Be Just - Coffee Talks: The importance of an independent justice system

On April 28, the third “Be Just - Coffee Talks” event took place, a space for dialogue and reflection with Claudia González, a lawyer and human rights defender, focused on the importance of an independent justice system in Guatemala. The event brought together university students and recent graduates, who participated in an open conversation about the current challenges facing the rule of law, patterns of criminalization, and the key role of the younger generations in defending justice.

This event took place as part of the Be Just internship program and was organized by our intern Jenifer de la Cruz, with the guidance and support of the Be Just team. The session was moderated by Jenifer de la Cruz and featured the participation of attorney and human rights defender Claudia González, who shared her insights and experience regarding the current state of the justice system in Guatemala. In addition, a participatory space was created where attendees could contribute questions and comments, enriching the dialogue and fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Through initiatives like this, Be Just reaffirms its commitment to young leaders and promoting spaces for participation that foster critical thinking and civic engagement. “Be Just - Coffee Talks” continues to establish itself as a platform for the exchange of ideas and the collective development of proposals aimed at strengthening the rule of law in Guatemala.

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We are now accepting applications for the Be Just Internship Program — 2026–2027 Cohort, a training and civic advocacy program designed for six young people committed to justice, institutional transparency, and the strengthening of democracy in Guatemala. Apply from September 1 through September 16!

On Saturday, August 29, Be Just held the fifth "Café con Be Just" gathering, a training and dialogue space designed for young people approaching their first electoral experience, aimed at giving them tools to understand the 2027 electoral process and participate in a conscious and informed way.

On September 25, we held the final “Coffee with Be Just” event as part of the 2025–2026 Cohort internship program. It was a collaborative space for conversation and discussion—grounded in respect and critical thinking—focused on disengagement from democracy and public affairs, as well as identifying concrete ways to take action to build bridges in the face of growing polarization.

In this workshop, we analyzed the selection process of the Attorney General, its challenges, and its impact on the rule of law in Guatemala.

On June 15, 2026, Be Just hosted the forum "A New Opening for Democracy in Guatemala" in Washington, D.C., bringing together representatives from civil society, academia, and international organizations to discuss recent appointments within Guatemala’s justice system and the challenges of strengthening the rule of law. The event fostered dialogue on the opportunities and risks facing Guatemalan democracy at a pivotal moment for the country's institutional future.

In this roundtable discussion with Ana Garita of UN Women, we talked about the challenges women face in public life and the importance of ensuring their participation on an equal footing and free from violence.