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MADRE Condemns Attack on Transvestite Sex Workers in Guatemala

MADRE, an international women's human rights organization, strongly condemns the December 17 attack against Sulma (legal name Kevin Robles) and Paulina (legal name Juan Pablo Mendez Cartagena), both transvestite sex workers in Guatemala City. According to witnesses, Sulma and Paulina were ordered to stop by police officers who then opened fire on them. Paulina was killed at the scene, while Sulma remains in serious condition in a Guatemala City hospital. Sulma was shot three times and can barely speak because a bullet shattered all of her front teeth.

MADRE is extremely concerned about the safety of Sulma and other transvestite sex workers in Guatemala City. Guatemala's Interior Ministry has thus far failed to ensure police protection for Sulma, who may well be in danger as a witness to Paulina's killing. Reports indicate that police are patrolling the area of the attack in an attempt to intimidate other transvestite sex workers who witnessed the shooting. Witnesses have reported that they fear police reprisal if they were to testify.

Both Sulma and Paulina are members of the Guatemala City-based Organizaci�n de Apoyo a una Sexualidad Integral frente al SIDA, or the Integral Sexuality AIDS Support Organization (OASIS), which offers HIV/AIDS prevention programs and support services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)people. OASIS reports that seven transvestite sex workers have been killed in Guatemala City this year alone, as part of regular attacks on members of the LGBT community. Police officers have allegedly been involved in these attacks, pointing to a systematic campaign of "social cleansing". OASIS also reports ongoing intimidation and harassment aimed at stopping their human rights advocacy on behalf of Guatemala's LGBT community.

MADRE calls on the Guatemalan authorities to:

• Take immediate measures to protect Sulma and guarantee her human rights and her rights under the Guatemalan Constitution.
• Launch a full and prompt investigation into the attack on Sulma and Paulina and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
• Take immediate measures to end the harassment of sex workers and LGBT people; and guarantee the right of OASIS to conduct their programs on behalf of the LGBT community.