Guna Congress challenges Health  Ministry  and bans masks

The General Congress of Guna Culture has issued a resolution that could lead to a confrontation with the Ministry of Health (Minsa)as it struggles to contain the coronavirus which has already hilled over 2,600 citizens.

The resolution prohibits the use of masks, both for residents, officials, and visitors, who according to the document must respect the cultural traditions of this region.

The decision is made at a time when the Ministry emphasizes complying with health measures including the mandatory wearing of a mask.

In the congress resolution issued on October 22, the Guna Cultural Congress also provides for other actions such as suppressing the Covid-19 community health committees and lifting the quarantine throughout the county territory.

The document, says  that the local Gunas authorities have felt that their decision-making authority has been violated by the Health committees and claims that

they are supported in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms recognized in the United Nations Charter.

According to the latest Minsa report  the Guna Yala region registers 889 accumulated cases since the pandemic arrived in the country.