Guatemala City in Guatemala Department, — Central America

Tragedy of the “Virgen de la Asunción” Safe Home

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 19, 2017

1. Tragedy of the “Virgen de la Asunción” Safe Home Marker

Inscription.
Justicia para las niñas
de Guatemala

En memoria de las 41 niñas
asesinadas en el
Hogar Seguro Virgen de la Asunción
renombramos a este espacio como
Plaza de las Niñas de
Guatemala
8 de Marzo

No las olvidamos
Fue el Estado.

English translation:
Justice for the Girls of Guatemala

In memory of the 41 girls murdered in the
“Virgen de la Asunción” Safe Home
we rename this space as the Plaza of the Girls of Guatemala
March 8, 2017

We will not forget
that this was done by the Government.

Erected 2017.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is March 8, 2017.

Location. 14° 38.524′ N, 90° 30.793′ W. Marker is in Guatemala City, Guatemala (Guatemala Department). Marker can be reached from 6a Calle just west of 7a Avenida, on the left when traveling west. The marker is in Zone 1 of Guatemala City, near the center of the Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Plaza). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Guatemala City, Guatemala 01001, Guatemala. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. National Day of Dignity for the Victims of Guatemala's Armed Conflict (here, next to this marker); Guatemalan Revolution of 1944

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to the Victims of Guatemala's Armed Conflict (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Paseo de la Sexta (about 120 meters away); The Central American Act of Independence (about 120 meters away); Shopping Arcade (about 120 meters away); Assassination of Oliverio Castañeda de Leon (about 150 meters away); Presidential House (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guatemala City.

Regarding Tragedy of the “Virgen de la Asunción” Safe Home. The place known as the "Virgin of the Assumption" Safe Home, was a Guatemalan state-run protective center for children and adolescents. Most were the victims of violence, neglect and child abuse. It began to function in 2010 in the nearby municipality of San José Pinula. Since 2010 it had housed minors up to 18 years old and since 2012 it began to house minors with legal problems that had already served criminal sentences but had no relatives to take care of them. On March 8, 2017 a fire started in the center, probably as part of a protest against abuses committed

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 19, 2017

2. Tragedy of the “Virgen de la Asunción” Safe Home Marker

The marker is to the left of the flagpole in this view, with the remains of a recently held memorial service still present at the site. The Cathedral of Guatemala City can be seen to the east in the background.

against the girls housed there. Forty-one young girls died in the ensuing fire. The tragedy was widely blamed on the government's lack of oversight and general poor management of the center.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, June 19, 2017

3. Tragedy of the “Virgen de la Asunción” Safe Home Marker

Memorial artwork left at the site. The text says "Les quemaron su infancia" (English: They burned their childhood.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 364 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 9, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.