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Ban thanks head of UN-backed panel for his efforts to tackle impunity in Guatemala

Head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) Francisco Dall'Anese.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
Head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) Francisco Dall'Anese.

Ban thanks head of UN-backed panel for his efforts to tackle impunity in Guatemala

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his deep appreciation for dedication and efforts of Francisco Dall'Anese, who has announced that he will step down as the head of the United Nations-backed commission charged with dismantling illegal armed groups and tackling impunity in Guatemala.

Mr. Dall'Anese, a former Attorney-General of Costa Rica, has stated his intention to step down as Commissioner of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) by 4 September, at the end of his current appointment.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban lauded Mr. Dall'Anese’s “steadfast commitment to the fight against impunity,” and welcomed the strides made by Guatemalan justice institutions during this period and, in particular, the strengthening of national prosecutorial activities.

The UN and the Guatemalan Government set up CICIG in 2006 as an independent body to support the public prosecutors’ office, the national civilian police and other institutions to investigate a limited number of sensitive and difficult cases regarding illegal security groups and clandestine security organizations and also dismantle them.

Based in Guatemala City, since it began operations in early 2008, CICIG seeks to bolster the rule of law and is permitted by its mandate to conduct independent investigations and help authorities bring representative cases to trial in national courts.

The UN Secretariat has started a search for a new Commissioner with the goal of consolidating CICIG’s work, according to today’s statement.

“To make the best of the period ahead, the Secretary-General calls on national authorities and institutions to redouble efforts in the fight against impunity. The United Nations thanks Member States for their continued strong support of CICIG.”