Judicial independence is a fundamental principle for the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, as well as a necessary condition for the exercise of the right to effective judicial protection. This implies that judges must act and decide on matters brought before them with no other motivation than to observe the legal provisions and parameters established by the current legal system. The conduct of those who hold judicial office must be free from political, economic, or any other form of influence.
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 July 28, the fourth "Be Just - Coffee Talks" was held, a forum for dialogue with Ana Elisa Samayoa and Marjorie von Ahn to discuss their experience in preparing and communicating the recently published constitutional reform proposal, as well as the importance of women’s participation in these types of processes and the next steps toward achieving greater inclusion in strengthening the justice system.
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.
At this gathering, members of indigenous communities, independent journalists, and civil society organizations—united by the experience of having closely observed the selection processes for judges of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, the Constitutional Court, and the attorney general—shared what we experienced, what we learned, and what lies ahead.
University students and recent graduates participated in an open discussion with Claudia González, lawyer and human rights defender, on the current challenges facing the rule of law, patterns of criminalization, and the key role of younger generations in defending justice.
Este encuentro impulsó el intercambio de ideas y buenas prácticas para fortalecer las instituciones y apoyar los próximos procesos de elección de autoridades clave en el sistema de justicia.
In this workshop, we analyzed the selection process of the Attorney General, its challenges, and its impact on the rule of law in Guatemala.
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.
Observaciones escritas de Be Just, la Facultad de Derecho de la George Washington University, y la Academia de Justicia global de la Universidad de Edimburgo
