The police and military in Guatemala are using excessive force to expel caravans of migrants who entered Guatemala, most hoping to cross the country and arrive at the Mexico border to seek political asylum in Mexico or the United States. Of the estimated 7-8,000 migrants who crossed into Guatemala (largely Hondurans) since the week of January 11, about 2,000 migrants were slowed down by security forces who blockaded a highway near the village of Vado Hondo in southeastern Guatemala on January 16. The following day, hundreds of police and military pushed migrants south by launching teargas and surging with plastic shields and batons. Unknown numbers of migrants were beaten; many sought medical attention for their injuries. We are aware that the sheer number of migrants was overwhelming. We realize that Guatemala needs to protect its own citizens against the corona virus. Nevertheless, this show of force was excessive. Migrants have an internationally-recognized right to seek political asylum. We are urging that authorities in Guatemala: 1) assess the police and military response to the migrant caravan and bring to justice any security personnel who used force that caused serious bodily injury to migrants; 2) work with neighboring countries to allow for the safe passage of migrants who journey through Guatemala to pursue their internationally-recognized right to apply for political asylum in Mexico or the United States
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