Human Rights Ombudsman of Guatemala to Speak at
Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus on January 29

- Sergio Morales will discuss topic of 'Human Rights in Guatemala' -

Brooklyn, N.Y. - Human rights in Guatemala will be the focus of a special presentation by Sergio Morales, human rights ombudsman for the democratizing Central American country, at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus on Tuesday, January 29, taking place at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Elected by Congress in 2002, with his mandate renewed in 2007, Morales is charged with safeguarding and promoting human rights in Guatemala, a developing democracy and the most populous nation in Central America with nearly 13 million residents. Part of the federal government, his office conducts its work independently and autonomously.

During the discussion, Mr. Morales will address the recent history of repression and human rights violations in Guatemala and the role of his office, assessing the human rights progress that has been made over the past decade.

Guatemala has enjoyed relative stability since 1996, when peace accords ushered in the conclusion of a traumatic, 35-year civil war marked by extensive government and military violations against civilian and indigenous populations.

This event is sponsored by the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus.

Who: Guatemala Human Rights Ombudsman Sergio Morales

What: "Human Rights in Guatemala" Discussion

Where: Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus, at Flatbush and DeKalb avenues, in room LLC 515

When: Tuesday, January 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Professor J. Patrice McSherry, founding chair of the LACS program, at (718) 780-4105.

Posted: January 22, 2008

Media contact: (718) 488-1015