U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Guatemala on June 7 and 8, 2021. This was a continuation of the discussion she virtually held with government and civil society actors in April. During her visit, Vice President Harris sought to address primarily the economic, governance, and security conditions that influence irregular migration to the United States. She spoke with representatives of Guatemalan civil society groups, including Jose Echeverría, Executive President of the National Civic Movement.

Priorities

Prior to Vice President Harris' visit, we drafted a report that we submitted to U.S. authorities. In this report, we included the priorities we believe Guatemalans should address. These priorities also align in certain areas with potential collaboration between the United States and Guatemala.

We believe that various actions can be taken in the short term to improve the country's situation. There are also others, focused on strengthening institutions, that will need to be long-term. A more prosperous Guatemala will depend on the will of different local actors committed to the principles and values of a strong and lasting democracy and institutions. For this reason, we emphasize that:

1. The rule of law is essential to limit public power, counteract corruption, and foster a favorable investment climate. Structural reform should be prioritized to strengthen institutions, not simply individuals. This includes, in part, modernizing and streamlining the Judicial Branch, as well as anti-corruption efforts to target the sources of corruption.
2. Reforms to the political system are paramount to improving citizen representation and participation. This is because it must respond to the demands and needs of citizens and not to the interests of organized crime.

Certainly, these two factors create an environment conducive to generating economic opportunities in the country. The conditions that make them possible must be strengthened: strong institutions, human capital, security, and infrastructure.

Issues addressed during Vice President Harris' visit

Similarly, the central point during the Vice President's visit was migration. From this stemmed the fundamental causes of irregular migration and possible solutions. Therefore, the Vice President emphasized the promotion of anti-corruption efforts so that institutions can be strengthened and meet the needs of Guatemalan citizens, as well as other cooperation efforts to increase economic opportunities for Guatemalans.

Finally, the MCN took the opportunity to emphasize what the priorities should be at this time.