According to the RSFreport “Protection Mechanisms in Latin America,” the initiative to establish a programme to protect journalists in Guatemala has been moving slowly. When Bernardo Arévalo took office as president in January 2024, he pledged to return Guatemala to a democratic path, which included a commitment to implementing policies that protect journalists and human rights advocates. However, these efforts have been systematically undermined by an antagonistic judiciary — still dominated by figures linked to the previous government — which has acted as a political opponent to the administration. Weak congressional support has further limited the government's ability to advance its reform agenda.
Guatemala ranks 138th out of 180 countries and territories in the2024 RSF's World Press Freedom Index.