CNV Internationaal sets up Observatory for Labour Rights in Guatemala

In Guatemala, CNV Internationaal launched the ‘Observatory for labour rights’ during an international meeting on the trade agreement between the EU and Central American countries. The observatory is an initiative of the Guatemalan trade union confederations’ umbrella organisation MSyPAG and CNV Internationaal.

This Observatory will support the trade union movement in Guatemala with knowledge and research into tackling labour rights violations. Dutch imports from Guatemala consist mainly of coffee, palm oil and sugar, sectors where the labour situation leaves much to be desired.

The launch took place in the presence of more than 70 people, including the Guatemalan Deputy Minister of Labour, the Head of the EU Delegation, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Guatemalan employers’ organization CACIF, a Guatemalan Member of Parliament, the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy NIMD, other research institutes, and trade union leaders.

Marjolein Groenewegen, program officer at CNV Internationaal who was present in Guatemala at the start of the Observatory:

'This is an important support for trade unionists in Guatemala.

Good and up-to-date information is indispensable in the day-to-day work of workers’ organisations to ensure that justice is done for people in the most vulnerable working conditions.’

Support for trade union work

Guatemala is one of the ten countries in the world that have the highest number of labour rights violations. Trade union leaders in Guatemala have an arduous task in trying to uphold the internationally agreed labour rights. However, they often lack substantive knowledge about the wide range of issues that play a role in their country.

The Observatory will provide this information, so that trade union leaders can conduct better-quality negotiations and a more equal social dialogue with employers and public authorities.

Online reporting labour rights violations

The Observatory will collect relevant documents and information as well as conduct research and publish information via its website, www.observatoriodl.org. Labour rights violations can be reported through a form on the website.

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