Guatemala

 From 2003 to 2006, the Civil Society Index was implemented in Guatemala by the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) in collaboration with the Civil Society and Social Movement Program at the Latin American College of Social Sciences (FLASCO), with the international coordination of CIVICUS. This implementation led to the publication of an analytical country report, presenting the results of the CSI initiative in the country.

Transcending The Creation of Possible Worlds: Civil Society Index in Guatemala

Over that period, the findings indicate that Guatemalan civil society is characterised by diversity and heterogeneity. The civil society diamond in Guatemala illustrates an unbalanced civil society context, with a theoretically favourable environment that is constrained in practice by restrictions on “acceptable” CSO activities and development. The relatively young, diverse and weak organisational structure of Guatemalan civil society has repercussions on its capacity to influence public policy. On the other hand, values such as transparency, accountability, democracy and non-violence are widely promoted in the public sector in Guatemala. That said intolerance, gender inequality, poverty and environmental degradation remain major challenges.

There is positive impact of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Guatemala as can be seen through their delivery of social services, and through their volunteers who greatly contribute to meeting their proposed objectives. To build a stronger and more sustainable civil society, it is incumbent upon the Guatemalan civil society to ensure better representation and participation of diverse members of society, as well as develop long-term strategies for dialogue and negotiation amongst different stakeholders.

CSI Country Reports in Guatemala

From 2008 to 2010, the Civil Society Index is being implemented by Luciernaga and Tzuk Kim Pop.