A tragic attack south of Guatemala City, Guatemala, claimed the life of lawyer José Domingo, who was dedicated to defending the rights of farmworkers and Indigenous groups.
Domingo, accompanied by two members of the United Farmworkers Committee, was ambushed and shot by a group of men on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, according to Daniel Pascual, a leader of the organization. Guatemalan authorities have not commented on the incident, while the human rights community mourns the loss.
Domingo’s work primarily focused on legalizing land titles for marginalized communities, a critical effort in rural Guatemala where land ownership issues are rampant and Indigenous peoples often face illegal evictions. Pascual emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “It was an ambush. The crime was planned and premeditated. Common criminals don’t act that way.” This sentiment highlights the targeted nature of the attack, suggesting deeper political motives.
The ambush also left the two accompanying farmworkers wounded, one of them seriously. The incident underscores the dangerous climate for those defending land rights in Guatemala. Pascual pointed out that Domingo’s role in assisting farmworkers in defending against evictions and securing land titles was invaluable. “We can’t separate this attack from politics because the two men who were with him are committee members,” Pascual added.
His death is a significant blow to the efforts of human rights defenders in Guatemala, a country where land conflicts have deep historical roots and ongoing violence. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, a prompt and impartial investigation into the attack is essential. The Council of the Wuxhtaj Peoples also condemned the killing, describing Domingo as a defender of Mother Earth and a member of the Popti or Jakalteko people.
Land rights in Guatemala are a contentious issue, often leading to violent clashes. The country is one of the most dangerous places for environmental and human rights defenders. In recent years, numerous activists have been targeted, facing threats, harassment, and violence. These defenders, like Domingo, work tirelessly to protect their communities’ rights amidst political and economic interests seeking to exploit the land.
The struggle for land rights is part of a more significant historical conflict. Since the Spanish arrival in the 16th century, Indigenous populations have been systematically dispossessed of their lands. The 1996 peace agreement that ended Guatemala’s 36-year civil war promised land redistribution, but progress has been slow and fraught with resistance from powerful landowners.
Human rights organizations worldwide have called for greater international attention to the crisis in Guatemala. They emphasize the need for support to halt evictions and violence against land defenders, ensure justice for those criminalized for defending human rights, and end large-scale agribusiness projects in Indigenous territories.
The assassination of José Domingo is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who stand up for justice in Guatemala. His commitment to defending vulnerable communities against powerful interests highlights the urgent need for protection and support for human rights defenders in the region.
