| PARAGUAY Republic of Paraguay Republica del Paraguay Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 06/10/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Asuncion
6,375,830 (July 2010 est.)
Fernando Armindo Lugo
President since 15 August 2008
President since 15 August 2008
President and vice president elected on the same ticket by
popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 27
April 2008
Next scheduled election: April 2013
popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 27
April 2008
Next scheduled election: April 2013
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
Federico Franco Gomez
Vice President since 15 August 2008
Vice President since 15 August 2008
According to the Paraguay Constitution the president is both the
chief of state and head of government
chief of state and head of government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002
census)
census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional republic comprised of 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city;
Legal system is based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in
Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and Vice President elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last
held 20 April 2008 (next to be held April 2013)
Legislative: Bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45
seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de
Diputados (80 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last
held 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges appointed on the proposal of the Council
of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura)
Legal system is based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in
Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and Vice President elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last
held 20 April 2008 (next to be held April 2013)
Legislative: Bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45
seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de
Diputados (80 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last
held 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges appointed on the proposal of the Council
of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura)
| LANGUAGES |
Spanish (official), Guarani (official)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a large informal sector, featuring reexport of imported
consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street
vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity,
often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are
difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. The economy grew rapidly
between 2003 and 2008 as growing world demand for commodities combined with high prices and favorable
weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the
world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and slowing the economy even before the onset of the
global recession. The economy fell 3.5% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity prices caused exports to
contract. The government reacted by introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. Political uncertainty,
corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the main obstacles to growth.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Paraguay)
consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street
vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity,
often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are
difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. The economy grew rapidly
between 2003 and 2008 as growing world demand for commodities combined with high prices and favorable
weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the
world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and slowing the economy even before the onset of the
global recession. The economy fell 3.5% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity prices caused exports to
contract. The government reacted by introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. Political uncertainty,
corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the main obstacles to growth.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Paraguay)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Paraguay's highly centralized government was fundamentally changed by the 1992 constitution, which reinforced a
division of powers that in the previous two Constitutions existed mostly on paper.
The president, popularly elected for a 5-year term, appoints a cabinet. The president nominates the Council of
Ministers. The presidential elections of 2008 were won on 20 April 2008 by Fernando Lugo, a Roman Catholic
bishop whose ministerial duties have been suspended on his request by the Holy See. It's the first time in 61 years
that the Colorado Party lost a presidential election in Paraguay, and only a second time that a leftist will serve as
president (first time was in 1936-37) and first time freely elected.
In Paraguay, the post of First Lady is official, and thus the Office of the First Lady the Nation of the Republic of
Paraguay was created.
According to Paraguayan law, this office depends structurally and financially upon the Presidency of the Republic.
The office exercises mainly social functions, but also those related to health, through the REPADEH Foundation. The
current president is single and, prior to the Presidency a Catholic priest who, though unmarried, has recently admitted
fathering at least one child.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Paraguay
division of powers that in the previous two Constitutions existed mostly on paper.
The president, popularly elected for a 5-year term, appoints a cabinet. The president nominates the Council of
Ministers. The presidential elections of 2008 were won on 20 April 2008 by Fernando Lugo, a Roman Catholic
bishop whose ministerial duties have been suspended on his request by the Holy See. It's the first time in 61 years
that the Colorado Party lost a presidential election in Paraguay, and only a second time that a leftist will serve as
president (first time was in 1936-37) and first time freely elected.
In Paraguay, the post of First Lady is official, and thus the Office of the First Lady the Nation of the Republic of
Paraguay was created.
According to Paraguayan law, this office depends structurally and financially upon the Presidency of the Republic.
The office exercises mainly social functions, but also those related to health, through the REPADEH Foundation. The
current president is single and, prior to the Presidency a Catholic priest who, though unmarried, has recently admitted
fathering at least one child.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Paraguay
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms
and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations
and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is consumed in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile; transshipment
country for Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and Europe; weak border controls,
extensive corruption and money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak anti-money-laundering
laws and enforcement
country for Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and Europe; weak border controls,
extensive corruption and money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak anti-money-laundering
laws and enforcement
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Paraguay
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Paraguay is a multiparty, constitutional republic with a population of approximately seven million. In April 2008 Fernando Lugo of
the Patriotic Alliance for Change won the presidency in elections that were generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
Although the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, there were serious abuses in some areas.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Paraguay is a multiparty, constitutional republic with a population of approximately seven million. In April 2008 Fernando Lugo of
the Patriotic Alliance for Change won the presidency in elections that were generally free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
Although the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, there were serious abuses in some areas.
- There were reports of killings by police, which the government occasionally investigated but rarely prosecuted.
- Some prisoners were reportedly subjected to torture and abuse by government agents.
- Prisons were routinely overcrowded.
- Political interference, corruption, and inefficiency in the judiciary were common, as was lengthy pretrial detention.
- Government corruption was a serious problem.
- Violence and discrimination against women, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender persons (LGBT) continued, as did trafficking in persons. - Exploitation of child labor and violations of workers' rights were serious problems.
29 January 2010
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 44 of the Convention
Concluding observations: Paraguay
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the third periodic report as well as the written replies to its list of issues, which
gave a better understanding of the situation of children in the State party. It also appreciates the presence of a high-level and cross-
sectoral delegation and the frank and open dialogue with the delegation.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes a number of positive developments in the reporting period, including the adoption of legislative
measures taken with a view to implementing the Convention, such as:
(a) Act No. 1600/2000 against domestic violence.
(b) The Child and Adolescents Code (Código de la Niñez y la Adolescencia, CNA, by Act No.1680/2001);
(c) Act No. 1938/2002, according to which unaccompanied children who seek asylum are to be treated in accordance with the
principle of the best interest of the child;
C. Main subjects of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation (arts. 4, 42 and 44, paragraph 6 of the Convention)
The Committee’s previous recommendations (CRC/C/15/Add.166)
6. The Committee notes that some of the concerns and recommendations (CRC/C/15/Add.166, 2001) made upon the consideration
of the State party’s second periodic report have been addressed, but regrets that many others have been insufficiently or only partly
addressed.
7. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the second periodic report that have not yet been implemented or sufficiently implemented, including those related
to the harmonization of laws with the Convention, improved coordination of the national and the local levels, resource allocations
for children, data collection, general principles of the Convention, birth registration, children with disabilities, violence and abuse
against children, including sexual abuse, and juvenile justice, and to provide adequate follow-up to the recommendations contained
in the present concluding observations.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-third session
11-29 January 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 44 of the Convention
Concluding observations: Paraguay
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the third periodic report as well as the written replies to its list of issues, which
gave a better understanding of the situation of children in the State party. It also appreciates the presence of a high-level and cross-
sectoral delegation and the frank and open dialogue with the delegation.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes a number of positive developments in the reporting period, including the adoption of legislative
measures taken with a view to implementing the Convention, such as:
(a) Act No. 1600/2000 against domestic violence.
(b) The Child and Adolescents Code (Código de la Niñez y la Adolescencia, CNA, by Act No.1680/2001);
(c) Act No. 1938/2002, according to which unaccompanied children who seek asylum are to be treated in accordance with the
principle of the best interest of the child;
C. Main subjects of concern and recommendations
1. General measures of implementation (arts. 4, 42 and 44, paragraph 6 of the Convention)
The Committee’s previous recommendations (CRC/C/15/Add.166)
6. The Committee notes that some of the concerns and recommendations (CRC/C/15/Add.166, 2001) made upon the consideration
of the State party’s second periodic report have been addressed, but regrets that many others have been insufficiently or only partly
addressed.
7. The Committee urges the State party to take all necessary measures to address those recommendations from the concluding
observations of the second periodic report that have not yet been implemented or sufficiently implemented, including those related
to the harmonization of laws with the Convention, improved coordination of the national and the local levels, resource allocations
for children, data collection, general principles of the Convention, birth registration, children with disabilities, violence and abuse
against children, including sexual abuse, and juvenile justice, and to provide adequate follow-up to the recommendations contained
in the present concluding observations.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2010
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
President Fernando Lugo’s election last year raised the expectation of social improvement for Paraguay’s poor population.
However, Lugo struggled to advance his reform agenda given his increasingly weak and unwieldy Patriotic Alliance for Change
(APC) coalition and an obstructive Congress. After its principle conservative party left in July, the ruling coalition lost its majority in
Congress. Meanwhile, corruption in the judiciary and conflict between landowners and peasants continued during the year.
Fernando Lugo, leader of the Patriotic Alliance for Change (APC) coalition—a heterogeneous coalition comprising 20 parties
including Christian Democrats, socialists, communists and peasant organizations—was elected president in April 2008. Lugo’s
election represented widespread disappointment in the Colorado party which had failed to address Paraguay’s intractable problems
of low public security, slow economic growth, endemic public corruption, and a poverty rate of more than 35 percent. His election
also raised expectations that the standard of living for Paraguay's poor majority would improve. Land reform necessary to address
Paraguay’s highly skewed land distribution remains one of the administration’s principle goals. However, in the 2009 UN
Development Programme’s Human Development Report, Paraguay was ranked 101 out of 182 countries in its Gini Index
(measuring income inequality)—worse than nearby Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.
Prospects for Lugo’s reforms were dealt a blow when the coalition’s largest member party—the conservative Authentic Liberal
Radical Party (PLRA)—left the alliance in July 2009. With only of various small left-wing parties remaining, the APC no longer
enjoys a majority in the Congress. The legislature is now controlled by the Colorados who strongly oppose Lugo’s reformist
agenda. Amid calls by Lugo’s critics for his resignation—including rumors of a pending military coup—Lugo replaced the heads of
the army, navy, and air force in early November 2009.
The Lugo administration signed an historical agreement with Brazil in July 2009 which settled a decades-long dispute over
payments for energy produced from the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. The agreement will triple Paraguay’s income from the dam, but
the agreement had yet to be approved by the Brazilian Congress by the year’s end. Lugo has maintained a conventional economic
program. However, the personal income tax which came into effect in January 2009 was suspended a couple of months later
following a Congressional defeat; it will not be changed until 2010 at the earliest.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
President Fernando Lugo’s election last year raised the expectation of social improvement for Paraguay’s poor population.
However, Lugo struggled to advance his reform agenda given his increasingly weak and unwieldy Patriotic Alliance for Change
(APC) coalition and an obstructive Congress. After its principle conservative party left in July, the ruling coalition lost its majority in
Congress. Meanwhile, corruption in the judiciary and conflict between landowners and peasants continued during the year.
Fernando Lugo, leader of the Patriotic Alliance for Change (APC) coalition—a heterogeneous coalition comprising 20 parties
including Christian Democrats, socialists, communists and peasant organizations—was elected president in April 2008. Lugo’s
election represented widespread disappointment in the Colorado party which had failed to address Paraguay’s intractable problems
of low public security, slow economic growth, endemic public corruption, and a poverty rate of more than 35 percent. His election
also raised expectations that the standard of living for Paraguay's poor majority would improve. Land reform necessary to address
Paraguay’s highly skewed land distribution remains one of the administration’s principle goals. However, in the 2009 UN
Development Programme’s Human Development Report, Paraguay was ranked 101 out of 182 countries in its Gini Index
(measuring income inequality)—worse than nearby Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.
Prospects for Lugo’s reforms were dealt a blow when the coalition’s largest member party—the conservative Authentic Liberal
Radical Party (PLRA)—left the alliance in July 2009. With only of various small left-wing parties remaining, the APC no longer
enjoys a majority in the Congress. The legislature is now controlled by the Colorados who strongly oppose Lugo’s reformist
agenda. Amid calls by Lugo’s critics for his resignation—including rumors of a pending military coup—Lugo replaced the heads of
the army, navy, and air force in early November 2009.
The Lugo administration signed an historical agreement with Brazil in July 2009 which settled a decades-long dispute over
payments for energy produced from the Itaipu hydroelectric dam. The agreement will triple Paraguay’s income from the dam, but
the agreement had yet to be approved by the Brazilian Congress by the year’s end. Lugo has maintained a conventional economic
program. However, the personal income tax which came into effect in January 2009 was suspended a couple of months later
following a Congressional defeat; it will not be changed until 2010 at the earliest.
Click here to read more »
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
13 April, 2010
Paraguay: Public hearing of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Paraguayan State is not meeting its
obligations to indigenous peoples
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is tomorrow holding a public hearing in Lima (Peru) to consider the lawsuit against
Paraguay in the case of the Xakmok Kásek community. After 20 years of fruitless negotiations within the country, this community
has been forced to take its demand for recognition of its ancestral lands to international human rights bodies. Tomorrow, its future
is at stake.
Since time immemorial, the indigenous peoples of the Americas have been victims of marginalisation and discrimination. Deprived
of a voice in decisions affecting their lands and their means of subsistence, they suffer a disproportionate level of poverty, even
when they live in areas rich in minerals and other natural resources. These violations of their rights, and the poverty and exclusion
from which many of the continent's indigenous peoples suffer, are not irreparable. Amnesty International considers that this new
case before the Inter-American Court constitutes yet another reminder of the difficulties faced by indigenous peoples in the region,
who continue to live in poverty because many States neither recognise nor defend their human rights.
This is the third time that the Paraguayan State has faced a lawsuit related to indigenous peoples' claims to their ancestral lands. The
Court has already twice condemned Paraguay for the way in which it treats its indigenous peoples. Amnesty International would
like to remind Paraguay that its more than two million members around the world are waiting to see how it will respond to this new
case. “The Paraguayan government must use this hearing to demonstrate once and for all that its commitment to indigenous rights
goes beyond mere rhetoric”, said Louise Finer, Paraguay researcher for Amnesty International.
The Xakmok Kásek indigenous community, a part of the Enxet ethnic group, has been calling on the State to allow it the right to
live in at least a part of its traditional territory for years. Because of its lack of access to and ownership of its land, the community
has been deprived of its traditional means of subsistence: hunting, fishing and gathering, thus exposing its members to inhumane
living conditions.
The Court will tomorrow hear witnesses and victims from the community, along with representatives of the Paraguayan State and
the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is the body that has referred this case, alleging violations of the
community’s rights to life, property and legal protection and the rights of its children.
Paraguay is the only State in the region to appear before the Inter-American Court for a third time for cases related to violations of
indigenous rights. In 2005 and 2006, the Court convicted Paraguay of violating the rights of the Yakye Axa and Sawhoyamaxa
communities and set out a period of three years in which to comply with the return of their lands in each case. Despite these
deadlines, the State has proved itself incapable of returning the community’s ancestral lands, and so they continue to live in
deplorable conditions along the side of a highway.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
13 April, 2010
Paraguay: Public hearing of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Paraguayan State is not meeting its
obligations to indigenous peoples
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is tomorrow holding a public hearing in Lima (Peru) to consider the lawsuit against
Paraguay in the case of the Xakmok Kásek community. After 20 years of fruitless negotiations within the country, this community
has been forced to take its demand for recognition of its ancestral lands to international human rights bodies. Tomorrow, its future
is at stake.
Since time immemorial, the indigenous peoples of the Americas have been victims of marginalisation and discrimination. Deprived
of a voice in decisions affecting their lands and their means of subsistence, they suffer a disproportionate level of poverty, even
when they live in areas rich in minerals and other natural resources. These violations of their rights, and the poverty and exclusion
from which many of the continent's indigenous peoples suffer, are not irreparable. Amnesty International considers that this new
case before the Inter-American Court constitutes yet another reminder of the difficulties faced by indigenous peoples in the region,
who continue to live in poverty because many States neither recognise nor defend their human rights.
This is the third time that the Paraguayan State has faced a lawsuit related to indigenous peoples' claims to their ancestral lands. The
Court has already twice condemned Paraguay for the way in which it treats its indigenous peoples. Amnesty International would
like to remind Paraguay that its more than two million members around the world are waiting to see how it will respond to this new
case. “The Paraguayan government must use this hearing to demonstrate once and for all that its commitment to indigenous rights
goes beyond mere rhetoric”, said Louise Finer, Paraguay researcher for Amnesty International.
The Xakmok Kásek indigenous community, a part of the Enxet ethnic group, has been calling on the State to allow it the right to
live in at least a part of its traditional territory for years. Because of its lack of access to and ownership of its land, the community
has been deprived of its traditional means of subsistence: hunting, fishing and gathering, thus exposing its members to inhumane
living conditions.
The Court will tomorrow hear witnesses and victims from the community, along with representatives of the Paraguayan State and
the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is the body that has referred this case, alleging violations of the
community’s rights to life, property and legal protection and the rights of its children.
Paraguay is the only State in the region to appear before the Inter-American Court for a third time for cases related to violations of
indigenous rights. In 2005 and 2006, the Court convicted Paraguay of violating the rights of the Yakye Axa and Sawhoyamaxa
communities and set out a period of three years in which to comply with the return of their lands in each case. Despite these
deadlines, the State has proved itself incapable of returning the community’s ancestral lands, and so they continue to live in
deplorable conditions along the side of a highway.
Click here to read more »
OAS Adopts Resolution to Protect Sexual Rights
States Condemn Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
June 5, 2008
The General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning human
rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, taking a crucial step to end the silence around violence against
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Americas, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch
called on OAS member governments to ensure that the resolution is implemented in their countries, and to continue their support
for sexual rights internationally.
“This resolution is a bold first step toward ending violence and discrimination,” said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. “For the resolution to have an impact, concrete changes in law
and policy must follow.”
The OAS General Assembly on June 3, 2008, adopted the Brazil-sponsored “Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, and
Gender Identity” during its 38th session in Colombia, with support from 34 countries. The resolution takes note of the importance
of the adoption of the “Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation to Sexual
Orientation and Gender Identity” and affirms the core principles of non-discrimination and universality in international law. States
also agreed to hold a special meeting “to discuss the application of the principles and norms” of the Inter-American system on
abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
At least 10 OAS countries have state or national laws that protect all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina are discussing specific anti-discrimination laws at the national level that include these as
protected categories.
Click here to read more »
States Condemn Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
June 5, 2008
The General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning human
rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, taking a crucial step to end the silence around violence against
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Americas, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch
called on OAS member governments to ensure that the resolution is implemented in their countries, and to continue their support
for sexual rights internationally.
“This resolution is a bold first step toward ending violence and discrimination,” said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. “For the resolution to have an impact, concrete changes in law
and policy must follow.”
The OAS General Assembly on June 3, 2008, adopted the Brazil-sponsored “Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, and
Gender Identity” during its 38th session in Colombia, with support from 34 countries. The resolution takes note of the importance
of the adoption of the “Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation to Sexual
Orientation and Gender Identity” and affirms the core principles of non-discrimination and universality in international law. States
also agreed to hold a special meeting “to discuss the application of the principles and norms” of the Inter-American system on
abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
At least 10 OAS countries have state or national laws that protect all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina are discussing specific anti-discrimination laws at the national level that include these as
protected categories.
Click here to read more »
Paraguay President: Official Must Reveal Where Prisoner Bodies Are Buried
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
ASUNCION, Paraguay — A top official during Paraguay's former dictatorship who came home last week must reveal where the
bodies of dozens of tortured political prisoners are buried, President Fernando Lugo declared Tuesday.
Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, used biblical terms to demand that Sabino Montanaro reveal the whereabouts of those who
died in Paraguay's "Dirty War" against leftists.
"I am going to raise my voice and ask, Montanaro, where are the graves of our brothers?" Lugo said. "To you, who returned to the
country and turn to God to wash away your sins, I repeat the question the creator made to Cain when he killed Abel: Where is your
brother?"
Montanaro was interior minister under dictator Alfredo Stroessner. Lugo accused him and other officials during Stroessner's 1954-89
reign of hiding the bodies of dozens of slain Paraguayans, saying their unrevealed fate has stymied a healing process and hindered
justice since the return of democracy.
"We cannot accept this situation. We cannot tolerate or wait more time without knowing where the graves of the dictatorship's
victims are. It's our moral right to uncover this mystery," the president said in a televised statement.
Montanaro arrived in Asuncion early Friday after nearly two decades of self-imposed exile in Honduras. The 86-year-old faces six
pending trials for the disappearances and killings of government opponents in the 1970s and 1980s.
Monsignor Mario Melanio Medina, a Catholic bishop who is chairman of the Commission for Truth and Justice, called Montanaro the
"cruel right hand of Stroessner."
"The tears and blood of many Paraguayans are weighing on his conscience," said Medina, who was considered a "red bishop" by
Stroessner for his alleged communist leanings.
Medina's commission published a report in August saying 59 people are known to have been killed by the dictatorship and 336 more
are unaccounted for. It said more than 100,000 were politically persecuted during the dictatorship.
When a military coup toppled Stroessner in 1989, Montanaro sought refuge in the Honduran consulate in Asuncion. Days later he
arrived in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, where he lived until returning on his own last week.
While Lugo and human rights activists are seeking answers, the doctor assigned by the government to diagnosis Montanaro's
condition said he might not be able to respond.
Click here to read more »
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
ASUNCION, Paraguay — A top official during Paraguay's former dictatorship who came home last week must reveal where the
bodies of dozens of tortured political prisoners are buried, President Fernando Lugo declared Tuesday.
Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, used biblical terms to demand that Sabino Montanaro reveal the whereabouts of those who
died in Paraguay's "Dirty War" against leftists.
"I am going to raise my voice and ask, Montanaro, where are the graves of our brothers?" Lugo said. "To you, who returned to the
country and turn to God to wash away your sins, I repeat the question the creator made to Cain when he killed Abel: Where is your
brother?"
Montanaro was interior minister under dictator Alfredo Stroessner. Lugo accused him and other officials during Stroessner's 1954-89
reign of hiding the bodies of dozens of slain Paraguayans, saying their unrevealed fate has stymied a healing process and hindered
justice since the return of democracy.
"We cannot accept this situation. We cannot tolerate or wait more time without knowing where the graves of the dictatorship's
victims are. It's our moral right to uncover this mystery," the president said in a televised statement.
Montanaro arrived in Asuncion early Friday after nearly two decades of self-imposed exile in Honduras. The 86-year-old faces six
pending trials for the disappearances and killings of government opponents in the 1970s and 1980s.
Monsignor Mario Melanio Medina, a Catholic bishop who is chairman of the Commission for Truth and Justice, called Montanaro the
"cruel right hand of Stroessner."
"The tears and blood of many Paraguayans are weighing on his conscience," said Medina, who was considered a "red bishop" by
Stroessner for his alleged communist leanings.
Medina's commission published a report in August saying 59 people are known to have been killed by the dictatorship and 336 more
are unaccounted for. It said more than 100,000 were politically persecuted during the dictatorship.
When a military coup toppled Stroessner in 1989, Montanaro sought refuge in the Honduran consulate in Asuncion. Days later he
arrived in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, where he lived until returning on his own last week.
While Lugo and human rights activists are seeking answers, the doctor assigned by the government to diagnosis Montanaro's
condition said he might not be able to respond.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Statement on the state of emergency
Friday April 23, 2010
State of emergency unconstitutional arbitrary increase in the northern
With the intention to declare a state of emergency in the departments of San Pedro, Concepción, Amambay, Presidente Hayes and
Alto Paraguay, the Coordinator of Human Rights in Paraguay (CODEHUPY) Paraguayan Chapter of American Platform for Human
Rights, Democracy and Development ( PIDHDD), states that:
1. The state of emergency is a constitutional given under Article 288 of the Constitution to cases of international armed conflict and
serious internal disturbance that threatens imminent rule of the Constitution or the regular functioning of bodies established by it .
During his term can restrict constitutional rights as freedom of assembly, demonstration and arrests ordered by decree, in each
case must be made in substance by the Executive.
2. At this time, the Republic of Paraguay is not in international armed conflict with any country, nor is there any internal
disturbance that threatens the institutions in these departments. There are criminals who act outside the law must be apprehended,
prosecuted and tried under the ordinary legal system.
3. The criminal and procedural law in force in Paraguay gives sweeping powers to police and prosecutors for investigation, arrest,
prosecution and punishment of those responsible for crimes and crimes. To claim that an armed group of about ten people produce
internal unrest and justify a state of emergency is to recognize the inability of the security organs made up of more than 50
thousand people to control organized crime.
4. The draft law on the declaration of emergency rule in study violates constitutional provisions, as to how they should be drafted.
Not established the precise reasons, neither the facts set out for adoption. Nor are certain rights that will be affected or restricted
by this measure.
5. The uncertainty regarding the rights and guarantees will be limited for the duration of a state of emergency will increase the
arrogance and arbitrariness in the conduct of police and soldiers in the area. The CODEHUPY has recorded and denouncing illegal
detentions, physical torture, illegal searches of dwellings, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment that has occurred
consistently in these departments. The law of the state of emergency shall be presented as a justifiable excuse for these acts.
6. The declaration of a state of emergency and detention of persons on issues related to the subject that gives rise to the possibility
and detainees "in all cases, to leave the country," according to the provisions of Article 288 of the Constitution. This is a guarantee
that the law can not restrict.
Click here to read more »
Statement on the state of emergency
Friday April 23, 2010
State of emergency unconstitutional arbitrary increase in the northern
With the intention to declare a state of emergency in the departments of San Pedro, Concepción, Amambay, Presidente Hayes and
Alto Paraguay, the Coordinator of Human Rights in Paraguay (CODEHUPY) Paraguayan Chapter of American Platform for Human
Rights, Democracy and Development ( PIDHDD), states that:
1. The state of emergency is a constitutional given under Article 288 of the Constitution to cases of international armed conflict and
serious internal disturbance that threatens imminent rule of the Constitution or the regular functioning of bodies established by it .
During his term can restrict constitutional rights as freedom of assembly, demonstration and arrests ordered by decree, in each
case must be made in substance by the Executive.
2. At this time, the Republic of Paraguay is not in international armed conflict with any country, nor is there any internal
disturbance that threatens the institutions in these departments. There are criminals who act outside the law must be apprehended,
prosecuted and tried under the ordinary legal system.
3. The criminal and procedural law in force in Paraguay gives sweeping powers to police and prosecutors for investigation, arrest,
prosecution and punishment of those responsible for crimes and crimes. To claim that an armed group of about ten people produce
internal unrest and justify a state of emergency is to recognize the inability of the security organs made up of more than 50
thousand people to control organized crime.
4. The draft law on the declaration of emergency rule in study violates constitutional provisions, as to how they should be drafted.
Not established the precise reasons, neither the facts set out for adoption. Nor are certain rights that will be affected or restricted
by this measure.
5. The uncertainty regarding the rights and guarantees will be limited for the duration of a state of emergency will increase the
arrogance and arbitrariness in the conduct of police and soldiers in the area. The CODEHUPY has recorded and denouncing illegal
detentions, physical torture, illegal searches of dwellings, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment that has occurred
consistently in these departments. The law of the state of emergency shall be presented as a justifiable excuse for these acts.
6. The declaration of a state of emergency and detention of persons on issues related to the subject that gives rise to the possibility
and detainees "in all cases, to leave the country," according to the provisions of Article 288 of the Constitution. This is a guarantee
that the law can not restrict.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Visit Paraguay Ombudsman
Mar 10th, 2010
The Human Rights Commission of Paraguayans living in Buenos Aires, together with the Movement of Victims of the Dictatorship,
organized the Argentina capital coming to the Ombudsman of Paraguay, Dr. Manuel María Páez Monges, accompanied by the
delegates of the state distribution, Nancy Frachi, Leticia Giménez and Viviana Ferreira.
The main objective of the visit was to meet with our community to: 1) Report on the current state of open files within the
framework of Law 838/96 and 3603 / 8 on the Paraguayan State to pay compensation to victims of the Stroessner government 2)
the delivery of judgments given in that context, 3) receipt of documents of new cases and 4) describe and explain the role of the
Ombudsman in connection with the defense of human rights in Paraguayan society.
To that end, yesterday, there were two meetings, the first one at the headquarters of the Paraguayan Embassy in Argentina, which
were, in addition to the Ombudsman, the Chargé d'affaires ai of our Mission, Marcelo Ricciardi Scappini, Ramon Gonzalez, the
movement of Victims and Teresita Asilvera, honorary delegate of the Ombudsman and being in charge of the presentations Rami
Alvarez Fleitas, the Coordinator of the Commission of Paraguayans living in HH.RR. Buenos Aires.
The second call was made at the headquarters of the Federation of Paraguayans in Argentina (FEPARA), which was attended by
many compatriots for various consultations, talking to the Ombudsman and relate their experiences, which lasted three hours, 16
19, a day that finalizócon the dissertation of Dr. Páez Monges on "The Defenders in Latin American and the observance of Human
Rights", which placed special emphasis on the advances in this regard in our country and giving to know the philosophy and
methodology used by the agency in charge.
Click here to read more »
Visit Paraguay Ombudsman
Mar 10th, 2010
The Human Rights Commission of Paraguayans living in Buenos Aires, together with the Movement of Victims of the Dictatorship,
organized the Argentina capital coming to the Ombudsman of Paraguay, Dr. Manuel María Páez Monges, accompanied by the
delegates of the state distribution, Nancy Frachi, Leticia Giménez and Viviana Ferreira.
The main objective of the visit was to meet with our community to: 1) Report on the current state of open files within the
framework of Law 838/96 and 3603 / 8 on the Paraguayan State to pay compensation to victims of the Stroessner government 2)
the delivery of judgments given in that context, 3) receipt of documents of new cases and 4) describe and explain the role of the
Ombudsman in connection with the defense of human rights in Paraguayan society.
To that end, yesterday, there were two meetings, the first one at the headquarters of the Paraguayan Embassy in Argentina, which
were, in addition to the Ombudsman, the Chargé d'affaires ai of our Mission, Marcelo Ricciardi Scappini, Ramon Gonzalez, the
movement of Victims and Teresita Asilvera, honorary delegate of the Ombudsman and being in charge of the presentations Rami
Alvarez Fleitas, the Coordinator of the Commission of Paraguayans living in HH.RR. Buenos Aires.
The second call was made at the headquarters of the Federation of Paraguayans in Argentina (FEPARA), which was attended by
many compatriots for various consultations, talking to the Ombudsman and relate their experiences, which lasted three hours, 16
19, a day that finalizócon the dissertation of Dr. Páez Monges on "The Defenders in Latin American and the observance of Human
Rights", which placed special emphasis on the advances in this regard in our country and giving to know the philosophy and
methodology used by the agency in charge.
Click here to read more »
The original inhabitants of present-day Paraguay were Guaraní Amerindians of the Tupi-Guaraní language family. As
many as 150,000 Amerindians may have been living in Paraguay at the time of the earliest European contacts. The
first European known to have explored Paraguay was the Italian Sebastian Cabot, sailing from 1526 to 1530 in the
service of Spain. The first permanent Spanish settlement, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Our Lady of the
Assumption, present-day Asunción), was founded at the confluence of the Paraguay and Pilcomayo rivers on
Assumption Day, 15 August 1537. Paraguay's next two centuries were dominated by Jesuit missionaries, whose
efforts to protect the Amerindians from Portuguese slave traders and Spanish colonists resulted in one of the most
remarkable social experiments in the New World. Shortly after the founding of Asunción, missionary efforts began.
The priests organized Guaraní families in mission villages (reducciones) designed as self-sufficient communes.
Amerindians were taught trades, improved methods of cultivation, and the fine arts, as well as religion. Above all,
they were protected from exploitation by the Spanish colonists, who sought to exploit them. As the settlements
prospered and grew in number to around 30 (with over 100,000 Amerindians), the jealousy of the colonists sparked
a campaign to discredit the Jesuits. Eventually, the King of Spain became convinced that the order was trying to set
up a private kingdom in the New World, and in 1767, he expelled the Jesuits from the New World. . In achieving
independence, Paraguay first had to fight the forces of Argentina. Buenos Aires called on Paraguay in 1810 to follow
its lead in a virtual declaration of independence. Paraguay declared independence from Spain but rejected the
leadership of Buenos Aires. An Argentine expedition was decisively defeated, and Paraguay completed its move
toward independence by deposing the last of its royal governors in 1811. Since then, Paraguay has been dominated
by dictatorships or near-dictatorships. The first and most famous of the dictators was José Gaspar Rodríguez de
Francia (known as "El Supremo"), granted full dictatorial powers for three years in 1814 and thereafter had the term
extended for life. Francia attempted to cut Paraguay off from all contact with the outside world. Commerce was
suspended, foreigners were expelled, relations with the papacy were broken off, and an anticlerical campaign was
begun. All criticism was stifled, and a widespread spy network was developed. However, at the same time, Francia
was honest and tireless in his devotion to his personal concept of the country's welfare. Francia governed until his
death in 1840. Today, he is regarded as Paraguay's "founding father." The next dictator was Carlos Antonio López.
López loosened the ties of dictatorship only slightly, but reversed Francia's paranoid isolationism became the largest
landowner and the richest man in Paraguay. He made his son Francisco Solano López commander-in-chief of the
army, thereby ensuring the younger López's succession to power in 1862, when the elder López died.
During his dictatorship, Francisco Solano López provoked quarrels with Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, who allied
and attacked Paraguay. The War of the Triple Alliance (1865–70), sometimes called the Paraguayan War, was the
bloodiest in Latin American history. The war was a disaster for Paraguay, which lost two-thirds of all its adult males,
including López himself. Paraguay's population fell from about 600,000 to about 250,000. For the next 50 years,
Paraguay stagnated economically. The male population was replaced by an influx of immigrants from Italy, Spain,
Germany, and Argentina. Politically, there was a succession of leaders, alternating between the Colorado and Liberal
parties. Then, a long-smoldering feud with Bolivia broke into open warfare (1932–35) after oil was discovered in the
Chaco, a desolate area known as the "green hell." Paraguayans conquered three-fourths of the disputed territory,
most of which they retained following the peace settlement of 1938. Although President Eusebio Ayala emerged
victorious from the Chaco War, he did not last long. The war produced a set of heroes, all of whom had great
ambitions. One such man, Col. Rafael Franco, took power in February 1936. In 1939, after two more coups, Gen.
José Felix Estigarribía, commander-in-chief during the Chaco War, was elected president. Estigarribía was killed in
an airplane crash only a year later, and Gen. Higinio Morínigo, the minister of war, was appointed president by the
cabinet. Through World War II, Morínigo received large amounts of aid from the United States, even though he
allowed widespread Axis activity in the country. Morínigo retired in 1948, but was unable to find a successor. After
a one-year period of instability, Federico Chávez seized control, and ruled from 1949 until 1954. In May 1954,
Gen. Alfredo Stroessner, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, used his cavalry to seize power. With US help,
he brought financial stability to an economy racked by runaway inflation, but he used terrorist methods in silencing all
opposition. On 17 September 1980, the exiled former dictator of Nicaragua, Anastasio Somoza Debayle, who had
been granted asylum by the Stroessner government, was assassinated in Asunción, and Paraguay broke off relations
with Nicaragua. During the 1980s, Stroessner relaxed his hold on Paraguay. On 3 February 1989 Stroessner's 35-
year dictatorship came to an end at the hand of Gen. Andrés Rodríguez, second in command of the Paraguayan
military. Immediately after the coup, Rodríguez announced that elections would be held in May. With only three
months to prepare, little opposition beyond Domingo Laíno was mounted, and Rodríguez won easily with 75.8% of
the vote. Rodríguez promised and delivered elections in 1993. In those elections, Colorado candidate Juan Carlos
Wasmosy was elected to the presidency, the first time a civilian had become president through popular election since
1954. In the 1990s, Paraguay experienced 0% economic growth. In the 1998 presidential elections, Raúl Cubas of
the Colorado Party became president with 55.3% of the vote, but a year later he had to resign after the assassination
of vice president Luis Argaña. On April 27, 2003, Colorado Party candidate Oscar Duarte won the presidential
election with 37.1% of the vote. Duarte has promised to fight corruption and has sought to portray himself as a
modernizer and democratizing leader that will open Paraguay to the world economy. On 20 April 2008 Fernando
Lugo of the Alianza Patriotica por el Cambio (Patriotic Alliance for Change) was elected President.
Sources: Nations Encyclopedia: History of Paraguay
many as 150,000 Amerindians may have been living in Paraguay at the time of the earliest European contacts. The
first European known to have explored Paraguay was the Italian Sebastian Cabot, sailing from 1526 to 1530 in the
service of Spain. The first permanent Spanish settlement, Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Our Lady of the
Assumption, present-day Asunción), was founded at the confluence of the Paraguay and Pilcomayo rivers on
Assumption Day, 15 August 1537. Paraguay's next two centuries were dominated by Jesuit missionaries, whose
efforts to protect the Amerindians from Portuguese slave traders and Spanish colonists resulted in one of the most
remarkable social experiments in the New World. Shortly after the founding of Asunción, missionary efforts began.
The priests organized Guaraní families in mission villages (reducciones) designed as self-sufficient communes.
Amerindians were taught trades, improved methods of cultivation, and the fine arts, as well as religion. Above all,
they were protected from exploitation by the Spanish colonists, who sought to exploit them. As the settlements
prospered and grew in number to around 30 (with over 100,000 Amerindians), the jealousy of the colonists sparked
a campaign to discredit the Jesuits. Eventually, the King of Spain became convinced that the order was trying to set
up a private kingdom in the New World, and in 1767, he expelled the Jesuits from the New World. . In achieving
independence, Paraguay first had to fight the forces of Argentina. Buenos Aires called on Paraguay in 1810 to follow
its lead in a virtual declaration of independence. Paraguay declared independence from Spain but rejected the
leadership of Buenos Aires. An Argentine expedition was decisively defeated, and Paraguay completed its move
toward independence by deposing the last of its royal governors in 1811. Since then, Paraguay has been dominated
by dictatorships or near-dictatorships. The first and most famous of the dictators was José Gaspar Rodríguez de
Francia (known as "El Supremo"), granted full dictatorial powers for three years in 1814 and thereafter had the term
extended for life. Francia attempted to cut Paraguay off from all contact with the outside world. Commerce was
suspended, foreigners were expelled, relations with the papacy were broken off, and an anticlerical campaign was
begun. All criticism was stifled, and a widespread spy network was developed. However, at the same time, Francia
was honest and tireless in his devotion to his personal concept of the country's welfare. Francia governed until his
death in 1840. Today, he is regarded as Paraguay's "founding father." The next dictator was Carlos Antonio López.
López loosened the ties of dictatorship only slightly, but reversed Francia's paranoid isolationism became the largest
landowner and the richest man in Paraguay. He made his son Francisco Solano López commander-in-chief of the
army, thereby ensuring the younger López's succession to power in 1862, when the elder López died.
During his dictatorship, Francisco Solano López provoked quarrels with Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, who allied
and attacked Paraguay. The War of the Triple Alliance (1865–70), sometimes called the Paraguayan War, was the
bloodiest in Latin American history. The war was a disaster for Paraguay, which lost two-thirds of all its adult males,
including López himself. Paraguay's population fell from about 600,000 to about 250,000. For the next 50 years,
Paraguay stagnated economically. The male population was replaced by an influx of immigrants from Italy, Spain,
Germany, and Argentina. Politically, there was a succession of leaders, alternating between the Colorado and Liberal
parties. Then, a long-smoldering feud with Bolivia broke into open warfare (1932–35) after oil was discovered in the
Chaco, a desolate area known as the "green hell." Paraguayans conquered three-fourths of the disputed territory,
most of which they retained following the peace settlement of 1938. Although President Eusebio Ayala emerged
victorious from the Chaco War, he did not last long. The war produced a set of heroes, all of whom had great
ambitions. One such man, Col. Rafael Franco, took power in February 1936. In 1939, after two more coups, Gen.
José Felix Estigarribía, commander-in-chief during the Chaco War, was elected president. Estigarribía was killed in
an airplane crash only a year later, and Gen. Higinio Morínigo, the minister of war, was appointed president by the
cabinet. Through World War II, Morínigo received large amounts of aid from the United States, even though he
allowed widespread Axis activity in the country. Morínigo retired in 1948, but was unable to find a successor. After
a one-year period of instability, Federico Chávez seized control, and ruled from 1949 until 1954. In May 1954,
Gen. Alfredo Stroessner, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, used his cavalry to seize power. With US help,
he brought financial stability to an economy racked by runaway inflation, but he used terrorist methods in silencing all
opposition. On 17 September 1980, the exiled former dictator of Nicaragua, Anastasio Somoza Debayle, who had
been granted asylum by the Stroessner government, was assassinated in Asunción, and Paraguay broke off relations
with Nicaragua. During the 1980s, Stroessner relaxed his hold on Paraguay. On 3 February 1989 Stroessner's 35-
year dictatorship came to an end at the hand of Gen. Andrés Rodríguez, second in command of the Paraguayan
military. Immediately after the coup, Rodríguez announced that elections would be held in May. With only three
months to prepare, little opposition beyond Domingo Laíno was mounted, and Rodríguez won easily with 75.8% of
the vote. Rodríguez promised and delivered elections in 1993. In those elections, Colorado candidate Juan Carlos
Wasmosy was elected to the presidency, the first time a civilian had become president through popular election since
1954. In the 1990s, Paraguay experienced 0% economic growth. In the 1998 presidential elections, Raúl Cubas of
the Colorado Party became president with 55.3% of the vote, but a year later he had to resign after the assassination
of vice president Luis Argaña. On April 27, 2003, Colorado Party candidate Oscar Duarte won the presidential
election with 37.1% of the vote. Duarte has promised to fight corruption and has sought to portray himself as a
modernizer and democratizing leader that will open Paraguay to the world economy. On 20 April 2008 Fernando
Lugo of the Alianza Patriotica por el Cambio (Patriotic Alliance for Change) was elected President.
Sources: Nations Encyclopedia: History of Paraguay
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