Guatemala: storing and destroying weapons

The people of Guatemala endured more than 36 years of internal conflict, which ended with the signing of the Peace Accords at the end of 1996. Now, almost three decades later, it continues to suffer a high crime rate fuelled by drug trafficking and gang-related violence, combined with a heavily armed civilian population. Like other Central American countries, arms trafficking remains an issue.

The large number of weapons in circulation has had a devastating effect on local communities, causing deaths and forcing families to flee their homes across the region into the United States and Mexico.

However owning or carrying a weapon is a constitutional right in Guatemala, so improving the regulation of arms and ammunition is a major challenge for peace, security and development.

Since 2017, HALO has worked with the military and police forces to strengthen Guatemala's weapons and ammunition management (WAM) processes. Our efforts focus on destroying obsolete weapons and ammunition, and preventing unplanned explosions and the diversion of firearms to organised crime. At the same time, we strive to ensure the meaningful participation of women and other minority groups in the security forces.

Our Work

HALO is working with the armed forces and police in Guatemala to provide support destroying obsolete and confiscated weapons and ammunition. With funding from the United States Government, our aim is to upgrade and restore weapons and ammunition stores, to improve gun control and prevent unplanned explosions.

We have also been researching how, by working with local communities, we can reduce armed violence and help tackle the humanitarian crisis in the region that results from easy access to weapons.

OUR IMPACT

"I've come across instances where I needed these skills in explosive ordnance disposal – but unfortunately, I didn't have them. Now I am looking forward to learning as much as I can. I want to be able to teach my peers in the army so that we can all contribute towards reducing violence in our country."

Captain Robin Leonardo Ajcalon Guoz

Captain Robin Leonardo Ajcalon Guoz has served in the Guatemalan Army for 14 years. He knows first-hand the dangers of badly stored ammunition after witnessing the explosion of a military store in 2005. With 17 of his colleagues, he completed his Level One training in explosive ordnance disposal with HALO.