Guatemala's first objectors

<*> MOC-Paraguay member Hugo Valiente was in Guatemala for International Conscientious Objectors' Day, 15 May. During a 6000-strong march to the governmental palace, a number of young indigenous men declared themselves as COs--the first such public "presentation" in Guatemala.

The women's organisation Conavigua has been working against forced recruitment and for a CO law for the past two years. The fact that they invited someone from MOC-Paraguay is a recognition of the important work done by the Paraguayans, both in putting CO on the political agenda in their country, and in networking with groups in other parts of the continent. It is an excellent example of how to use regional resources instead of inviting "European specialists".

The Guatemalan government is studying a proposal for reform of the military service law, but this does not take into account either the right to conscientious objection or Conavigua's proposals for alternative service.