In the Field
Past Activities
Workshop on Social Conflict in Quiché, Guatemala and Founding of the Red Quiché de Conflictividad Social
In June 2009, the Institute completed a mission to Guatemala in order to facilitate dialogue and the sharing of best practices between local civil society leaders working in various sectors of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Subsequent to the workshop, three of the event co-convenors - the Centro de Paz Barbara Ford; Mercy Corps; and Fundación Propaz - founded the Red Quiché de Conflictividad Social (Quiché Network on Social Conflict). Executive Summary of Trip Report
Taller: Conflictividad Social en K'iché, Guatemala
En junio 2009, el Instituto realizó un viaje a Guatemala para facilitar diálogo entre líderes locales de sociedad civil quienes trabajan en resolución de conflictos y construcción de paz. Posteriormente, tres de las organizaciones quienes convocaron el diálogo - Centro de Paz Barbara Ford; Mercy Corps; y Fundación Propaz - prosiguieron a fundar la Red Quiché de Conflictividad Socia. Resumen Ejecutivo de Informe de Viaje
IPJ Participates in January Intersession Study Tour to Guatemala
On January 10 - 21, 2009, the IPJ helped to conduct an intersession course, "Nonprofits and Civil Society in Guatemala," offered in Guatemala by the University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences. The course was designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge about the nature of the nonprofit sector in Guatemala, a developing country, and how the sector plays a role in civil society. The IPJ's contributions to the course included arranging meetings with national civil society leaders in the fields of human rights, agricultural development and conflict resolution.
Speakers from Archbishop's Office of Human Rights in Guatemala (ODHAG) visit USD
On November 18 - 20, 2008, Carlos Alarcón and Mario Domingo of the Archbishop's Office for Human Rights in Guatemala (ODHAG) spoke at two events at the IPJ under the umbrella theme: "Transitional Justice in Guatemala." The talks, cosponsored by the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and USD's Social Issues Committee, were entitled: "Recovering Historical Memory and Combating Impunity" and "Creating a Culture of Peace for the Next Generation."
IPJ Attends Public Hearings of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
On October 15 - 31, 2008, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. held its 133rd Period of Sessions, including public hearings on cases and topics brought before the commission. The IPJ tracked selected hearings on Guatemala and Colombia, as assessment for collaborative peacebuilding work in those countries is ongoing. Details Report
Helen Mack and Luz Méndez Speak at IPJ Women PeaceMakers Conference: "Crafting Human Security in an Insecure World."
On September 24 - 26, 2008, Helen Mack, founder of the Myrna Mack Foundation, and Luz Méndez, President of the National Union of Guatemalan Women (UNAMG) and 2004 IPJ Woman PeaceMaker, delivered panel presentations at this annual conference that brought together over 100 participants "on the forefront of informing, creating or facilitating the training and mandates that must be active to overcome rampant human rights abuses and the brutality of conflict-related sexual violence." Details Report
Assessment Trip to Guatemala
In June 2008, IPJ staff traveled to Guatemala to conduct an assessment of the country situation and the prospects of undertaking peacebuilding work there. For further information, contact Elena McCollim.
Background to IPJ interest in Guatemala
In December 2001 the IPJ's Dedicatory Conference brought together over 200 governmental and nongovernmental representatives to discuss peacemaking with justice and to focus on four conflict-affected countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Nepal and Macedonia. Subsequently the institute was invited to work in Nepal and has worked there for the past eight years. The institute maintained its connections to Guatemala through a participant in the Women PeaceMakers Program in 2004, Luz Méndez, and professional contacts through IPJ and Joan B. Kroc School of Peace staff and faculty.
