Guatemala City, May 26, 2010
Her Excellency Leann McKechnie
Ambassador of Canada to Guatemala
Dear Mrs. McKechnie:
I hope that all your endeavours are going well. We have learned that major changes to, and even the closure of, the Canadian organization Rights and Democracy are currently being considered.
On this issue, please let me inform you that our organization has been working in the field of human rights for over twenty years. During this time, we have benefitted from the cooperation and support of various organizations of different kinds. Among these organizations, Rights and Democracy of Canada stands out for its remarkable contribution. This institution has given us special support in the defence and promotion of human rights and the fact that it is at arm's length from the Canadian government has guaranteed us the objectivity of its work.
The support of Rights and Democracy has helped strengthen democracy in several countries in which our organization works, in particular with respect to the promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples.
The way this Canadian agency works, strengthening democracy in the different countries where it has established relations, in particular by supporting civil society, has given it credibility in the field of human rights. Therefore, the possible closure of, or major changes to, Rights and Democracy would substantially weaken this important process that has been ongoing for many years.
This is why I respectfully ask the Canadian authorities to take into consideration our message of a humanitarian organization concerned with the future of a Canadian organization that has been a pillar of human rights in Latin America.
Yours sincerely,
Nery Rodenas
Executive Director
Oficina de Derechos Humanos. Arzobispado de Guatemala
