Ecce Maya

Over the last four decades 200,000 people have lost their lives in Guatemala due to political violence. Over 80% of the deaths were indigenous people, most of whom wanted nothing to do with the war. Mayans were killed, tortured, raped and lost what little material possessions they owned. With the signing of the Peace Accords on December 29, 1996, peace was officially proclaimed for Guatemala.

Without political support, it has done little to help heal the damage suffered by the Mayan people during the war. The Mayan communities lack many basic social services, such as education and health care.

While the United Nations has declared health care a basic human right (Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights), many Mayan communities have access to only the most rudimentary health services. In communities where health professionals are present, many of the Mayans cannot afford either their services or the cost of medicines. This is especially true for families of disabled children. These children require special, long-term care which is unavailable in most Mayan communities.