and it is time to start paying it. At the commission, we are working to approve the certification law soon, which will bring people closer to various specialised services,” Mejia stated.

Silvia Quan from Colectivo Vida Independiente provided a critical perspective on the need for legislative evolution.

“For too long, society has viewed us as patients to be cured rather than individuals with rights. The law needs to evolve to reflect our status as equal citizens,” Quan asserted.

The dialogue concluded with remarks from Rosidalia Aldana, an independent representative of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She emphasised the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in rural areas and advocated for inclusive services.

“We must ensure that no one is left behind,” Aldana urged, aligning with the UN’s global campaign.

If followed through with action from the government:

Updating and harmonising existing laws with international conventions can provide better legal protection and rights for persons with disabilities, ensuring their needs are adequately addressed and their rights upheld.
As the First Lady mentioned, creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration can lead to greater participation and visibility of persons with disabilities in policymaking processes, empowering them to advocate for their needs and be part of the decision-making process.
Legislative initiatives, such as the proposed certification law mentioned by Congresswoman Brenda Mejia, could facilitate better access to specialised services, employment opportunities, and basic services, thereby improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Addressing cultural attitudes and providing dedicated programs can help reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities, particularly those from Indigenous and marginalised communities.
The dialogue's emphasis on inclusive development aligns with the global commitment to ensuring no one is left behind, potentially leading to more inclusive policies and practices that benefit persons with disabilities in rural and urban areas alike.