In April 2012, the Federal Council decided to close the embassy in Guatemala, which is also responsible for El Salvador and Honduras. terre des hommes schweiz and 18 other NGOs are calling for a partial replacement: a human rights commissioner for Guatemala.
In response to the decision to close the Swiss representation in Guatemala, 18 Swiss development organizations and aid agencies working in the country, in addition to terre des hommes schweiz, have sent an open letter to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs calling for the appointment of a Human Security Advisor in Guatemala. The creation of such a position is intended to ensure Switzerland’s commitment to human rights in Guatemala even after the closure of the embassy.
Cost-cutting measures in the external network
In April 2012, the Federal Council decided to close the Swiss embassy in Guatemala on the recommendation of the FDFA (Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) for reasons of efficiency. In August last year, 15 development organizations and aid agencies active in Central America (at the time) wrote to Federal Councillor Burkhalter (FDFA) requesting that this closure be reversed.
Loss of a strong partner for development
The Swiss embassy, which is also responsible for Honduras and El Salvador, has played an important role in recent years in strengthening respect for human rights and peace and supporting the work of non-governmental organizations. The closure of the Swiss representation would mean the loss of a reliable international partner for the three countries, which are struggling with weak state institutions, drug trafficking, crime and a hunger for raw materials on the part of international corporations.
Guatemalan embassy in Switzerland
In addition to financial relief, one of the main reasons for closing the embassy in Guatemala was the fact that Guatemala itself has no representation in Switzerland. However, this argument could soon become obsolete as, according to National Councillor Antonio Hodgers, the Guatemalan Foreign Minister intends to open an embassy in Switzerland in 2013.
Last but not least, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council is against the closure.
