Procurador de los Derechos Humanos
PDH
Summary
The Procurador de los Derechos Humanos (PDH) is Guatemala's congressional human rights commissioner, established under Articles 274-275 of the 1985 Constitución Política and governed by Decreto 54-86. The Procurador is elected by the full Congress by a minimum of two-thirds of the total votes in a special session, from a list of three candidates proposed by the Human Rights Commission of Congress, for a five-year non-renewable term. The office investigates complaints of human rights violations by public authorities, issues recommendations and censures (which are not legally binding), promotes human rights education, and may bring constitutional actions to protect rights. The PDH operates independently of any other state authority. As of 2022, José Alejandro Córdova Herrera serves as Procurador for the period 2022-2027. Annual reports are presented to Congress and published.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Supermajority legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Ley de la Comisión de los Derechos Humanos del Congreso y del Procurador de los Derechos Humanos
- Citation
- Decreto 54-86 del Congreso de la República; Constitución Arts. 274-275
- Full text
- Agency website →
Jurisdiction scope
Protection of constitutional rights of Guatemalan citizens against acts and omissions of public administration; investigates human rights complaints; supervises state administration; promotes human rights education and awareness.