H. Res. 421
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
September 9, 1998.
Whereas on December 29, 1996, the Government of Guate-
mala 
and 
the 
representatives 
of 
the 
Unidad
Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca signed a historic
peace accord ending 36 years of armed confrontation;
Whereas the peace accords, which included as the primary
goals lasting peace, national reconciliation, and political
stability for all Guatemalans, are being successfully im-
plemented;
Whereas the peace accords included the creation of individual
commissions to implement a wide range of reforms to the
political, social, and judicial systems of Guatemala, in-
cluding an enhanced respect for human rights and the
rule of law;
Whereas, despite the fact that crime and violence remain
prevalent in Guatemala, the human rights situation has
improved over the last several years, allowing for the cre-
ation of special investigative commissions on human
rights abuses, the prosecution of those involved in past
human rights-related crimes, and the ability of human
rights groups to operate with freedom;
Whereas, in recognition that the human rights situation in
Guatemala had improved significantly, the United Na-
•HRES 421 EH
tions Human Rights Commission voted to remove Guate-
mala from its list of countries under observation for
abuses;
Whereas on Sunday, April 26, 1998, Guatemalan Roman
Catholic Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi was brutally and
senselessly murdered just 48 hours after presenting a
landmark report detailing significant human rights atroc-
ities associated with the 36-year civil war in Guatemala;
Whereas Bishop Gerardi, while considered a common man,
dedicated to his ministry, was also considered one of
Guatemala’s most progressive clergymen, an outspoken
human rights advocate, and was the author of the recent
report ‘‘Guatemala: Never Again’’, the first comprehen-
sive examination of human rights violations committed
during the decades of political violence which engulfed
that nation;
Whereas the slaying of Bishop Gerardi casts a pall over the
effectiveness of the peace accords and raises questions re-
garding the national commitment to human rights and
freedom of expression; and
Whereas the expeditious and successful resolution of the trag-
ic death of Bishop Gerardi is critical for the continuation
of support for the peace accords: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Represent-
atives that—
(1) the Government of Guatemala, including the na-
tional police and the military, should commit themselves
to take all steps necessary to resolve the heinous murder
of Guatemalan Roman Catholic Bishop Juan Jose
Gerardi;
•HRES 421 EH
(2) in order to deter continued human rights
abuses, resolve other human rights cases, and improve
the citizens’ sense of personal security, the Government
of Guatemala should continue its efforts to establish ef-
fective civilian law enforcement and judicial institutions;
(3) the Government and people of Guatemala
should make a renewed commitment to successfully im-
plement the peace accords, especially those accords con-
cerning human rights; and
(4) the United States Government should provide
all necessary support to the investigation of the murder
of Bishop Gerardi and to continue to support the full
implementation of the peace accords.
Attest:
Clerk.