U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Guatemala

Guatemala (Tier 2)

Guatemala is a source and transit country for international trafficking of persons. In a few instances, it is also a destination country. Trafficked persons come mainly from other Central American countries and Ecuador. Victims trafficked to Guatemala are usually young women or children who are brought in for sexual exploitation. Those trafficked from Guatemala for sexual exploitation are usually minors, both boys and girls, from poor families.

The Government of Guatemala does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, the Government is making significant efforts to combat trafficking despite resource constraints and endemic corruption. The law specifically prohibits trafficking and smuggling of persons. The Government investigates trafficking cases; however, there have been no prosecutions of trafficking cases as victims often fail to press charges due to a cumbersome judicial system. The penalty for trafficking is not commensurate with the penalty for rape, and prison sentences for traffickers are commutable. The Government does not assist or protect victims of trafficking, although victims are not treated as criminals. The Government has conducted anti-trafficking and anti-smuggling public awareness campaigns, and it provides limited funding to NGO's dedicated to preventing trafficking.