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In collaboration with the Guatemala-based Instituto Centroamericano de Estudios Fiscales, the Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) undertook a research and advocacy project on the rights to food, health and education in Guatemala, focusing on accountability for the policy failures and deficiencies in governance which have led to shocking and persistent levels of inequality and deprivation in the country since the end of the armed conflict in 1996.
The report, "Rights or Privileges? Fiscal Commitment to the Rights to Health, Education and Food in Guatemala," applies the methodology CESR has developed to monitor violations of economic and social rights more effectively. By integrating socioeconomic and legal analysis, this approach can better advocate for government accountability in policies and practices that lead to flagrant and preventable deprivations. The report argues that one of the main reasons for the persistent and historical non-realisation of economic and social rights in Guatemala is the lack of political will by democratic governments to invest more in upholding those rights, and ensuring that resources reach the most vulnerable population. Guatemala's social budget as a percentage of GDP is one of the lowest in the region. Moreover, the historical pressure by social elites has blocked every effort of fiscal reform in order to maximise the public resources needed to meet Guatemalans' needs. Read the full article here. Further information