Since the signing of the 1996 Peace Accords, judicial independence has been a cornerstone of Guatemala’s efforts to consolidate the rule of law, democracy, and peace. Progress has been made but significant challenges persist. Laws alone are not enough; justice operators require protection from attacks, and civil society needs tools to monitor institutions and demand accountability.
To address these gaps, the UN Peacebuilding Fund invested in an initiative to promote a more independent and resilient justice system. The initiative focused on three core areas: strengthening the professional pipeline for judges, protecting those working on the frontlines of justice, and empowering local communities to defend judicial independence.
Photo above: Representatives of local human rights organizations in Guatemala. Credit: Caroline Trutmann
Reinforcing judicial institutions
The peacebuilding initiative helped to modernize human resources systems, training platforms, performance evaluations, and disciplinary procedures to align them with international standards.
Carol Ramírez, the National Youth FrontNow I understand what judicial independence means, how to defend it, and how the justice system in my country works. I’ve learned how I can contribute to small changes in my own community.”
Forging a culture of impartiality and trust
The initiative delivered tangible results. A newly designed course expanded training on judicial independence, running alongside a staff-piloted performance evaluation system aimed at increasing objectivity and reducing arbitrary decision-making.
To strengthen oversight, the system adopted over 100 judicial conduct indicators and advanced anti-bribery management. Together, these reforms reinforced a culture of impartiality, competence, and diligence—closing the door on undue influence.
Photo above and below: People taking part in a workshop organized under the initiative. Credit: Caroline Trutmann
Citizen participation and social auditing
More than 400 civil society representatives—including journalists, religious leaders, and members from women’s and youth organizations—participated in dialogues and training on judicial independence and practical social auditing tools.
Digital and citizen-led oversight started yielding results. A new platform tracking judicial independence and alerting operators under pressure saw over 12,000 visits in under a year, while citizen organizations were able to actively coordinating monitoring and advocacy for the 2026 judicial appointments.
Elvia Guch, National Movement of VictimsThese workshops have really helped us as organizations become more engaged with the justice structure. I now see that the justice system is not as unreachable as I once thought. We can get involved.”
Looking ahead?
Judicial independence, essential for strengthening the rule of law, democratic governance, and peace, remains one of Guatemala’s most critical challenges.
Through institutional reforms, protection mechanisms, and a growing movement of citizen auditors, the initiative helped to build a justice system that is both independent and accountable, upholding the rights of all Guatemalans.
Our partners in peacebuilding in Guatemala
For 20 years, the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund has empowered people to rebuild their communities and countries in the aftermath of conflict and crisis, working with them to build the resilience needed to prevent the recurrence of violence and secure lasting peace.
Since 2022, the peacebuilding initiative, implemented by , the , the together with local authorities and organization, has helped to lay the foundation for a strong justice system in Guatemala.
UN Peacebuilding initiatives are made possible by the generous contributions of Member States and the indispensable support of implementing partners, including UN agencies and local organizations.