Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the opening of an office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Guatemala

The Secretary-General joins the High Commissioner for Human Rights in welcoming the approval by Guatemala's legislature of the opening of an office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the country. The office, which is expected to start operation in July, will advise the Guatemalan Government, state institutions and civil society on all matters related to the promotion and protection of human rights. The High Commissioner's presence will continue the work begun by the United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), which completed its mandate at the end of 2004.