Why are peace-agreement documents translated into Mayan languages in Guatemala?

In Guatemala, peace-agreement documents—specifically those related to the 1996 accords that ended the country's 36-year civil war—are translated into more than 20 Mayan languages to reflect a commitment to acknowledging the experiences of Indigenous peoples, who suffered the most during the conflict.12

While Spanish remains the language of official transactions, the translation of these documents serves as an important step in redressing historical grievances and honoring the rights of Maya communities. Furthermore, this practice aligns with a broader movement that has gained momentum since the late 20th century to assert Maya ethnic identity and promote the use of various Mayan languages in both literature and daily life, ensuring that the terms of peace are accessible to the diverse populations they directly impact.12