Access to justice for indigenous women in post-conflict situations. A case study of Guatemala

Post-conflict societies face a number of challenges concerning not only the consolidation of democratic institutions but also and centrally, tasks related to the provision of justice. In this context, indigenous women face multiple obstacles for access to justice. They are confronted with discrimination, exclusion and a vulnerability they have suffered for centuries. This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities for access to justice for indigenous women in post-conflict countries from a legal and socio-cultural perspective and within the criminal justice system. To complement the theoretical research, a case study of Guatemala will be developed. The purpose of the case study is to analyze legislation, public policies and best practices in light of international and regional legal frameworks and mechamisms applied to the 4 phases of a criminal proceeding divided as follows: a) complaint, b) investigation and prosecution, c) trial and, d) reparations. In this way, the ongoing theoretical discussion on access to post-conflict justice and gender will be enriched and it will contribute in specific to the judiciary, policy makers and practitioners efforts in Guatemala, aimed at improving access to justice for indigenous women victims of the internal armed conflict of 1960-1996.