The women were systematically raped and enslaved for up to six years. Many were forced to clean the soldiers’ clothes, cook, and serve them without pay, and being subjected to physical and sexual abuse while receiving anti-contraceptive pills and injections to prevent pregnancies.
For five years (2011-2016), the 15 survivors fought for justice against their perpetrators at the high-risk courts in Guatemala. They faced a lengthy judicial process, challenging stigma and cultural and social taboos that prevent speaking out about sexual violence in Guatemala.
On 26 February 2016, they were successful in reaching justice. The groundbreaking Sepur Zarco case is the first time that a national court in Guatemala condemned sexual violence as a weapon of war
– reaffirming the dignity of the survivors.
The court in Guatemala convicted two former military officers for crimes against humanity, applying international standards. The sentence also orders 18 reparations measures, designed by the survivors and their lawyers, to honour the women through health and housing programs, and measures to educate the next generation.
