Reference :
V-P-GT-E-00192
Date :
08/05/2013
Caption :
Yalambojoch, near the Guatemala-Mexico border. The community is burying the remains of persons who went missing – or were ‘disappeared’ – during the conflict in the 1980s. The relatives carry the remains to the local cemetery after a night-long funeral wake praying.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
During the armed conflict in the 1980s, many people from Yalambojoch disappeared, were forced to flee to Mexico, or were killed. The ICRC’s mission in Guatemala has, since 2003, been helping families to trace their missing relatives and to organize wakes, burials and funeral services for those families who were able to recover the remains of their loved ones. ICRC support enables the families of the dead to afford food, flowers, candles, coffins and commemorative plaques.
The remains of 17 people who went missing 25 years ago are laid to rest in two coffins, which represent the two separate incidents in which they went missing. Complete skeletons could not be identified by forensic scientists as the remains had been scattered by the elements. A mausoleum has been built especially to hold the remains of the deceased. Although it is a sad occasion, many relatives feel a sense of peace now that they have been able to hold a funeral ceremony for their loved ones in keeping with their culture and traditions.
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
3000x2000
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
