Human rights defender and survivor of the 1988 massacre in Chiul, Quiché

By Arnulfo Oxlaj 

Traslated Emma Porter

I am an indigenous Mayan K’iche’, survivor of the massacre of Chiul, Cunen, Quiché, which occurred on May 21, 1988. A crime against humanity that occurred during the internal armed conflict in Guatemala. I am committed to truth, historical memory and justice for my people, and I have dedicated my life to making visible the atrocities suffered by the Mayan community and to demanding justice before national and international bodies.

I was a witness and sole survivor of the Chiul massacre, in which members of the Guatemalan army brutally murdered my family and other members of the community.

Since then, I have faced threats, persecution and institutional obstacles in my quest for justice. Currently, my struggle is focused on the official recognition of the genocide against the Mayan people, the protection of survivors and the eradication of impunity in Guatemala. In addition, I work to ensure that the memory of Chiul and other indigenous communities are not forgotten, promoting historical awareness and human rights.

My roots are from Chiul, a K’iche’ Mayan community in Guatemala, a region that was severely affected by the violence of the internal armed conflict. My story represents the struggle of thousands of indigenous people; my testimony is a reflection of the suffering, but also of the resilience and resistance of the Mayan people. It is crucial that the population understands that impunity persists and that the recognition of these crimes is fundamental for reconciliation and justice in the country. 

In search of justice

I hope that the State of Guatemala will officially recognize the genocide committed against the Mayan people and that justice will be done for the war crimes perpetrated during the conflict. In addition, I hope that the struggle will serve to strengthen historical memory, guarantee the non-repetition of these events and protect future generations from violence and structural discrimination. I also hope that the international community will press for the Guatemalan justice system to act impartially and punish those responsible.

This year I am promoting the “Chiul es Memoria” campaign, which seeks justice for the victims and survivors of the massacre. Among the main projects I am promoting are:

Access to justice: Presentation of the case before international organizations.

– Digital memorial: Creation of an online space to document and preserve the memory of the victims.

– Exhumation of bodies: To provide a dignified burial and give closure to the families.

– Education and awareness-raising: Conferences and informative material to sensitize the population about the history of Chiul and the struggle for human rights in Guatemala.

I have received support from human rights organizations, indigenous communities, international activists and people in solidarity who have made my case visible. However, I face constant threats, persecution and the danger of reprisals from groups that seek to silence my struggle. My fears include the lack of justice, the impunity that continues to protect those responsible for war crimes, and the possibility that my story and my community will be forgotten if urgent action is not taken.

Therefore, I make a clear call: memory cannot be erased, truth must be told and justice must prevail.