National Coordination of Widows of Guatemala (CONAVIGUA)

Currently: We maintain a presence in their office, as well as during their exhumations and inhumations of clandestine cemeteries in rural areas. In March 2007 we continued frequent visits as they had become aware of increased surveillance, we also accompanied members of CONAVIGUA to the Cruz del Milagro estate where they are initiating exhumations.

Background: CONAVIGUA continues to facilitate the process of exhumations and inhumations in various departments throughout Guatemala, mostly in Quiché, Chimaltenango, and the Verapaces, as part of their effort to recover the collective memory of Guatemala's recent history. This process provokes tense situations in these small rural communities between victims and their perpetrators, and the women from CONAVIGUA receive threats and intimidation to stop them from continuing this work. The organisation has continued carrying out exhumations and inhumations during this year.