International IDEA condemns murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi

Press Release: 

International IDEA condemns murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi

Santiago de Chile, May 4, 1998 -- The Board of Directors of International IDEA strongly condemns the murder of Bishop Monsignor Gerardi, the respected human rights advocate in Guatemala.

In a message issued at the closing of its eleventh meeting of International IDEA, held in Santiago de Chile on 3 May in the presence of H.E. Mr. Belisario Betancur, former President of Colombia, the Board stated:

"We are deeply shocked by and strongly condemn the cruel assassination of Bishop Monsignor Juan Gerardi, an internationally renowned human rights advocate in Guatemala. Since the signing of the Peace Agreement in 1996, Monsignor Gerardi worked tirelessly with devotion and dedication to promote human rights in his country. The Board is strongly convinced that this barbaric act will only reinforce the commitment of all those struggling to advance justice and human rights in Guatemala. The memory of Monsignor Gerardi will only strengthen the spirit of reconciliation so essential to the peace process.

International IDEA remains strongly committed to supporting Guatemala’s struggle for reconciliation, justice and democracy. While Monsignor Gerardi is not with us anymore, his message is."

International IDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) was founded in February 1995. The Institute’s overall objective is to promote and advance sustainable democracy world-wide and to improve and consolidate electoral processes. To date, Members are Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, India, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights, the International Federation of Journalists, the International Press Institute, and Parliamentarians for Global Action. The Institute also has co-operative agreements with the International Commission of Jurists, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the United Nations Development Programme. Switzerland also contributes to the work of the Institute.