Guatemala - Social development

A social insurance system covers all employees, including agricultural workers. Public employees are covered by a separate program. The pensions for old age, suvivorship, and disability are funded by a small contribution from employees, and larger contribution from employers, and 25% covered by the government. Retirement is set at age 60. Cash and medical benefits are provided for sickness and maternity for employees of firms with more than five workers. Free medical care is provided for those receiving pensions.

Despite legal equality, women are paid significantly less than their male counterparts and are generally employed in low-wage jobs. Some domestic laws also discriminate against women. Women can be charged with adultery, while men can only be charged with a lesser crime. Sexual violence, including domestic violence, is widespread, and most cases go unreported. However, the number of complaints for both rape and spousal abuse has risen in recent years due to the nationwide educational program which has encouraged women to seek help. Sexual harassment is not prohibited by law.

Guatemala's indigenous peoples were the targets of serious human rights abuses by security forces during the civil war. An estimated 100,000 died during the internal conflict, and an additional 40,000 disappeared. The human rights situation has since improved. The government has made efforts to establish peace and respect human rights. However, reports of police mistreatment of detainees continue. It is estimated that indigenous people made up over half the population but are still mostly excluded from the political, economic, and cultural mainstream.