Statement from FAMDEGUA: No to Impunity in the Constitutional Court
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. The re-election of Roberto Molina Barreto and Luis Alfonso Rosales Marroquín [...]
February Solidarity Update
This February marked the arrival of a new cycle in the Mayan calendar: Jun Kej, a day associated with strength, balance, and the guardianship of the land. In many communities across Guatemala, it is [...]
Statement | Enough Impunity: The People of Guatemala Deserve Justice
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. ENOUGH IMPUNITY THE PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA DESERVE JUSTICE On February 25, [...]
✨ January Solidarity Update / Actualización Solidaria de Enero ✨
[Español a continuación] In Guatemala, even in the darkest and most painful moments, life is sustained collectively. Solidarity, mutual support, and the simple act of showing up for one another provide the strength to [...]
Statement: For the self-determination of peoples and internationalist solidarity
[Español a continuación] The Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) shares its position on the illegal military action carried out by the United States in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which [...]
✊🏽 December Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Diciembre ✊🏽
The page turns on the Gregorian calendar, but time — like memory and resistance — moves to its own rhythm. Still, the opening of 2026 invites us to pause, take a breath, and thank [...]
Statement from ADH: Solidarity with Venezuela Against U.S. Military Strikes
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. TO THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OPINION: On this January 3, [...]
Statement from the Peaceful Resistance La Puya on the ICSID Decision in KCA v. Guatemala
You can find the statement in Spanish further below. Statement from the Peaceful Resistance La Puya to the Guatemalan and International Community in response to the decision of the International Arbitration Tribunal (CIADI) in [...]
Press Release: New Suspension of Genocide Trial Perpetuates Impunity
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. PRESS RELEASE WE DEMAND THE FULFILLMENT OF THE HUMAN RIGHT TO [...]
✨ November Solidarity Update / Actualización Solidaria de Noviembre ✨
[Español a continuación] Every November 1st, giant kites fill the skies over cemeteries across Guatemala. These barriletes gigantes—intricately decorated with vibrant colors and ancestral symbols—rise as bridges between worlds, carrying messages to those [...]
Connected by Water and Hope – Generations in Struggle Speaking Tour Report
In university classrooms, on church pews, and at the edges of rivers and forests, the people of North Carolina learned how the Indigenous Xinka People of Guatemala continue to successfully protect water and land from the [...]
🌺 October Solidarity Update / Actualización Solidaria de Octubre 🌺
[Español a continuación] In this month of October, Maya Peoples celebrate Waqxaqib’ B’atz’, the New Year of the sacred Chol Q’ij calendar — a time to renew our collective commitment to life, community, and [...]
Marking Two Years Since the 2023 National Strike: “Defending Our Peoples’ Democracy to the Very End”
This October marks two years since the 2023 Indigenous National Strike in Guatemala, a historic mobilization that brought together thousands of people across the country in defense of democracy, dignity, and the rights of [...]
ADH Statement: October 12 & 20 — Resistance and Self-Determination
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. PRESS RELEASE Before national and international public opinion, we make known: [...]
🗓️ Celebrate the Harvest of Resistance: Pre-Order the NISGUA 2026 Calendar!
We’re thrilled to announce that the NISGUA 2026 Calendar is now available for pre-order! Every month features stunning photographs capturing the resilience, creativity, and determination of communities in Guatemala. From food sovereignty and [...]
NISGUA Speaking Tour in North Carolina — Generations in Struggle: Indigenous People’s Experiences Defending Land, Water and Territory in Guatemala
From October 20-24, NISGUA will be in North Carolina hosting a speaking tour with the Diocesan Commission for the Defense of Nature (CODIDENA), one of the organizations we provide human rights accompaniment for. [...]
📖 September Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Septiembre 📖
[Español abajo] September marks the month when Guatemala celebrates its independence—but for many communities, the promise of freedom remains unfulfilled. Indigenous People, environmental defenders, and social movements continue facing systemic racism, inequality, and criminalization. [...]
Interview Series – Where Joy Meets Struggle: Mother Earth Festival (Part 2)
Part 2: Community Power, Building the Future Reminder of the first part In the first part of the interview, we met Rafael and José from the New Dawn Elementary School, who shared with us [...]
Parliament of the Xinka Peoples’ Statement: Standing United Against Disinformation
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. STATEMENT PARLIAMENT OF THE XINKA PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA TO THE GENERAL [...]
🌱 August Solidarity Update / Actualización Solidaria de Agosto 🌱
As August comes to a close in Guatemala, the canícula — the midsummer dry spell — gives way to the return of the rains. These waters are vital for the milpa, the traditional fields [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Neoliberalism & Forced Migration – Violence Against Guatemala’s Indigenous Peoples
Internacionalista Taz (they/elle) wrote this reflection in August 2025. Late July, it is hot in Santa Anita las Canoas, the small Maya Kaqchikel community in Chimaltenango, a department in the central highlands of Guatemala. [...]
Statement from Indigenous Authorities on Criminalization and Political Persecution
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. FROM OUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES WE INDIGENOUS AUTHORITIES DECLARE: 1. Our [...]
Photo Storytelling: Witnessing Resistance – Stories of Justice, Memory, and Community
This photo storytelling highlights a visit to organized communities in the Kaqchikel region within the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) at the end of July 2025. Through these images, Internacionalista Tas shares their [...]
Serie de Entrevistas – Donde la Alegría se Encuentra con la Lucha: Festival Madre Tierra (Parte 1)
Parte 1: Orígenes y Evolución de una Lucha Comunitaria Sobre esta entrevista La siguiente conversación fue realizada durante el 11º Festival por la Madre Tierra en la comunidad de Copal AA La Esperanza, Guatemala, [...]
Interview Series – Where Joy Meets Struggle: Mother Earth Festival (Part 1)
Part 1: Origins and Evolution of a Community Struggle About this Interview This conversation took place during the 11th Mother Earth Festival, held in June 2025 in the community of Copal AA “La Esperanza,” [...]
ADH Proposal Towards a National Water Law / Propuesta de la ADH hacia una Ley Nacional de Aguas
[Español abajo] In recent years, Guatemala has been experiencing growing water scarcity, driven both by climate change and by the unregulated use of water by extractive industries and monocultures. Since 1991, Guatemalan legislators have [...]
✨ Apply Now: GAP Internacionalista 2026 – Solidarity in Action // ¡Postúlate ahora! GAP Internacionalista 2026 – Solidaridad en Acción ✨
[Español más abajo] Calling Organizers Committed to Justice: Apply to Join our 2026 GAP Internacionalista Cohort Organizers in the United States and in Guatemala have a great deal at stake. Across Guatemala and the [...]
ADH Statement: In Defense of Indigenous Peoples on Their International Day / Comunicado de la ADH: En Defensa de los Pueblos Indígenas en su Día Internacional
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. THE DEPARTMENTAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLES OF HUEHUETENANGO IN DEFENSE OF [...]
🌍 July Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Julio 🌍
July holds special meaning in Guatemala, marked by “El Día Fuera del Tiempo” (The Day Beyond Time), on the 25th—a sacred close to the Maya Calendar’s 13 moons and 364 days, inviting reflection, [...]
Statement from the Maya Ch’orti’ Indigenous Council of Olopa: Criminalization for Opposing Mining / Comunicado del Consejo Indígena Maya Ch’orti’ de Olopa: Criminalización por Oponerse a la Minería
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. THE MAYA CH'ORTI INDIGENOUS COUNCIL OF OLOPA, CHIQUIMULA COMMUNICATES As [...]
ADH Statement: 19 Years of Struggle and Territorial Defense / Comunicado de ADH: 19 Años de Lucha y Defensa del Territorio
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. ADH MARCHES ON: 19 years of struggle to defend our territory This July [...]
AJR and ODHAG’s Statement: Justice and Memory in the Face of a Genocide Perpetrator’s Impunity / Comunicado de AJR y ODHAG: Justicia y memoria ante la impunidad de un genocida
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. PRESS RELEASE The Association for Justice and Reconciliation - AJR - [...]
Statement from Xinka Territory: Escazú, Sign for Life / Comunicado desde Territorio Xinka: Escazú, Firma por la Vida
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. CAMPAIGN LAUNCH ESCAZÚ-SIGN FOR LIFE The Youth Commission of the Parliament [...]
Perspectivas de les Acompañantes: Dignidad Frente a la Injusticia – Celebrando 12 Años de la Sentencia por Genocidio Ixil
Internacionalista Nick (he/él) escribió esta carta entre los meses de junio y julio de 2025. Desde la Ciudad de Guatemala hasta Nebaj, la ciudad más grande de la región de Ixil, son siete horas [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Dignity in the Face of Injustice – Celebrating 12 Years of the Ixil Genocide Conviction
Internacionalista Nick (he/él) wrote this letter in the months of June and July 2025. From Guatemala City to Nebaj, the largest city in the Ixil region of Guatemala, it's a seven-hour drive, up and [...]
Ixil Authority’s Speech: “They Shot Our Leaders, But Not Our Voice” / Discurso de Autoridad Ixil: “Mataron a Nuestros Líderes, Pero No Nuestra Voz”
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original speech in Spanish further below. On June 21 and 22, the Day of Ixil [...]
June Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Junio
[Español a continuación] Dear NISGUA friends, In June’s Solidarity Update, we’re honored to share stories from Guatemala that speak to the power of memory, resistance, and community. From Indigenous gatherings that honor past struggles, [...]
ADH Official Statement: Solidarity with El Estor and the Right to Self-Determination // Comunicado Oficial de la ADH: Solidaridad con El Estor y el Derecho a la Autodeterminación
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. Before [...]
AJR and ODHAG Statement: Constitutional Court protects criminals, denies victims justice // Comunicado de AJR y ODHAG: Corte de Constitucionalidad protege criminales, niega justicia a víctimas
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. The [...]
June 21 – Ixil Dignity Day Statement // 21 de Junio – Comunicado del Día de la Dignidad Ixil
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. The [...]
“We keep searching for them, until we find them”-National Day Against Enforced Disappearance Statement / “Seguimos buscándoles, hasta encontrarles”-Declaración del Día Nacional contra la Desaparición Forzada
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. WE [...]
📷 🎞️ ¡Convocatoria para fotos para el Calendario de NISGUA 2026!
Tema: "Cosecha" Hay algo poderoso en la temporada de cosecha — ese momento cuando meses o años de cuidado paciente finalmente dan fruto. Las semillas plantadas con esperanza se transforman en sustento, en celebración, [...]
📷 🎞️ Call for Photos: NISGUA 2026 Calendar!
Theme: "Harvest" There's something powerful about harvest season — that moment when months or years of careful tending finally bear fruit. Seeds planted with hope transform into sustenance, into celebration, into proof that persistence [...]
Voices That Changed History: The Xinka Nation’s Story of Resistance // Voces que Cambiaron la Historia: La Resistencia de la Nación Xinka
[Español a continuación] Some stories demand to be heard—not just because they inspire, but because they show us what's possible when communities refuse to accept the unacceptable. "Voz de la Nación Xinka" is one [...]
Comunicado de prensa con motivo del 8º Aniversario de la Resistencia Pacífica del Pueblo Xinka: “En nombre de la vida, la tierra y el agua, la resistencia continúa.”
El día de hoy, 8 de junio de 2025, conmemoramos ocho años de resistencia pacífica del Pueblo Xinka aquí en Casillas frente al proyecto minero El Escobal ubicado en San Rafael las Flores [...]
Press Release on the occasion of the 8th Anniversary of the Xinka People’s Peaceful Resistance: “In the name of life, land and water—the resistance continues.”
Today, we commemorate eight years of peaceful resistance by the Xinka People here in Casillas to the Escobal mining project located in San Rafael Las Flores and operated by the transnational company, Pan [...]
May Solidarity Update / Actualización Solidaria de Mayo
[Español a continuación] Dear NISGUA friends, May is a powerful and beautiful month. In Guatemala, the rains return and the land turns green. It’s also a time of remembrance—when communities honor their history and [...]
Statement: “We demand Justice for Achi Women” // Comunicado: “Exigimos Justicia para las Mujeres Achi”
You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. WE DEMAND JUSTICE FOR ACHI WOMEN Today, May 30, 2025, after four months of [...]
Perspectivas de les acompañantes: Sobre ser “cuellos rígidos”
Ethan estuvo en Guatemala como Internacionalista con NISGUA durante 2024–2025. Escribió esta última carta en enero de 2025, reflexionando sobre su experiencia y sobre las personas y movimientos que dejaron una profunda huella en [...]
Accompanier perspectives: On Being Stiff Necked
Ethan was in Guatemala as an Internacionalista with NISGUA during 2024–2025. They wrote this final letter in January 2025, reflecting on their experience and the people and movements that left a deep impression on [...]
Statement from the Xinka People: Support for Persecuted Indigenous Authorities // Comunicado del Pueblo Xinka: Apoyo a Autoridades Indígenas
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. Xinka [...]
Statement from the Coordinator of Ixil Organizations on the 12th Anniversary of the Genocide Verdict // Comunicado de la Coordinadora de Organizaciones Ixiles en el 12° Aniversario de la Sentencia por Genocidio
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. Coordinating [...]
April Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Abril 2025
[Español a continuación] In the April Solidarity Update: 🌱 ACODET’s General Assembly elected new Board members for 2025-2027. The representatives signed a statement and reaffirmed their commitment to defending territory, water, and life against [...]
Statement: The Xinka People do not consent to the “El Escobal” Mining Project // Comunicado: El Pueblo Xinka no da su consentimiento al Proyecto Minero “El Escobal”
Unofficial translation by the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). You can find the original statement in Spanish further below. // Puedes encontrar el comunicado original en español más abajo. The [...]
March Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Marzo 2025
[Español a continuación] In the March Solidarity Update: 💧 On World Water Day, Guatemalan communities celebrated their efforts to protect water. Various collectives and organizations participated in events on water management and community-driven water [...]
Comunicado de la Asamblea General de ACODET 2025
ASOCIACIÓN DE COMUNIDADES PARA EL DESARROLLO Y LA DEFENSA DE LA TIERRA Y LOS RECURSOS NATURALES (ACODET) En esta Asamblea General 2025, las comunidades amenazadas por la construcción de la represa Xalalá reafirmamos nuestro [...]
Statement of ACODET’s 2025 General Assembly
ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, DEFENSE OF THE LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES (ACODET) At this 2025 General Assembly, the communities threatened by the construction of the Xalalá dam reaffirm our commitment to continue [...]
Perspectivas de les acompañantes: Cómo seguir luchando contra una mina durante 17 años
La internacionalista Greta (elle/ella) escribió esta carta en septiembre de 2024 y la revisó en marzo de 2025. Hoy quiero escribirles sobre organización intergeneracional, la formación de comunidad campesina, conexión con la tierra y [...]
Accompanier perspectives: How to Keep Fighting a Mine for 17 Years
Internacionalista Greta (they/elle/ella) wrote this letter in September, 2024 and revised it in March, 2025. Today I’d like to write about intergenerational organizing, rural community building, connection to the land, and what it takes [...]
February Solidarity Update
In the February Solidarity Update: 🌎 A delegation from Needham, Massachusetts, visited Santa María Tzejá to strengthen a 38-year partnership and support the community's priorities. Their visit coincided with the commemoration of the 1982 [...]
Marco Rubio and the Future of Internationalist Solidarity
From February 1-6, 2025, Marco Rubio traveled to Central America for his first official visits as U.S. Secretary of State. With the exception of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Belize, every country hosted Rubio. His stated [...]
Justice and Dignity: March for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict in Guatemala
(Español más abajo) On February 25, 2025, a march took place in Guatemala to commemorate National Victims' Dignity Day of the Internal Armed Conflict. The mobilization, which gathered over 500 people, began at the [...]
“The Molina Theissen Sentence should stay final”. Statement from social organizations in support of the case
(Spanish below) On February 6, 2025, an appeal hearing of the 2018 sentence of the Molina Theissen case was held. This sentence sentenced Benedicto Lucas García, Manuel Callejas y Callejas, and Hugo Zaldaña Rojas [...]
Comunicado de intercambio de defensores de la tierra de Guatemala, El Salvador y Honduras
Integrantes de la Asamblea Departamental de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH) asistieron a un intercambio de defensores de la tierra de El Salvador, Honduras y Guatemala. Lea el comunicado que compartieron exigiendo la protección [...]
December Solidarity Update
Includes: The Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) denounces the dismissal of the tribunal in the Maya Ixil genocide case against Manuel Benedicto Lucas García. They point to this derailment of the case as [...]
Statement from gathering of land defenders from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras
Organizers from the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) attended a gathering of land defenders from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Read their shared statement demanding protection of water, land, and communities, [...]
PRESS RELEASE: AJR AND ODHAG DENNOUNCE IMPUNITY IN THE LUCAS GARCÍA GENOCIDE TRIAL
(Spanish below) On November, 28 The First Chamber of Appeals accepted an injuction filed by the defense of Manuel Benedicto Lucas García to disqualify the High Risk Crimes Court A, claiming that the Tribunal [...]
AJR and ODHAG Press Release: Update Lucas García Ixil Genocide case
On a press conference on November 21, 2024, representatives from AJR ( Association for Justice and Reconciliation) and ODHAG (Human Rights Office of the Archbishop of Guatemala) demanded that the First Court of Appeals [...]
Nota de Prensa de AJR y ODHAG: Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil periodo Lucas García
En una conferencia de prensa el 21 de noviembre de 2024, representantes de la AJR (Asociación por la Justicia y la Reconciliación) y ODHAG (Oficina de Derechos Humanos del Arzobispado de Guatemala) exigieron que [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: El exilio y la montaña
Ethan, Internacionalista 2024, escribió esta carta el 9 de octubre de 2024 después de una visita a ex presos políticos en Huehuetenango. La sierra de los Cuchumatanes se extiende 400 kilómetros por [...]
Accompanier perspectives: Exile & Mountain
Ethan, Internacionalista 2024, wrote this letter on October 9th, 2024 after a visit to ex-political prisoners in Huehuetenango. The Cuchumatanes mountains stretch 400 kilometers across the departments of Huehuetenango and Quiché in [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 7 al 8 de noviembre del 2024: Conclusiones de los abogados de la AJR y el MP
7 de noviembre del 2024 La defensa del acusado, el General Manuel Benedicto Lucas García, buscó retrasar el juicio al solicitar que un perito del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Forenses (INACIF) confirmara si la [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. 7th -8th November: Conclusions of the Public Ministry and AJR lawyers
November 7th The defense of the accused, the General Manuel Benedicto Lucas García, sought to delay the trial by soliciting an expert witness from the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) to confirm that [...]
AJR-ODHAG Statement: We are approaching a new Genocide sentence // Comunicado AJR-ODHAG: Nos acercamos a una nueva sentencia por Genocidio
[Español a continuación] As the Maya Ixil Genocide case against ex-general Manuel Benedicto Lucas García comes to a close, the Association for Justice and Reconciliation -AJR- and The Human Rights Office of the Archbishop [...]
CALDH’s statement: There was Genocide in Guatemala // Comunicado de CALDH: En Guatemala sí hubo Genocidio
[Español abajo] Published October 31st, 2024 by CALDH (Center for Legal Action in Human Rights for its initials in Spanish) THERE WAS GENOCIDE IN GUATEMALA Two Courts of Justice have ruled that there was [...]
October Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Octubre 2024
[Español a continuación] In the October Solidarity Update: ⚖️ As the Ixil Genocide Case against Manuel Benedicto Lucas García comes to a close, this update includes an opportunity to take action in solidarity with [...]
Toma acción: Sobrevivientes del Genocidio Maya Ixil exigen justicia ahora
Noviembre marca el cierre del caso genocidio Maya Ixil contra Manuel Benedicto Lucas García, el Jefe del Estado Mayor del Ejército Guatemalteco, entre 1981 y 1982. Les invitamos a mostrar solidaridad con integrantes de [...]
Take Action: Maya Ixil Genocide Survivors Demand Justice Now
November marks the close of the Maya Ixil genocide case against Manuel Benedicto Lucas García, Chief of the General Staff of the Guatemalan Army between 1981 and 1982. We invite you to show your [...]
Statement/Comunicado: Reaffirming our solidarity with the Palestinian people // Reafirmando nuestra solidaridad con el pueblo Palestino
Español a continuación The Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) reaffirms its solidarity with the Palestinian people who defend life and territory, resist occupation and apartheid, and struggle against [...]
September Solidarity Update // Actualización Solidaria de Septiembre 2024
Members of the delegation assemble before beginning their journey. Photo by NISGUA // Integrantes de la delegación se reúnen antes de iniciar su viaje. Foto de NISGUA (Español abajo) Dear NISGUA friends, [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 18 al 19 de septiembre del 2024
Miércoles 18 de septiembre audiencia 72 Este día se presentó el perito en arqueología forense Donaldo Arnulfo Castillo Valdez. Ratificó 3 peritajes que realizó cuando trabajaba con el Centro de Análisis Forense y Ciencias [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. September 18-19, 2024
Wednesday, September 18th, hearing 72 On this day the expert in forensic anthropology Donaldo Arnulfo Castillo Valdez was presented. He ratified 3 expert reports which he conducted when he worked with the Center of [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 9 al 12 de septiembre del 2024
Lunes 9 de septiembre, audiencia 69 Este día se presentó la perito Claudia Eugenia Rivera Fernández, quien ratificó 4 peritajes. El primero está relacionado a la exhumación realizada en Acul, Nebaj, Quiché de fecha [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. September 9-12, 2024
Monday, September 9, hearing 69 The expert witness Claudia Eugenia Rivera Fernandez appeared and ratified 4 expert reports. The first is related to the exhumation carried out in Acul, Nebaj, Quiché on April 20, [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. September 2nd 2024
September 2, 2024, Hearing 68 On Monday, September 2, the expert Guillermo Vázquez appeared at the Court via zoom call from the Guatemalan consulate in Mexico. His first expert report corresponds to the one [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. 2 de septiembre del 2024
Lunes 2 de septiembre de 2024. Audiencia 68 El lunes 2 de septiembre se presentó desde el consulado de Guatemala en México el perito Guillermo Vázquez. El primer peritaje corresponde al realizado en el [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. August 19-21, 2024
This week 9 witnesses of massacres and one witness of sexual violence testified in Santa Maria Nebaj against Lucas Garcia for the massacres and crimes committed in 1982. Outside the courthouse in Nebaj, a [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 19 al 21 de agosto del 2024
Esta semana se presentaron en Santa María Nebaj 9 testigos de masacres y una testiga de violencia sexual, para testificar contra el ex- militar Benedicto Lucas García por las masacres y crímenes cometidos en [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. August 12 & 13, 2024
Monday, August 12, Hearing 63 The presiding judge informed those present in the courtroom that on Saturday, August 10, Lucas Garcia's defense filed a written recusal against the Tribunal. According to the defense lawyers, [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 12 al 13 de agosto del 2024
Lunes 12 de Agosto, Audiencia 63 El juez presidente informó a los presentes en la sala de audiencias que el sábado 10 de agosto, la defensa de Lucas García planteó una recusación por escrito [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. August 5-9, 2024
Monday, August 5, 2024, hearing 59 The anthropologist Rodolfo Leyva was present to ratify several social anthropology expert reports in which testimonies were collected from survivors in order to identify their relatives. The expert [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 5 al 9 de agosto
Lunes 5 de agosto 2024, audiencia 59 Se presentó el antropólogo Rodolfo Leyva, para ratificar varios peritajes en antropología social en los cuales se recabaron testimonios de los y las sobrevivientes para poder identificar [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: A Photo Album from Guatemala
Michelle Liang (she/her) wrote this letter in July, 2024. This Friends and Chosen Family letter is a little different. I thought, sometimes my favorite way of receiving stories is sitting down with my friends [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Álbum de fotos de Guatemala
Michelle Liang (ella) internacionalista 2023-2024 escribió esta carta en julio de 2024. Esta carta de Amigos y Familia Elegida es un poco diferente. Estaba pensando que, a veces, mi forma favorita de recibir historias [...]
Comunicados Del Intercambio de Los Comunidades de a Costa Sur, Huehuetenango, y Ixil
En abril y junio, la ADH (Asamblea Departmental por la Defensa de los Territorios de Huehuetenango) se reunió con otras organizaciones y comunidades de la Costa Sur, Huehuetenango, y Quiché para compartir sus estrategías [...]
Joint Statements from the Indigenous Communities of the Southern Coast, Huehuetenango, and Ixil
In April and June, ADH (the Departmental Assembly for the Defense of Territories of Huehuetenango) met with other organizations and communities from the Southern Coast, Huehuetenango, and Quiché to exchange strategies and wisdom about [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 30 de julio al primero de agosto
Martes 30 de julio, audiencia 56 “Quedamos con este miedo de que en cualquier momento nos pueden matar también.” Sobreviviente del genocidio Ixil En la audiencia de hoy se incorporaron 2 pruebas documentales y [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. July 30th – August 1st, 2024
Tuesday, July 30th, Hearing 56 “We lived with the fear that at any moment they could kill us, too.” Survivor of the Ixil genocide In today’s hearing, the Public Prosecutor’s Office presented two pieces [...]
Comunicado de Prensa: Después de la derrota de un intento del ex general Lucas García para desestimar el caso de Genocidio Ixil, los ancianos Maya Ixil se preparan para dar su testimonio en Nebaj, Guatemala la próxima semana
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA 15 de agosto de 2024 PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA Contacto: Michelle Liang, Acompañante Internacional, NISGUA internacionalista@nisgua.org | +502 4873 4422 Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala - El lunes 12 de agosto de 2024, las [...]
Press Release: Post-defeat of an attempt by the accused ex-general Lucas Garcia to dismiss the Ixil Genocide case, Maya Ixil elders prepare to give their testimony in Nebaj, Guatemala next week
August 15, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Michelle Liang, International Accompanier, NISGUA internacionalista@nisgua.org | +502 4873 4422 Guatemala City, Guatemala - On Monday August 12, 2024, the defense lawyers of ex-general Manuel Benedícto Lucas [...]
Statement: Malicious Attempt at Dismissal in the Genocide Case
On Saturday, August 10, the defense of former general Benedicto Lucas García filed a legal action to recuse the court, since according to the lawyers the court allowed the Public Prosecutor's Office to overreach [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 22 al 25 de julio de 2024
Lunes 22 de julio, Audiencia 52 Este día se continuó la escucha de la declaración en anticipo de prueba de la testiga María Marcos. La testigo señaló que cuando los soldados quemaron su casa [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. July 22-25, 2024
Monday, July 22, Hearing 52 This day the hearing continued with the testimony of the witness María Marcos. The witness pointed out that when the soldiers burned her house in Pexla, she was with [...]
Over a hundred people celebrate ADH’s 18th anniversary in Aguacatán, Huehuetenango
On July 26, 2024, over a hundred people joined the Departmental Assembly of the People of Huehuetenango in Defense of Territory and for the Autonomy and Free Determination of the People -ADH- in celebrating [...]
Más de Cien Personas Celebran el 18º aniversario de ADH en Aguacatán, Huehuetenango
En 26 de Julio, 2024, más que cien personas se unieron a La Asamblea Departmental de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango en Defensa del Territorio y por la Autonomía y Libre Determinación de los Pueblos [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Update. July 15-18, 2024.
Photo by NISGUA. Defense witnesses testify in the Ixil Genocide Trial. Tuesday, July 16. Weekly Update for July 15-18 Monday, July 15, hearing 47 On Monday the 15th, the lawyers of Manuel Benedicto [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 15 al 18 de julio de 2024
Foto de NISGUA. Testigos de la defensa declaran en el Juicio por Genocidio Ixil. Martes, 16 de julio. Lunes 15 de julio, audiencia 47 El lunes 15, las abogadas de Manuel Benedicto Lucas [...]
July Solidarity Update 2024 // Actualización Solidaria de Julio 2024
Members of the CRLN delegation and members of NISGUA leaving a visit to a witness in the genocide case against Lucas García, in the Ixil region. Credits: Juan V. Miembros de la delegación de [...]
FAMDEGUA Statement on the Bámaca Velásquez Case
Photo by NISGUA. Jennifer Harbury sits before the court on July 16th, 2024. On July 16th, Jennifer Harbury, the widow of Efraín Bámaca Velásquez (also known as Comandante Everardo), was to declare for [...]
Ixil Genocide case Update. July 8th-10th, 2024.
The photograph reads “Peritajes Genocidio Ixil. The expert in forensic anthropology, Danny Aroldo Guzmán, concluded today before the First Court of Criminal Sentence that is conducting the trial against former general Manuel Benedicto Lucas [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 8 al 10 de julio de 2024
Fotografía de perito presentando las conclusiones de su peritaje antropólogico forense ante el Tribunal. Foto: FGER Lunes 8 de julio Audiencia 44 Esta semana, continuó la presencia en la sala de audiencias de [...]
Video Copal AA La Esperanza: Historia, Cambio Climático, y Relación de Guatemala con EE.UU
La comunidad Copal AA La Esperanza fue establecida en 1994 por personas retornadas después de estar refugiadas en México. Vivieron en el exilio por una década debido a la política estatal de genocidio [...]
Video Copal AA La Esperanza: History, Climate Change, and the Relationship between Guatemala and the US
The community of Copal AA La Esperanza was established in 1996 by Guatemalan refugees returning from exile in Mexico. They lived in exile for a decade due to the state policy of genocide [...]
Actualización del caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 2 al 4 de julio de 2024
Martes 2 de julio, audiencia 41 Se presentó por videoconferencia el perito Alejandro Valencia Villa, para ratificar su peritaje del 2015, basado en Derecho Penal Humanitario Internacional. El perito ha trabajado anteriormente en Guatemala, [...]
Ixil Genocide case Update. July 2nd-4th, 2024.
Tuesday July 2nd, Hearing 41 Expert witness Alejandro Valencia Villa was presented himself by videoconference to ratify his 2015 expert report, based on International Humanitarian Criminal Law. The expert witness has previously worked in [...]
Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 25 al 27 de junio de 2024
Martes 25 de junio, audiencia 39 Al inicio de la audiencia la licenciada de los querellantes,. Jovita Tzul solicitó a los Jueces que, debido a que se le otorgó un amparo a la defensa [...]
Ixil Genocide case Update. June 25th-27th, 2024.
Tuesday June 25th, hearing 39 At the beginning of the hearing, the plaintiffs' attorney, Jovita Tzul, requested that the judges, due to the fact that the defense of Manuel Benedicto Lucas García was granted [...]
Foto Reportaje: La comunidad de Copal AA celebró su décimo festival del medioambiente
El 6 y 7 de junio de 2024, la comunidad de Copal AA, una comunidad de retornades de México después del Conflicto Armado Interno [...]
Photo Report: The community of Copal AA celebrates its 10th environmental festival
On June 6-7, 2024, the community of Copal AA- a community of returnees from Mexico after the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC) and leader of [...]
June Solidarity Update 2024 // Actualización Solidaria de Junio 2024
Youth in Copal AA march towards the river with signs denouncing contamination of the earth and water. Photo by NISGUA internacionalistas. Jóvenes de Copal AA marchan hacia el río con carteles que denuncian la [...]
Ixil Genocide case Update. June 18 – 21th, 2024.
Tuesday June 18th, Hearing 37 “I saw with my own eyes and felt with my own body all the pain that the army caused” Tiburcio Utuy (✝) On the 37th day of [...]
Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 18 al 21 de junio de 2024
Martes 18 de junio, audiencia 37 “Lo vi con mis propios ojos y sentí con mi propio cuerpo todo el dolor que causó el ejército” Tiburcio Utuy (✝) En el día 37 [...]
7 años de la Resistencia Pacífica del pueblo Xinka de Casillas
Fotografía de: NISGUA. Tablero dentro de la Resistencia Pacífica de Casillas, mayo de 2024. Este 7 de junio se cumplieron 7 años de la “Resistencia de Casillas” que mantiene el pueblo Xinka como [...]
7 years of the Peaceful Resistance of the Xinka people of Casillas
Photograph by: NISGUA. Board inside the Peaceful Resistance of Casillas, May 2024. This June 7 marked the 7th anniversary of the "Casillas Resistance" that the Xinka people have been maintaining to defend their [...]
Ixil Genocide Update. June 10th – 14th, 2024.
Monday June 10th, 2024, Hearing 34 "Repression also reached the civilian population that the army considered sympathetic or collaborator to the guerrilla." Kate Doyle On Monday, attorney Peralta, defense of Benedicto Lucas Garcia, began [...]
Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil. 10 al 14 de junio de 2024
Lunes 10 de junio del 2024, Audiencia 34 “La represión también alcanzaba a la población civil que el ejército considerara simpatizante o colaboradora de la guerrilla” Kate Doyle El lunes la abogada Peralta, defensa [...]
Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil. 4 al 7 de junio de 2024
Martes 4 de junio de 2024 “En un caso como este deben ser preponderantes los testimonios de las víctimas” Perito Arsenio García El martes 4 de junio el perito del estado español Arsenio Garcia, [...]
Ixil Genocide Case Lucas Garcia period and Sexual Violence – Summary
ESPAÑOL ABAJO Case: Ixil Genocide, period of the government of General Fernando Romeo Lucas García, (July 1, 1978 to March 23, 1982) In 2008, the ODHAG accepted the request of the [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Ser una acompañante asiática-americana
Michelle Liang (ella) internacionalista 2023-2024 escribió esta carta en febrero de 2024. Fotografía por internacionalista NISGUA. Ciudad de Guatemala. Enero 2024 ¡Gracias por leerme! Había escrito esta carta hace un tiempo, [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Being an Asian American Accompanier
Michelle Liang (she/her) internacionalista 2023-2024 wrote this letter on February, 2024. Photo by NISGUA Internacionalista. Guatemala City. January 2024 Thank you for reading! I had written this letter a while ago, [...]
Delegación Memoria y Resistencia
Únete a NISGUA del 9 al 13 de septiembre para solidarizarte con las comunidades mayas Achí y Kaqchikel de la Asociación por la Justicia y Reconciliación (AJR), sobrevivientes de Genocidio durante el Conflicto Armado [...]
Memory and Resistance Delegation
Join NISGUA from September 9-13 to build solidarity with the Achí and Kaqchikel Mayan communities of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), survivors of Genocide during the Internal Armed Conflict in Guatemala, who [...]
Ixil Genocide Update. May 27th – 30th, 2024.
Monday May 27th, 2024 Dr. Elizabeth Oglesby, a United States researcher, presented her findings confirming forced displacement suffered by the Ixil people. Oglesby recounted her initial work in Guatemala during the 1980s in the [...]
Ixil Genocide Update. May 20th – 24th, 2024.
Monday May 20th, 2024. The first forensic anthropology expert Raúl Humberto Archila García, who worked at the FAFG (Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation) until 2013, was present to affirm 3 expert reports on various individual [...]
Ixil Genocide Update. May 13h – 17th, 2024.
Monday, May 13th, 2024 “Today the hearing was suspended due to a problem in the judicial branch network, which was defined as “unusual”. This made it difficult to connect the courtroom with the Military [...]
Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil. 27 al 30 de mayo de 2024
Lunes 27 de Mayo de 2024 Se presentó la Doctora Elizabeth Oglesby de origen estadounidense quien ratificó el peritaje de desplazamiento forzado causado a la población Ixil. Oglesby relató que llegó por primera vez [...]
Actualización caso genocidio Ixil. 20 al 24 de mayo de 2024
Lunes 20 de mayo Se presentó el primer perito en antropología forense Raúl Humberto Archila García, quien trabajó en la FAFG (Fundación de Antropología Forense de Guatemala) hasta 2013 y se presentó a ratificar [...]
Actualización caso genocidio Ixil- del 13 al 17 de mayo de 2024
Lunes 13 de mayo “El día de hoy se suspendió la audiencia debido a un problema en la red del Organismo Judicial que se definió como "inusual". Esto impidió conectar la sala de audiencias [...]
Ixil genocide case update: May, 6th to 9th, 2024
Hearings accompanied by AJR Rabinal region Monday May 6th, 2024 Diego Avilés Toma, Cajixay, San Juan Cotzal Witness Diego Avilés recounted that his village was burned by elements of the Guatemalan army on [...]
Actualización caso genocidio Ixil – del 6 al 9 de mayo 2024
Audiencias acompañadas por AJR región Rabinal Lunes 6 de mayo Diego Avilés Toma, Cajixay, San Juan Cotzal El testigo Diego Avilés relató que su aldea fue quemada por elementos del ejército de Guatemala, [...]
Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil. 29 y 30 de abril de 2024
Lunes 29 de abril Audiencia acompañada por Autoridades Indigenas Ancestrales de la región Ixil Primera testiga Petrona López de Paz, Estrella Polar La testiga vivía en Estrella Polar el 23 marzo de 1982, cuando [...]
Ixil Genocide Update. April 29th and 30th, 2024.
Monday April 29 Hearing attended by Ancestral Indigenous Authorities of the Ixil Region First witness: Petrona López de Paz, Estrella Polar. The witness lived in Estrella Polar on March 23rd of 1982, when soldiers [...]
Twenty-five years since the publication of the Military Diary
(ESPAÑOL ABAJO) Twenty-five years since the publication of the military intelligence document known as the Dossier of Death (Dossier de la Muerte) or Military Diary, families, victims and survivors of State terror and the [...]
John Sutton, ¡presente!
John Sutton, ¡presente! John Sutton, defensor incansable de las luchas por la liberación de los pueblos, ha dejado un vacío imposible de llenar. Su legado, marcado por su compromiso inquebrantable con la conciencia y [...]
John Sutton Presente!
John Sutton, presente! John Sutton, tireless community leader for peoples' liberation struggles, has left a void that is impossible to fill. His legacy, marked by his unwavering commitment to awareness and action for justice [...]
Actualización caso Genocidio Ixil. Del 22 al 25 de abril de 2024.
Esta semana en la sala de audiencia hay colocados biombos que protegen la identidad de las mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual quienes brindaron su testimonio. Acompañaron en la sala de audiencias representantes de las [...]
Ixil Genocide Case update. April 22nd -25th, 2024.
This week, they placed screens in the courtoom that protect the identities of the women who were victims of sexual violence as they gave their testimony. With them in the courtroom were representatives of [...]
Estado del Caso: Genocidio Ixil, periodo de gobierno del general Fernando Romeo Lucas García (01 de julio de 1978 al 23 de marzo de 1982).
Antecedentes. Después de 36 años, Guatemala puso fin al Conflicto Armado Interno –CAI-, con el definitivo cese al fuego y la firma del Acuerdo de Paz firme y duradera el 29 de diciembre de [...]
Caso Genocidio Ixil-Lucas García
Durante la época del gobierno militar de Romeo Lucas García (1978-1982), el Estado y el ejército guatemaltecos diseñaron e implementaron su política de genocidio. Mientras Romero Lucas García estuvo en el poder, más de [...]
Actualización solidaria de abril
¡Bienvenides a la actualización solidaria de Abril! En este boletín, compartimos sobre el desarrollo del caso por Genocidio Ixil, a través de testimonios de sobrevivientes y expertos, conoceremos cómo este proceso llevado a cabo [...]
April Solidarity Update
Welcome to the April edition of our solidarity update! In this newsletter, we discuss developments in the Ixil Genocide case. Through witness and expert testimonies, we learn how this process, directed by the Association [...]
Actualización caso genocidio Ixil. Del 15 al 19 de abril de 2024
Durante la semana del 15 al 19 de abril continuó el juicio por el Genocidio Ixil contra Benedicto Lucas García. Durante las audiencias estuvieron presentes miembros de la Asociación para la Justicia y Reconciliación [...]
Ixil Genocide Case update, Monday, April 15th, 2024 to Friday, April 19th, 2024.
The Ixil Genocide trial against Benedicto Lucas García continued this week, April 15-19. During the hearings, members of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) were present, as well as members of of the [...]
Statement: Condemn sexual violence in the Ixil Genocide
(ESPAÑOL ABAJO) Guatemala, April 22nd, 2024. The members of the National Platform of Organizations of Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict condemn the inhumane and despicable acts committed by the army against the Maya [...]
The Association of Communities for Development and Defense of the Land and Natural Resources (ACODET) in its Sixteenth General Assembly, declares before public opinion:
(ESPAÑOL ABAJO) We, the Indigenous and ancestral authorities of the different Indigenous communities of Ixcán, Cobán, and Uspantán that make up the Association of Communities for the Development and Defense of the Land and [...]
Statement for the defense of territory and food sovereignty
(ESPAÑOL ABAJO) We, representatives of the communities of La Costa Sur, Huehuetenango and the Indigenous Local Government of San Juan Cotzal, have convened in the Ixil territory of K’usal to share and exchange experiences [...]
A 10 años de su asesinato exigimos justicia para Topacio Reynoso
El pueblo Xinka mantiene una lucha para proteger la vida, el agua y el territorio, de los mortíferos megaproyectos extractivitas, incluyendo la minera Escobal. Su compromiso por defender la vida frente a corporaciones transnacionales, [...]
10 years after her assassination we demand justice for Topacio Reynoso.
The Xinka people maintain a struggle to protect life, water and territory from deadly extractive megaprojects, including the Escobal mine. Their commitment to defend life against transnational corporations has cost them criminalization, injuries, and [...]
Actualización sobre caso Genocidio Ixil, lunes 8 de abril de 2024 – Viernes 12 de abril 2024
Esta semana, las audiencias fueron acompañadas por miembros de la Asociación para la Justicia y Reconciliación (AJR) de la región Kaqchikel, Autoridades Indigenas Ancestrales de la región Ixil de Nebaj y diversas organizaciones de [...]
Ixil Genocide Case update, Monday, April 8th, 2024 to Friday, April 12th, 2024.
This week, the hearings were accompanied by members of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) of the Kaqchikel region, Ancestral Indigenous Authorities of the Ixil region of Nebaj and various national and international [...]
Genocide Ixil case – April 5th, 2024
On April 5th, 2024, the oral and public debate against former military officer: Benedicto Lucas García, accused in the Ixil Genocide case and driven by the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), was resumed [...]
Caso genocidio Ixil – 5 de abril 2024
El 5 de abril de 2024 fue retomado por el Tribunal de Mayor riesgo “A” el debate oral y público en contra del Ex-militar Benedicto Lucas García acusado en el caso Genocidio Ixil e [...]
Solidarity with Ixil People from Denver, Colorado / Solidaridad con el Pueblo Ixil desde Denver, Colorado
[ESPAÑOL ABAJO] People connected to the Denver Justice & Peace Committee in solidarity with the Ixil People. The process brings to mind critical and harsh situations from Guatemala's history. We honor the struggle and [...]
Militant international pronouncement, in solidarity with the sibling people of Palestine.
[ESPAÑOL ABAJO] By the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango The genocide that the Palestinian people are currently suffering under the irrational force of Israel is indifferent to the world powers, as if [...]
Actualización solidaria de Marzo
¡Bienvenides a la Actualización Solidaria de Marzo! Este mes, nos sumergimos en una serie de actividades y temas cruciales que marcan la pauta en el ámbito de la justicia y los derechos humanos. Destacamos [...]
March Solidarity Update
Welcome to the March Solidarity Update! This month, we participated in a series of critical activities and topics that are setting the stage for the field of justice and human rights. We highlight the [...]
Apertura al Debate Oral y Público: Tácticas de Demora Utilizadas en el Juicio por Genocidio Ixil por parte del equipo legal de Benedicto Lucas García.
Este 25 de marzo de 2024 se llevó a cabo la primera audiencia del Debate Oral y Público en contra del exGeneral Benedicto Lucas García, por los delitos de genocidio, violencia sexual y crimenes [...]
Opening to the Oral and Public Debate: Delay Tactics Used in the Ixil Genocide Trial by Benedicto Lucas García’s legal team.
On March 25, 2024, the first hearing of the Oral and Public Debate was held against former General Benedicto Lucas García, for the crimes of genocide, sexual violence and crimes against humanity, committed during [...]
Statement: Ixil Genocide Case Seeks Non-Repetition of cruel events
[ESPAÑOL ABAJO] The Association for Justice and Reconciliation –AJR- And the Office of Human Rights of the Archbishop of Guatemala -ODHAG-. To the national and international public opinion: After 23 years since the first [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Entonces y ahora -Genocidio respaldado por Estados Unidos e Israel
En este momento, el genocidio más documentado en la historia registrada está siendo perpetrado por Israel, con la plena complicidad militar y política de Estados Unidos, contra el pueblo palestino en Gaza. El viernes [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Then and now -US and Israeli backed genocide
Right now the most well documented genocide in recorded history is being committed by Israel–with the full throated military and political complicity of the United States–against the Palestinian people in Gaza. On Friday, March [...]
Case status: Ixil Genocide, government period of the general Fernando Romeo Lucas Garcia (July 1st of 1978 to March 23rd of 1982).
Background. After 36 years, Guatemala put an end to the Internal Armed Conflict –IAC-, with the definitive ceasefire and the signing of the firm and lasting Peace Agreement on December 29th of 1996. Previously, [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Comprendiendo la diferencia y la lucha compartida a través de la solidaridad
Une Internacionalista escribió esta carta en agosto 2023. Hola a todes. ¡Bienvenides a mi carta a amigues y familiares después de 2 meses de estar en Guatemala! Esta carta es parte de [...]
Accompanier perspectives: Understanding difference and shared struggle through solidarity
An Internacionalista 2023 wrote this letter on August, 2023. Hello All, Welcome to my friends and family letter after 2 months of being in Guatemala! This letter is part update/part reflections on [...]
Statement Cumbre de Alaska case -february 28th, 2024-
[ESPAÑOL ABAJO] 11 years after the first massacre in times of peace, against the Maya K’iche’ people of Totonicapán, which took place on October 4th, 2012, the Board of Directors of the [...]
![[ENG] A painting with a white background and gold border with two black and white photographs of victims of the Internal Armed Conflict in Guatemala. Behind the painting is a cross painted in black with white letters that read: "1982," both supported by metal chairs, on one side there are yellow flowers.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/14-2-320x202.jpeg)
National Day of Dignification for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict – February 25th, 2024-
On February 25th of each year, Guatemala commemorates the "National Day of Dignification for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC)." Survivors and family members marched on Sunday the 25th from the Human [...]
Día Nacional por la Dignificación de las Víctimas del Conflicto Armado – 25 de febrero 2024-
El 25 de febrero de cada año, se conmemora en Guatemala el “Día Nacional por la Dignificación de las Víctimas del Conflicto Armado Interno”. Sobrevivientes y familiares marcharon el domingo 25 desde la Plaza [...]
Public Statement for the National Day of Dignification for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC)
Coordination of Ixil Organizations and Organizations of Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC) Indigenous people in Guatemala, among them the Maya Ixil people, have experienced moments of pain, sadness, and resistance in [...]
![[ENG] The image is a photograph taken at night of the national palace of Guatemala, which is illuminated with artificial lights and you can see the shadows of people looking towards the building. [ESP] La imagen es una fotografía tomada de noche del palacio nacional de Guatemala, que se encuentra iluminado con luces artificiales y se alcanzan a ver las sombras de personas que están mirando hacia el edificio.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/signal-2024-02-14-142806-320x202.jpeg)
Actualización solidaria de febrero
Después de 106 días de resistencia de los pueblos Indígenas en el paro nacional en contra de la corrupción y en defensa de la democracia guatemalteca, nuestras contrapartes siguen en pie de lucha por [...]
February solidarity update
After 106 days of resistance of Indigenous people in the national strike against corruption and in defense of democracy in Guatemala, our partners continue the fight for truth, memory, and justice. In this solidarity [...]
![[ESP] En un espacio abierto con el cielo azul de fondo, una manta blanca con el rostro de una persona socializada como hombre en blanco y negro, debajo letras en color negro ilegible, la manta es sostenida por una persona por detrás. [ENG] In an open space with blue sky in the background, a white blanket with the face of a person socialized as a man in black and white, underneath letters in illegible black, the blanket is held by a person from behind.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/1-7-320x202.jpeg)
42nd anniversary of the forced disappearance of Emil Bustamante
February 13,2024 commemorates the 42nd anniversary of the forced disappearance of Emil Bustamante, a university social leader. His families, friends and organized collectives gathered to march to the Matamoros military headquarters, where he was [...]
42 años de la desaparición forzada de Emil Bustamante
El 13 de febrero del 2024, se conmemoraron 42 años de la desaparición forzada de Emil Bustamante, líder social universitario. Sus familiares, amistades y colectivos organizados, se reunieron para marchar hacia el cuartel Matamoros, [...]
Statement in solidarity with community journalist Norma Sancir
(Spanish below) On January 31, Judge Jorge Douglas Ochoa of the Criminal Sentencing Court of the Department of Chiquimula sentenced a commissioner and two agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) for the crime [...]
Statement: ODHAG offices raided
The Human Rights Office of the Archbishop of Guatemala (ODHAG) denounces that during the early morning hours of February 14, the offices of Culture and Peace, the programs of historical memory, childhood, conflict transformation [...]
![[ENG] A photograph taken in a street in the open air, a table with books and yellow flowers, in front a sign with beige background and red letters reading: "Free Palestine" accompanied by a Palestinian flag (black, red, white and green colors). Behind a multitude of people standing or sitting on some concrete bleachers, some of them holding the Guatemalan flag (light blue and white). [ESP] Fotografía tomada en una calle al aire libre, una mesa con libros y flores amarillas, delante un cartel con fondo beige y letras rojas en el que se lee: "Palestina libre" acompañado de una bandera palestina (colores negro, rojo, blanco y verde). Detrás una multitud de personas de pie o sentadas en unas gradas de hormigón, algunas de ellas sosteniendo la bandera de Guatemala (azul claro y blanco).](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/Palestina-guatemala-1-320x202.jpeg)
Solidaridad con el pueblo Palestino
La Red de Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala (NISGUA) reafirma su solidaridad con el pueblo Palestino que defiende la vida y el territorio, resiste la ocupación y el apartheid, y lucha contra la [...]
Solidarity with the People of Palestine
The Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) reaffirms our commitment and solidarity with people organized in the struggle to defend life and territories and in resistance to occupation and apartheid, which [...]
![[ESP] Una tarjeta blanca sostenida por una mano. en la tarjeta se dibuja una vela con lápiz negro y unas letras que dicen: Don Noé presente. Por arriba y debajo de la vela pegado unos pétalos de rosas. [ENG] A white card held by one hand. On the card is drawn a candle with black pencil and some letters that say: Don Noah present. Above and below the candle glued some rose petals.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-11-320x202.png)
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Lecciones organizativas de 106 días de resistencia indígena en el Ministerio Público
Ana (elle/ella). Internacionalista 2023 escribió esta carta el 18 de enero de 2024. Querides amigues, familiares y camaradas: Bernardo Arévalo es presidente de Guatemala desde el lunes a primera hora de la [...]
Accompanier perspectives: Organizing lessons from 106 days of Indigenous resistance at the Public Ministry
Ana (they/elle/ella). Internacionalista 2023 wrote this letter on January 18th, 2024. Dear friends, family and comrades: Bernardo Arévalo is president of Guatemala as of Monday in the very early morning. Even though [...]
![[ENG] Around 10 community members under a yellow roof. In the foreground, a female-presenting person is reading a copy of the Official Journal of Central America. A male-presenting person is holding up a copy of the Official Journal of Central America. [ESP] Alrededor de 10 miembros de la comunidad abajo de una terraza amarilla. En el primer plano, una persona que presenta feminina está leyendo una copia del Diario Oficial de Centroamérica. Un hombre está levantando una copia del Diario Oficial de Centroamérica](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/signal-2024-01-25-182117_006-320x202.jpeg)
Victoria para Aguacatán, Huehuetenango: La publicación del Acuerdo Municipal de Protección al Agua
El 23 de diciembre de 2023, el Pueblo de Aguacatán, Huehuetenango celebró la publicación del Acuerdo Municipal de Protección al Agua en el Diario Oficial de Centroamérica. El Acuerdo Municipal simboliza el reconocimiento del [...]
A Win for Aguacatán, Huehuetenango: Publication of the Municipal Water Protection Agreement
On December 23, 2023, the community of Aguacatán, Huehuetenago celebrated the publication of a Municipal Water Protection Agreement in the Official Journal of Central America (Diario Oficial de Centroamérica). The Water Protection Agreement symbolizes [...]
![[ESP] En un fondo blanco, en la la parte de arriba y abajo al borde de la página ondas color morada, lila, azul, celeste que se mezclan entre si. En la esquina superior izquierda el logo de una paloma en pleno vuelo y a los pies de ella las letras CALDH de color azul. En letras negras el pronunciamiento. [ENG] On a white background, at the top and bottom edge of the page purple, lilac, blue, light blue waves that are mixed together. In the upper left corner the logo of a dove in full flight and at its feet the letters CALDH in blue. In black letters the statement.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/GFMtuZtWEAAoXTQ-320x202.jpeg)
Statement: Justice for journalist Norma Sancir
Judge Jorge Douglas Ochoa of the Criminal Sentencing Court of the Department of Chiquimula sentenced a commissioner and two agents of the National Civil Police (PNC) for the crime of abuse of authority in [...]
![[ENG] Landscape of Guatemala. With blue sky and green grass and mountains at the bottom. [ESP] Paisaje de Guatemala. Con cielo azul y hierba verde y montañas al fondo.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/signal-2024-02-01-141339_005-320x202.jpeg)
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Una carta como mensajero, en el camino de la concienciación y la solidaridad mundial.
Michelle Liang (ella), Internacionalista 2023 Bienvenidos a mi primera carta de amigues y familiares (elegides) desde Guatemala. Parte de mis responsabilidades en mi año con la Red en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de [...]
Accompanier perspectives: A letter as a messenger, in the road to awareness and global solidarity.
Michelle Liang (she/her), Internacionalista 2023 Welcome to my first Friends & (Chosen) Family Letter from Guatemala. Part of my responsibilities in my year with the Network in Solidarity with the People of [...]
Actualización Solidaria de enero
Damos la bienvenida a un nuevo año, año de continuidad en las luchas y en la resistencia de los Pueblos, en Guatemala, en Palestina y en el mundo entero. Las voces que claman por [...]
January Solidarity Update
We welcome you all to the new year, a year of continuing the struggle and resistance of the people in Guatemala, Palestine, and the whole world. The voices that clamor for the people’s liberation [...]
Statement of the permanent Assembly of Authorities of Indigenous People in Defense of democracy
THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE OF GUATEMALA FOR THESE 105 DAYS OF RESISTANCE We have completed 105 days of dignified and historic resistance in defense of democracy, with which we have demonstrated that the [...]
AJR statement: Dementia and amnesia will not erase the perpetrators’ crimes.
On January 4, the oral and public debate for the Ixil Lucas García genocide case was scheduled to begin. A day before, a hearing was held to conclude on the mental health of Manuel [...]
FAMDEGUA’s statement regarding the Dos Erres recent resolution
On November 7 a court acquited 3 former kaibiles accused in the Dos Erres massacre case despite that in 3 previous trials several military officers were convicted and the facts were proven. During this [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Los ríos de aquí y los del norte están conectados.
Ana (elle), Internacionalista 2023, escribió esta carta el 23 de octubre de 2023 durante el Paro Nacional de Guatemala. En este momento, es el día 21 de un masivo Paro Plurinacional en [...]
Accompanier perspectives: The rivers here and the rivers up north are connected
Ana (they/them), Internacionalista 2023 wrote this letter on October 23rd, 2023 during the Guatemala National Strike. Right now, it is day 21 of a massive Plurinational Strike in Guatemala, led by [...]
5 Puntos para comprender ¿Por qué sigue el Paro Nacional en Guatemala?
“Caminemos de la mano de los Pueblos” Desde la última actualización que hemos compartido, se mantiene el Paro Nacional Indefinido iniciado el 2 de octubre y que mantienen varios sectores de la población guatemalteca, [...]
5 Points to understand why the National Strike continues in Guatemala
"Let us walk hand in hand with the People" Since the last update we shared, the Indefinite National Strike initiated on October 2nd, led by the Ancestral Authorities of different Indigenous peoples throughout the [...]
Exigimos justicia por el asesinato del Lider Xinka Noé Gómez Barrera
Ilustración por Isa Villalón. Internacionalista 2019-2021 El sábado 28 de octubre de 2023, el líder comunitario Xinka, Noé Gómez Barrera de 69 años fue asesinado en el departamento de Jutiapa, Guatemala. El Sr. [...]
Demand Justice for Assassination of Xinka Leader Noé Gómez Barrera
Ilustration by Isa Villalón, Internacionalista 2019-2021 On Saturday October 28, 2023, Xinka community leader, 69-year old Noé Gómez Barrera was murdered in the department of Jutiapa, Guatemala. Mr. Noé, much loved and respected [...]
The Permanent Assembly of Indigenous People and social organizations in defense of democracy declares to the people of Guatemala:
We, the Indigenous people, through our Ancestral Authorities, gathered in a permanent Assembly, together with organizations of Indigenous peoples, civil society, peasants, women, trade unions, students, working-class neighborhoods, settlement dwellers, united market workers, youth, [...]
Actualización solidaria de Octubre 🔥
En octubre queremos honrar la lucha actual de los pueblos frente al colonialismo, capitalismo, imperialismo. El legado de las resistencias actuales será la libertad de los Pueblos del mañana! Es tan poderoso ver, oír, [...]
October Solidarity Update 🔥
This October we want to honor the current struggle of the People against colonialism, capitalism, imperialism. The legacy of today's resistances will be the freedom of the People of tomorrow! It is so powerful [...]
Memento on the Resistance in Rescuing Democracy in Huehuetenango
United as Organized Civil Society 1- We, the Mam people, upon finding out about the crimes committed by the Guatemalan government, have organized as civil society to defend and rescue an endangered Democracy, the [...]
Descansa en poder Don Marcial 🌻
Crédito de fotografía: Rode Díaz. www.rodediaz.com. 2013 “Si ya llega el momento que desaparezco de este mundo, yo no quiero que me construyan un panteón, porque la Madre Tierra me dió todo [...]
Clark Taylor, presente!
Crédito de fotografía: Foto cortesía del Hermanamiento de Needham con Guatemala Clark Taylor (y su difunta esposa Kay) fueron campeones e incondicionales de la Comunidad de Patrocinio de Needham (que ellos fundaron). [...]
Clark Taylor, presente!
Photo courtesy of Needham Guatemala Partnership Clark Taylor (and his late wife Kay) were champions and stalwarts of the Needham Sponsoring Community (which they founded). Clark's volunteer field work with anthropologist Beatriz [...]
Rest in power Don Marcial 🌻
Photo by: Rode Díaz. 2013 "When the moment comes that I disappear from this world, I do not want a pantheon to be built for me, because Mother Earth gave me everything I [...]
10 Puntos para comprender la Crisis Política y el Paro Nacional en Guatemala
“La crisis en Guatemala no es coyuntural, la crisis es estructural” Han sido 17 días en los que los Pueblos de Guatemala han expresado su rechazo hacia las acciones de corrupción, impunidad y [...]
10 Points to Understand the Political Crisis and National Strike in Guatemala
The crisis in Guatemala is not an isolated moment, it is a structural crisis It has been 17 days of the people of Guatemala expressing their rejection of public officials’ actions of corruption, [...]
Assembly of Indigenous Authorities to the People of Guatemala and the International Community
We want to express our rejection of Consuelo Porras' request to dismiss the Minister of the Interior. Her persistence is of note to us, given the fact that the current situation in the country [...]
The Indigenous People and Ancestral Authorities to the People of Guatemala make known:
That after 12 days of peaceful demonstrations throughout the national territory, a meeting was held with the President of the Republic, Alejandro Giammattei, with the mediation of the Organization of American States (OAS), in [...]
Open letter from Indigenous Authorities to the People of Guatemala
People of Guatemala, In recent years we have witnessed the direct effects of corruption and impunity by those whose duty it is to ensure collective wellbeing and justice, so this year, we decided as [...]
Letter to the president from the Assembly of Authorities of People in resistence for the defense of democracy
Guatemala City, October 11, 2023 Mr. Alejandro Giammettei Falla The Office the President of the Republic Mr. President, With great indignation and disgust, through the media we have learned that a letter signed by [...]
Statement by ancestral indigenous authorities
WE STRONGLY CONDEMN THE ACTS OF VANDALISM AND VIOLENCE! Regarding some acts of vandalism that occurred today, as indigenous authorities we inform the people of Guatemala, that for eight consecutive days we have conducted [...]
![[ENG] At the top in the middle the FAMDEGUA logo. In a white background with black letters the statement. [ESP] En el medio de la página en la parte superior el logo de FAMDEGUA, en un fondo blanco con letras negras el pronunciamiento.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/signal-2023-10-02-132657_002-320x202.jpeg)
Statement faced with the kidnapping of the people’s decision through the policies of State terrorism implemented by the current government and its criminal pact.
As Families of disappeared persons detained in Guatemala, we express: A resounding rejection to the grotesque and improper raid in the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which reminds us of the worst moments of the dictatorships [...]
AJR reject with total indignation the law initiative 6099
THE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION -AJR- TO THE PUBLIC OPINION COMMUNICATES: The victims and survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC) organized in the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) reject with total [...]
![[ENG] A photograph of people in a protest outside a building with many windows, the building signs read "Constitutional Court" and a person socialized as a man, holding a sign that reads: "No to electoral fraud". [ESP] Una fotografía de personas en un plantón afuera de un edificio con muchas ventanas, en el edificio se lee “Corte Constitucional” y una persona socializada como hombre, sostiene un cartel que dice: “No al fraude electoral”](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/signal-2023-06-12-122640_002-320x202.jpeg)
🌱 Actualización solidaria de septiembre
Las elecciones del 2023, han sido la concreción de décadas de violaciones a derechos humanos, implementados desde la época colonial hasta la fecha, con la consolidación del poder en las manos de unos pocos [...]
🌱 September Solidarity Update
The elections of 2023 have been a materialization of decades of human rights violations, implemented since colonial times to this day, with the consolidation of power in the hands of a few to carry [...]
Press realease from the Assembly of the People of Huehuetenango
Before national and international public opinion, we make it known that: The ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLE OF HUEHUETENANGO IN DEFENSE OF TERRITORY AND FOR THE AUTONOMY AND FREE DETERMINATION OF THE PEOPLE (ADH) on [...]
4th Municipal Water Protection Agreement – Municipality of Aguacatán
For years the Departmental Assembly of the People of Huehuetenango (ADH) has remained strong in the defense of the territory from different strategies, last June 21, 2023, the 4th Municipal Water Protection Agreement was [...]
4to Acuerdo Municipal de Protección al Agua – Municipio de Aguacatán
Durante años la Asamblea Departamental de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH) ha permanecido firme en la defensa del territorio desde diferentes estrategias, el pasado 21 de junio de 2023, se firmó el 4to acuerdo [...]
Actualización Solidaria de Agosto ✊🏽
Este mes para Guatemala y sus luchas ha significado la reafirmación de que la lucha por la vida y dignidad será en sus formas, o no será. Por un lado, las elecciones representan el [...]
12 Inalienable Principles for the Defense of Water and Territory
Protection of all existing water in Guatemala / Protección de toda el agua existente en Guatemala Recognize the right to a minimal amount of potable water and water for domestic use to cover basic [...]
August Solidarity Update ✊🏽
This month for Guatemala and its struggles has meant the reaffirmation that the struggle for life and dignity will be in its forms, or it will not be. On the one hand, the elections [...]
Puntos clave para entender las elecciones presidenciales de 2023 en Guatemala
Como parte de nuestro compromiso de compartir información accesible creada en diálogo con nuestras contrapartes sobre el contexto de Guatemala, a continuación compartimos algunos puntos claves del proceso electoral, que culminará con la segunda [...]
Key points to understand the 2023 presidential elections in Guatemala
As part of our commitment to share accessible information created in dialogue with our Guatemalan partners, we share below some key points of the historical electoral process, which will culminate with the second round [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Una reflexión de dos incendios
Esta reflexión es de Maisie (elles/elles) actual Internacionalista. Llevo ya más de 8 meses en Guatemala. Desde la última vez que les escribí, mis reflexiones se han multiplicado por diez. Estar aquí es como [...]
Accompanier perspectives: A reflection on two fires
This reflection is by Maisie (they/them) current Internacionalista. I’ve been in Guatemala for more than 8 months now. Since the last time I wrote y’all, my reflections have increased tenfold. Being here feels like [...]
Statement: AJR and ODHAG denounce attempts to seek house arrest for military accused of crimes against humanity
On Friday, July 28th, 2023, a hearing to review the substitutive measures for Benedicto Lucas García, accused of genocide and crimes against humanity in the Lucas García Ixil genocide case was held. The plaintiff [...]
17th anniversary of the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango – ADH
On the 17th anniversary of the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango - ADH, we share the statement they made in the framework of their celebration and their meeting with the peoples in [...]
Aniversario 17 de la Asamblea Departamental de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango – ADH
En el aniversario 17 de la Asamblea Departamental de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango - ADH, compartimos el pronunciamiento que realizaron en el marco de su celebración y de su encuentro con los pueblos en [...]
Municipal Water Protection Agreements in Huehuetenango
In Huehuetenango, Guatemala, the Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenenango in Defense of the Territory, and for the Autonomy and Self-Determination of the People -ADH- has achieved 4 Municipal Water Protection Agreements. They are [...]
Acuerdos Municipales de Protección al Agua en Huehuetenango
En Huehuetenango, Guatemala, la Asamblea de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango en Defensa del Territorio por la Autonomía y la Libre Determinación de los Pueblos -ADH- ha logrado conseguir 4 Acuerdos Municipales de Protección al [...]
Statement on the Results of the First Round of General Elections 2023
We reject the suspension of the certification of the results of the first round of the general elections. It is regrettable that political parties accused of crimes such as illicit electoral financing, money laundering, [...]
Actualización Solidaria de Junio 🌻
El pasado mes de junio acompañamos a nuestros socios en sus luchas por la justicia en medio de un contexto lleno de incertidumbre ante el periodo electoral. Acompáñanos a leer sobre la importancia de [...]
June Solidarity Update 🌻
Last June we accompanied our partners in their struggles for justice in the midst of a context full of uncertainty before the electoral period. Join us to read about the importance of an electoral [...]
![[ESP] En una calle de guatemala, en el muro de un parque, hay un grafiti con letras blancas que dice: La memoria es justicia para nuestrxs abuelxs. [ENG] n a street in Guatemala, on the wall of a park, a graffitti with white letter said: The memory is justice for our ancesters](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5471-320x202.jpg)
Perspectiva de lxs acompañantes: el SIDA y memoria histórica.
Oli (elle) ex internacionalista de NISGUA y compa para siempre, escribió esto después de su segunda estancia como voluntarie en Guatemala con NISGUA. Durante mi primera semana de vuelta a casa en Filadelfia después [...]
Accompanier perspectives: AIDS and historical memory.
Oli (they/them), former NISGUA Internacionalista and forever compa, wrote this after their second stint as a volunteer in Guatemala with NISGUA. During my first week back home in Philadelphia after accompanying [...]
Vote with memory!
In the face of the proven cooptation of the three branches of the State by sectors historically interested in maintaining corruption, impunity, fear, and defenselessness, which characterize the recent governments of the business, military, [...]
May Solidarity Update ⭐
Thank you for joining us in this May edition of NISGUA’s Solidarity Update. This month has been a month of justice. Not because of access to it, but because despite the lack of it, [...]
Statement: General Elections 2023
The Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) rejects and question the candidacy for the presidential elections of Zury Mayté Ríos Sosa, daughter of the deceased ex-dictator José Efraín Ríos Montt. THE ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE [...]
Statement: De Facto Amnesty
On June 9, Guatemala’s justice system granted substitute measures and house arrest to former high-rank military officials Benedicto Lucas García, Manuel Callejas y Callejas, and Francisco Luis Gordillo Martínez, who were sentenced in 2018 [...]
Un compromiso por el cuidado de nuestra Casa Común
Celebración del 8vo aniversario de la consulta municipal en San Juan Tecuaco San Juan Tecuaco, 21 de mayo de 2023 - En un emotivo encuentro, la Comisión Multisectorial de Defensa de la Naturaleza [...]
United States co-responsible in the Military Diary case
On May 20, 1999, the Military Diary of Guatemala was published for the first time. Twenty-four years after the publication of the document: The Military Diary, families of the victims registered in it continue [...]
Estados Unidos corresponsable en el caso Diario Militar
El 20 de mayo de 1999, fue publicado por primera vez el Diario Militar de Guatemala. A 24 años de la publicación del documento Diario Militar familiares de víctimas que se registran ahí siguen [...]
“The Ixil people do have memory. Never Again Rivers of Blood”
On May 10, 2023, the Caravan of Memory and Justice was held to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the historic genocide sentence of May 10, 2013, on which former dictator Efrain Rios Montt [...]
“El pueblo Ixil sí tiene memoria. Nunca Más Ríos de Sangre”
El 10 de Mayo del 2023 se realizó la Caravana de la Memoria y la Justicia para conmemorar el décimo aniversario de la histórica sentencia por genocidio del 10 de mayo de 2013, fecha [...]
Statement: THE SENTENCE OF GENOCIDE MARKED THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY
On May 10, 2023, a press conference was held during the activities to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the sentence against Efraín Ríos Montt in 2013, for genocide and crimes against the duties of [...]
![[Alt text] Sobre una pared amarilla hay un empapelado en blanco y negro de rostros de personas desaparecidas durante el Conflicto Armado Interno en Guatemala, sobre estos la imagen de Monseñor Gerardi en blanco y negro, socializado hombre con lentes y con su mano sosteniendo su mandibula. Sobre él, un arco de claveles en color rojo y la frase en letras blancas y amarillas: “Gerardi Vive”. [Alt text] On a yellow wall there is a black and white wallpaper of faces of people who disappeared during the Internal Armed Conflict in Guatemala, on these the image of Monsignor Gerardi in black and white, socialized man with glasses and with his hand holding his jaw. Above him, an arch of carnations in red and the phrase in white and yellow letters: "Gerardi Vive".](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-320x202.png)
Memory and Justice. The legacy of Monsignor Gerardi continues in the hearts of his people
On April 26th, relatives of victims disappeared during the Internal Armed Conflict, honor the legacy of Monsignor Juan José Geradi Conedera. 25 years after his murder, his voice is still alive among the People, [...]
Memoria y justicia. El legado de monseñor Gerardi, continúa en el corazón de su pueblo.
El 26 de abril, familiares de víctimas y desaparecidos durante el Conflicto Armado Interno, honran el legado de Monseñor Juan José Geradi Conedera, a 25 años de su asesinato su voz sigue viva entre [...]
Accompanier perspectives: How do we struggle in these times?
Claire (they/them), former NISGUA Internacionalista, wrote this update during their time as a volunteer with NISGUA. Dear NISGUA family, Almost exactly one year after leaving staff, I’m honored to come back for [...]
Perspectiva de lxs acompañantes: ¿Cómo luchamos en estos tiempos?
Claire (elle) ex internacionalista de NISGUA escribió esta actualización durante su tiempo como voluntarie con NISGUA. Querida familia de NISGUA, Casi exactamente un año después de dejar el equipo de NISGUA, tengo [...]
CALDH statement: Serious Human Rights Violations Do Not Have Substitutive Measures
In May 2018, the judges of the Highest Risk Court C sentenced General Manuel Benedicto Lucas García, former head of the Presidential General Staff; Manuel Callejas y Callejas, former intelligence chief; and Hugo Ramiro [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Otras formas de ver la vida: lecciones de liberación y resistencia a través de los territorios
Oli (elle) ex internacionalista de NISGUA escribió esta actualización durante su tiempo como voluntarie con NISGUA. ¡Lee y disfruta! Querida comunidad, Estoy de nuevo en Guatemala por una segunda estancia como acompañante. [...]
Accompanier perspectives: Other ways to value life: lessons of liberation and resistance across territories
Oli (they/them) former NISGUA internacionalista wrote this update during their time as a volunteer with NISGUA. Read and enjoy! Dear community, I am in Guatemala for my second stint as an accompanier. Some [...]
World Mother Earth Day Statement / Declaración del Día Mundial de la Madre Tierra
Political statement on the occasion of World Mother Earth Day Tq’ijlal Qtxu’ Tx’otx’. The Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango -ADH in defense of the land, autonomy, and free determination of the people -ADH [...]
Statement of ACODET 15th Ordinary Assembly
THE ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, DEFENSE OF THE LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES ACODET, IN ITS FIFTEENTH ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE THE PUBLIC OPINION, WE DECLARE: We, the indigenous and ancestral authorities of [...]
Comunicado 15 Asamblea Ordinaria ACODET
LA ASOCIACIÓN DE COMUNIDADES PARA EL DESARROLLO, DEFENSA DE LA TIERRA Y LOS RECURSOS NATURALES ACODET, EN SU DÉCIMA QUINTA ASAMBLEA GENERAL ORDINARIA ANTE LA OPINIÓN PÚBLICA, MANIFESTAMOS: Nosotros y nosotras las autoridades indígenas [...]
Actualización Solidaria Marzo 🌷
Marzo ha sido un mes de transiciones, del invierno a primavera y también en los procesos de la Madre Tierra: ¡es época de sembrar! Sembremos juntes semillas de solidaridad, de resistencia y rebeldía. Desde [...]
March Solidarity Update 🌷
March has been a month of transitions, from winter to spring, and in the processes of Mother Earth: it is the time to sow! Together, let us sow seeds of solidarity, resistance, and rebellion. [...]
Statement: Tailor-made Judgements: A Constitutional Court that Pretends to Grant de facto Amnesty
International and national organizations warned about a new attempt by the Constitutional Court (CC) to maintain impunity for the crimes committed in the Molina Theissen Case. The CC’s decision orders that a new resolution [...]
World Water Day: STATEMENT OF THE INTERCULTURAL SOCIAL MOVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF IXCÁN
Río Negro, Ixcan. Photo by NISGUA STATEMENT OF THE INTERCULTURAL SOCIAL MOVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF IXCÁN BEFORE PUBLIC OPINION Today, March 22, World Water Day, we express our great concerns about the [...]
![[ENG] An image with a white background strip at the top of the text reads in black letters boletin 24 March 7, 2023 caso diario militar, next to this title the logo of the association Familiares de Víctimas del caso Diario Militar which are two people embracing, one with a red shirt and dark hair and the other only his empty silhouette on a yellow background. It is followed by a photo of people in a courtroom. On a desk in front, a socialized woman with blond hair, gray jacket and a desk microphone in front and to her right 5 more people in dark formal suits with a microphone in front. Below the photographs the text of the bulletin. [ESP] Una imagen con una franja de fondo blanco en la parte superior del texto se lee en letras negras boletin 24 marzo 7 de 2023 caso diario militar, junto a este titulo el logo de la asociación Familiares de Víctimas del caso Diario Militar que son dos personas abrazándose una con camisa roja y cabello oscuro y otra solo su silueta vacía sobre un fondo amarillo. Le sigue la foto de personas en una corte. Sobre un escritorio de frente, una persona socializada mujer con cabello color rubio, saco gris y un micrófono de escritorio en el frente y a su derecha 5 personas más con trajes formales oscuros con un micrófono al frente. Debajo de la fotografías el texto del boletin.](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/Boletin-24-CD-320x202.jpg)
FAMDEGUA Bulletin 24-March 7th, 2023.
Military Diary Case Ex-military personnel Alix Leonel Barillas Soto and Enrique Cifuentes de la Cruz have requested a trial to review their enforcement measures. At this meeting, the lawyer representing the victims in [...]
Statement regarding persecution and revenge
The arrest of lawyer Orlando López demonstrates, once again, the influence that structures in favor of impunity has in the Public Ministry and the justice system, which orchestrates persecution against justice operators, judges, and [...]
![[ENG] Photo of a red and white protest sign that reads "Never Again, Rivers of blood in Guatemala" behind a wall that is the entrance of a church. [ESP] Fotografía de una manta dolor rojo que en blanco dice "Nunca más rios de sangre en Guatemala" en la puerta de entrada a una iglesia](https://nisgua.org/wp-content/uploads/nb25-320x202.jpeg)
Actualización solidaria con la lucha por la justicia en Guatemala
En los últimos cuatro años, la lucha por la justicia en Guatemala ha sufrido una serie de alarmantes reveses que nos llaman a mantener y sostener nuestra solidaridad con aquellos a quienes hemos apoyado [...]
Solidarity Update with the struggle for justice in Guatemala
Over the past four years, the struggle for justice in Guatemala has endured a series of alarming setbacks that call us to maintain and sustain our solidarity with those we have stood beside for [...]
CREOMPAZ Statement
On the National Day for the Dignification of the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict. WE DEMAND JUSTICE! On this day, we, surviving victims and family members,remember [...]
Day of Dignification of the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict Statement
Photo by NISGUA Genocide Never Again: Defend the right to Memory, Truth, and Justice. On this, the national Day of Dignification of the Victims [...]
Genocide Never again Coalition Statement: Past Impunity is Present impunity
PAST IMPUNITY IS PRESENT IMPUNITY 43 years after the massacre committed at the Spanish Embassy, the undersigned organizations, members of the No More Genocide Coalition, which brings together organizations of relatives of victims, victims [...]
Statement from relatives of the Military Diary Case
After judge Gálvez who was overseeing the trial for Guatemala's Military Diary Case was forced into exile under trumped up charges, yesterday, February 2, at the hearing of a former Colonel and former police [...]
Actualización solidaria: Enero
Este mes queremos ponerles al día sobre el caso de genocidio de Lucas García, la lucha para proteger el agua en Huehuetenango, ¡y cómo nos fue nuestra celebración de fin de año! Un tema [...]
Solidarity Update: January
This month we want to update you on the Lucas García genocide case, the struggle to protect the water in Huehuetenango, and how our end of year celebration went! A common theme that has [...]
Agua, Memoria y Militarización: Cómo una de nuestras contrapartes está construyendo Poder.
Fotografía por NISGUA Puede ser difícil para quienes están afuera de NISGUA entender las luchas que apoyamos aquí en Guatemala. Si se me preguntara, eso es debido en gran parte a la [...]
Water, Memory, & Militarization: How one of our partners is building Power.
Photo by NISGUA It can be difficult for people outside of NISGUA to understand the struggles we support here on the ground in Guatemala. If you ask me, this is in [...]
Primeras reflexiones: Los ecos de la solidaridad
Maisie (ella//elle) actual Internacionalista de NISGUA, escribe sus primeras reflexiones sobre el acompañamiento y la solidaridad. ¡Disfruta de la lectura y los materiales educativos al final de esta publicación! Querida comunidad, Llevo más de [...]
First reflections: The makings of solidarity
Maisie (They/them/elle) current NISGUA Internacionalista, writes their reflections on accompaniment and solidarity. Enjoy the reading and the educational materials! Dear community, I have been in Guatemala for over two months now. I will admit [...]
Fotografías en Solidaridad con las Víctimas del caso Diario Militar / Photographs in Solidarity with the Victims of the Military Diary Case
(English below) Acción solidaria con las familias y querellantes del caso Diario Militar Como NISGUA organizamos esta campaña de fotos esperando que esta muestra internacional de solidaridad sea un aporte más a la visibilidad [...]
Interview: Women in the Military Diary Case
Last September, we held a webinar together with the Association of Family Members of the Detained and Disappeared of Guatemala (FAMDEGUA) with the objective of hearing updates directly from the families and lawyers of [...]
Entrevista: Las mujeres en el Caso Diario Militar
En septiembre pasado, tuvimos un seminario web junto con La Asociación de Familiares de Detenidos-Desaparecidos de Guatemala (FAMDEGUA) con el objetivo de escuchar actualizaciones directamente de las familias y abogadas del caso del Diario [...]
MILITARY DIARY CASE – August 30th: International Day of the Detained-Disappeared
The Military Diary is a document that lists the names of 195 people, including children, who were captured and forcibly disappeared between 1983 and 1985 during the dictatorship of Óscar Humberto [...]
Solidarity with the Families, Victims, and Survivors of the Military Diary Case and accompanying Organizations
On May 6, Judge Galvez ordered the opening the trial for the first 9 accused of the Military Diary case, who will face charges for illegal detention, torture, forced disappearance, murder, extra-judicial execution, sexual [...]
CASO DIARIO MILITAR: 30 de agosto. Dia Internacional de la persona Detenida Desaparecida
El Diario Militar es un documento que enlista los nombres de 195 personas, incluidos infantes, que fueron capturadas y desaparecidas forzadamente entre 1983 y 1985 durante la dictadura de Óscar Humberto [...]
Solidaridad con los familiares, víctimas, sobrevivientes del caso Diario Militar y organizaciones que les acompañan
El 6 de mayo, el juez Gálvez ordenó apertura a juicio de 9 imputados del caso Diario Militar, enfrentando cargos por detención ilegal, tortura, desaparición forzada, asesinato, ejecución extrajudicial, violencia sexual y crímenes de [...]
AJR statement regarding the return of the remains of people murdered in La Trinitaria during the IAC
We share with you a statement from the AJR regarding the return of the remains of several people murdered during the Internal Armed Conflict by the Guatemalan army, to their community of La Trinitaria, [...]
Statement: WE REGRET THE RESIGNATION OF JUDGE MIGUEL ÁNGEL GÁLVEZ
On November 15, Judge Galvez announced his resignation as a High-risk Court Judge and made public that he left the country due to defamation, intimidation, harassment, security threats and lack of access to a [...]
Actualización Solidaria de Octubre-Noviembre
Susanne Jonas ha muerto. ¡Qué Viva Susanne Jonas! --- Luis Argueta, cineasta guatemalteco. Susanne Jonas, prolífica autora, profesora e infatigable activista de la justicia social en favor de Guatemala [...]
October-November Solidarity Update
In memory of activist Susanne Jonas "Susanne Jones has died. Long Live Susanne Jonas!" -- Luis Argueta, Guatemalan filmmaker Susanne Jonas, prolific author, teacher, and tireless social justice activist [...]
Statement: The Situation of the freedom of expression in Guatemala at CIDH hearing
Civil society organizations denounce the serious situation of freedom of expression in Guatemala before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. During the hearing, held on October 24, civil society organizations expressed their concern to [...]
Statement: We reject the shame compensation
(En español abajo) On October 12, the Guatemalan Congress introduced a bill to compensate Military Veterans who served during the Internal Armed Conflict. We share with you the statement from La Convergencia por los [...]
Obituario a Susanne Jonas
Susanne Jonas ha muerto. ¡Qué Viva Susanne Jonas! By Mary Jo McConahay Susanne Jonas, prolífica autora, profesora e infatigable activista de la justicia social en favor de Guatemala y de [...]
Susanne Jonas Obituary
Susanne Jones has died. Long Live Susanne Jonas! By Mary Jo McConahay Susanne Jonas, prolific author, teacher, and indefatigable social justice activist on behalf of Guatemala, and Central America more [...]
The Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango -ADH statemente: Rejection of initiative 6054
ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLES OF HUEHUETENANGO IN DEFENSE OF THE TERRITORY, FOR THE AUTONOMY AND FREE DETERMINATION OF THE PEOPLES -ADH- STATEMENT The Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango -ADH, hereby declares its rejection [...]
Compilación de noticias sobre el desalojo violento de Autoridades Ancestrales en Nebaj
Por Feliciana Herrera Los 48 cantones de Totonicapán dan «respaldo total» a autoridades indígenas de Nebaj “Las autoridades indígenas de Nebaj lograron detener legalmente el desalojo que pretendía llevar a cabo el alcalde municipal [...]
Compilation of news in the context of the violent eviction of Ancestral Authorities in Nebaj
By Feliciana Herrera The 48 cantons of Totonicapán give "full support" to the indigenous authorities of Nebaj. "The indigenous authorities of Nebaj managed to legally stop the eviction that the municipal mayor Geronimo Bernal [...]
Statement: Consultation of Neighbors in rejection of all mining activity in Asunciòn Mita, Jutiapa.
September 2022 ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLES OF HUEHUETENANGO IN DEFENSE OF THE TERRITORY, FOR THE AUTONOMY AND SELF-DETERMINATION OF THE PEOPLES -ADH-. The Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango -ADH, categorically rejects the imposition [...]
Statement: Start of discussion against 21 comrades of the Chicoyogüito Community Criminalized for holding demonstrations
Start of discussion Against 21 comrades of the Chicoyoguito Community Criminalized for holding demonstrations Today, September 8, more than a year after 21 of our comrades from the Maya Q’eqchi’ community of Chocoyoguito were [...]
Statement UDEFEGUA: Increased repression and political persecution
Guatemala Increased repression and political persecution Situation of individuals, organizations and communities that defend human rights January to June 2022 Since 2021, the Unit for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders -Guatemala (UDEFEGUA) [...]
Statement Indigenous Council of Nebaj, Quiché.
Ixil Region B'OQ'OL Q'ESAL TENAM NAAB'A' INDIGENOUS COUNCIL OF NEBAJ, EL QUICHÉ LOS B'OQ'OL Q'ESAL TENAM NAAB'A' TO THE MAYA IXIL PEOPLE, THE NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, WE COMMUNICATE: 1. We have information about [...]
Actualización Solidaria de Agosto: Somos Territorios en Resistencia
Mesa Trans-Territorial NISGUA está feliz de anunciar que hemos seleccionado los 9 proyectos participantes de la Mesa Trans Territorial. Aquí elles tienen la oportunidad de aprender y crecer colectivamente a través de un [...]
August Solidarity Update: We Are Territories in Resistance
Trans-Territorial Table The Trans-Territorial Table will strengthen specific struggles, create shared knowledge across movements, and deepen the collective project for liberated territories from Turtle Island to Ixim Ulew. NISGUA is happy to announce [...]
Support trans-territorial projects of liberation, today!
As committed supporters of our work, you know that building deep relationships of solidarity to create collective justice is what NISGUA has always been about! However, significant barriers exist to creating these realities, like [...]
Statement: “In view of the raids on El Periódico, the arrest of its President and the Prosecutor Samari Gómez”
We share the statement of Convergencia por los Derechos Humanos, in solidarity with the pursuit of democracy, freedom of expression and non-criminalization of human rights defenders. In view of the raids on El Periódico, [...]
Accompanier perspectives: on intergenerational struggle and collective liberation
Ruby Tedeschi (she/elle/ella) former NISGUA Internacionalista, recorded this update during their time as a volunteer with NISGUA. Turn the volume up and enjoy! Dear Friends and family I enjoy [...]
STATEMENT: We support the independent work of the honorable Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez
On May 6, Judge Miguel Angel Galvez ordered the opening of the trial for the first nine military and retired policemen accused in the “Military Diary” case. Subsequently, after the capture and first hearing [...]
ASAMBLEA DE LOS PUEBLOS DE HUEHUETENANGO EN DEFENSA DEL TERRITORIO, POR LA AUTONOMIA Y LA LIBRE DETERMINACION DE LOS PUEBLOS -ADH-
Ante la opinión pública exponemos: 1) Como asamblea departamental de pueblos, manifestamos nuestro respaldo político al pueblo mam del territorio de Chimb’al organizado por la defensa de bienes naturales y el territorio. 2) Estamos [...]
ASSEMBLY OF THE PEOPLES OF HUEHUETENANGO IN DEFENSE OF THE TERRITORY, AND FOR THE AUTONOMY AND SELF-DETERMINATION OF THE PEOPLES -ADH-
In the presence of the public opinion, we expose: 1) As a departmental assembly of the peoples, we express our political support for the Mam people of the Chimb'al territory organized to defend natural [...]
Ixil Genocide Case – Lucas Garcia
During the time of the military government of Romeo Lucas García (1978-1982), the Guatemalan state and army designed and implemented its policy of genocide. While Romero Lucas García was in power, more than 1,700 [...]
June Solidarity Update / Actualización solidaria de Junio
[español abajo] Building the World We Want Dear community, this month we share with you our reflections about the People’s summit celebrated in Los Angeles, updates on the Military Diary Case and the criminalization [...]
Open call for project proposal for Trans-Territorial Table
Are you in the struggle to defend territory, community, and life? Do you create art to help us dream of other worlds? Do you write and research to articulate analyses and imaginaries of justice [...]
Convocatoria abierta para propuestas de proyectos de la Mesa Trans-Territorial
¿Estás en lucha para defender territorio, comunidad, y vida? ¿Creas arte para ayudarnos a soñar mundos otros? ¿Escribes para articular análisis e imaginarios de justicia y resistencia? ¿Te guía el amor por tu pueblo, [...]
NISGUA and solidarity organizations welcome congressional delegation on the real root causes of forced migration
A member of the community whose home was destroyed by the Escobal silver mine speaks with Representative Corie Bush during the delegation's visit to Xinka territories. Members of the U.S. Congress– Rep. Ilhan [...]
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere
Far away communities, one struggle. My name is Isabel Ruano. I was born in Guatemala City in the 70’s, in the middle of a siege during a war. I grew up in the Capital [...]
March Solidarity Update 2022
Dear friends, family, and comrades, As the year moves forward, NISGUA is happy to share that we are officially back in Guatemala! Over the last few months, we have been observing trials, commemorations, and [...]
A Chronicle from February 25th
On February 25th, NISGUA was present at the march and commemoration held in Guatemala City for the National Day of Dignification for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict (IAC). This is an important [...]
ON TRIAL FOR GENOCIDE AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
ON TRIAL FOR GENOCIDE AND CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY After almost forty years of the perpetuation of crimes against humanity such as genocide, Chief of Operations General Luis Enrique Mendoza García was sent to trial [...]
Ixil Genocide case – Mendoza García / Bulletin 04
Ixil Genocide Case Bulletin 04 02/10/22 DEFENSE ATTORNEY ASKS THAT THE AJR AND CALDH NOT BE CONSTITUTED AS DEFINITIVE PLAINTIFFS IN THE CASE "We oppose the acceptance of the request made by the AJR [...]
Ixil Genocide Case – Mendoza García Bulletin 03
Ixil Genocide Case Bulletin 03 -- 02/08/22 "I AUTHORIZED THE VICTORIA 82 PLAN" On the third day of the genocide trial, Luis Enrique Mendoza Garcia, Chief of Operations of the General Staff of national [...]
Ixil Genocide case – Mendoza García / Bulletin 02
PLAINTIFFS IN CASE REQUEST THAT MILITARY OFFICER ACCUSED OF GENOCIDE BE SENT TO TRIAL "As a part of these processes of justice where the democratic state and the construction of peace in this country [...]
February Solidarity Update 2022
Luis Enrique Mendoza García, former high-ranking military officer, will face trial for genocide and crimes against humanity while attacks to judicial independence continue; a call for mutual respect and transparency on the pre-consultations of [...]
Ixil Genocide case – Mendoza García / Bulletin 01
Bulletin 01- 2/1/22 (Written by CALDH) Intermediate Phase Against Army Chief of Operation in Ixil Genocide Case begins “As a part of the general army staff and the national defense staff, you had knowledge [...]
Luis Enrique Mendoza García, former high-ranking military officer, will face trial for genocide and crimes against humanity
From February 1 to February 15, the intermediate phase of the Ixil Genocide case against the retired military officer Luis Enrique Mendoza García took place. Mendoza García was Chief of Military Operations (G3) under [...]
Comunicado de Solidaridad Internacional con las Comunidades y Organizaciones de Chubut, Argentina, afectadas por la ley de zonificación minera
Legislatura provincial de Chubut, Argentina vota a favor para permitir mineras a cielo abierto, después de dos décadas de una amplia oposición comunitaria El 15 de diciembre, la legislatura provincial de Chubut, en una [...]
International Solidarity Statement with Communities and Organizations of Chubut, Argentina affected by mine zoning law
Provincial legislature of Chubut, Argentina votes to allow open-pit mining after two-decades of broad community opposition On December 15, the Chubut provincial legislature, in a surprise session and ignoring citizen demands, voted to allow [...]
October Solidarity Update
[español abajo] Dear community, This month, we share with you the concerns of Guatemalan human rights, and survivors organizations over changes to the Public Prosecutor's Human Rights office. We also invite you to commemorate [...]
Statement: We reject the transfer of Prosecutor Hilda Pineda
On October 11, Attorney General Consuelo Porras transferred Hilda Pineda out of her position as head of the Special Prosecutor's Office on Human Rights, to the Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes Against Tourists. Hilda Pineda [...]
September Solidarity Update
The sacred fire burns during a ceremony celebrated on September 10 in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the ADH on Maya Mam territory. Photo credit: ADH [Español abajo] [...]
ASAMBLEA DE LOS PUEBLOS DE HUEHUETENANGO EN DEFENSA DEL TERRITORIO Y POR LA AUTONOMIA Y LA LIBRE DETERMINACION DE LOS PUEBLOS -ADH-
Es de vital importancia informarles a los pueblos en todo el mundo, que este 25 de Julio, la ADH conmemoró 15 años de lucha y resistencia en defensa del territorio y los bienes comunes. [...]
Memoria, verdad, justicia: Reclamando la memoria histórica como un camino hacia la liberación
To read in English Querides amigues, familia y compas, ¡Me alegra mucho volver a escribirles durante esta temporada de Leo! Estos últimos meses han estado llenos de energía caótica y cambios para mi, tanto [...]
New oppositions against the “Escobal” mining project owned by the Pan American Silver Guatemala mining company, for violation of the property rights of neighbors of San Rafael Las Flores
Para leer en Español PRESS RELEASE Dated July 15, two thousand twenty-one, the co-owner families of the farm named “El SALITRE”, which is located in the Aldea los Planes, in the municipality of San [...]
Nuevas oposiciones contra el proyecto minero “Escobal” propiedad de la compañía minera Pan American Silver Guatemala, por violación al derecho de propiedad de vecinos de San Rafael Las Flores
To read in English COMUNICADO DE PRENSA Con fecha 15 de julio de dos mil veintiuno, las familias copropietarias de la finca denominada “EL SALITRE”, la cual se ubica en la Aldea los Planes, [...]
Perspective on “US Strategy for Addressing the Root Causes of Migration in Central America.”
For the past six weeks, I have had the honor of interning with NISGUA. I first became familiar with NISGUA’s work via Oberlin Students in Solidarity with Guatemala (OSSGUA). I transferred to Oberlin in [...]
August Solidarity Update 2021
Picture of a roadblock in the Ixcán region on July 29 during the National Strike. The signs read: “Ixcán present in the fight, we demand the resignation of Alejandro Giammattei and Consuelo Porras,” “Resist [...]
Memory, truth, justice: Reclaiming historical memory as a path to liberation
Para leer en español Dear friends, family, and comrades, It brings me a lot of joy to be writing y’all again this fine Leo season! These past few months have been full of chaotic [...]
POLITICAL STATEMENT OF THE MAYA MAM SAQTX’OTX COUNCIL OF HUEHUETENANGO
As the original people of the territory K’AIB’IL B’ALAM, we reject and condemn the unacceptable attitude of the attorney María Consuelo Porras, representative of the Attorney General’s Office (MP) for abusively ordering the dismissal [...]
Comunicado: Organizaciones entregan petición exigiendo un fin de las expulsiones bajo Título 42 y protecciones para las y los migrantes Indígenas
28 de julio de 2021 Contacto: Claire Bransky, claire@nisgua.org Hoy, una amplia coalición de organizaciones centroamericanas y norteamericanas entregaron una petición con más de 1300 firmas al Departamento de Estado, el Departamento de Seguridad [...]
Press release: Organizations deliver petition calling for an end to Title 42 expulsions and protections for Indigenous migrants
July 28, 2021 Contact: Claire Bransky, claire[at]nisgua.org Today, a broad coalition of Central and North American organizations delivered a petition with more than 1300 signatures to the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, [...]
July Solidarity Update 2021 / Boletín Solidario de Julio
On July 22nd, Rubén’s life partner, feminist leader Alba Cecilia, launched Rubén’s second book, ¿Cómo olvidar a las memorias olvidadas? or How to forget the forgotten memories? You can watch the livestream of the launch in Spanish at www.facebok.com/MadreSelvaColectivo. [...]
PRONUNCIAMIENTO POLITICO DEL CONSEJO MAYA MAM SAQTX’OTX’ HUEHUETENANGO
Huehuetenango 25 de Julio del 2021 Los pueblos originarios de este territorio K’AIB’IL B’ALAM, Rechazamos y condenamos rotundamente la actitud inaceptable de la Lic. [...]
June Solidarity Update 2021 // Boletín Solidario de Junio
Outside of the courthouse while Judge Galvez gave his resolution, activists and relatives placed pictures of their disappeared loved ones that are registered in the Military Diary. A sign reads “Confess: Where are they?” [...]
Over 70 organizations express concern regarding reforms to Guatemala’s NGO Law
June 25, 2021 Revised NGO Law threatens freedom of association in Guatemala The undersigned organizations express our profound concern regarding the amendments to Bill 5257, a [...]
Más de 70 organizaciones nacionales e internacionales expresan preocupación por las reformas a la Ley de ONGs guatemalteca
25 de Junio del 2021 Reformas a la ley de ONGs amenazan la libertad de asociación en Guatemala Las organizaciones firmantes expresamos nuestra profunda preocupación por las reformas a la [...]
Statement: A light of hope in 37 years of impunity
Lawyers and plaintiffs present in the Judicial Room during the First Declaration Hearing of the six former military and police indicted for crimes against humanity in the Military Diary Case. Photo Credit: FAMDEGUA [...]
Statement from the Families of the Victims of the Military Diary Case
Following the news that eleven alleged perpetrators in the Military Diary case have been detained on May 27 of 2021, we express our solidarity with the family members of the disappeared people. These family [...]
Comunicado: Resistencia Pacífica de Santa Cruz Barillas y Asamblea Departamental de Huehuetenango.
Ante la “consternación” que la Corporación Financiera Internacional y el Banco Mundial expresaron respecto al informe de la Oficina del Ombudsman y Asesor de Cumplimiento (CAO), relacionado a la queja presentada el 01 de [...]
Open Statement: Pacific Resistance of Santa Cruz Barillas and Departamental Assembly of Huehuetenango
Statement regarding the “consternation” that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank expressed regarding the report of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), related to the complaint presented on July 1, 2015 by [...]
Statement: We embrace this step on the journey for justice of the families of the Military Diary
A page from the Military Diary. Photo credit: Centro de Medios Independientes On May 27, 11 ex-military and police officers linked to the Military Diary Case were taken into custody [...]
May 2021 Solidarity Update
(Español abajo) Dear community, In recent weeks, we have seen acute moments of settler-colonial violence and authoritarianism throughout the globe. We stand in solidarity with those rising up to protect their homes, livelihoods, and [...]
Accompanier perspectives: “We have survived the oppression, we are proud of our Indigenous Youth”
Straigth from NISGUA's archives, we invite you to read this letter written by Kayla Myers, who was an accompanier in Guatemala from November 2014 to November 2015. Dear Family and Friends, I [...]
FAMDEGUA’s position on the Constitutional Court resolution that dismisses the injuctions against the NGO law
In February, 2020, President Giammattei signed into law Decree 4-2020, formerly known as Bill 5257, but it was stalled by the former Constitutional Court (CC) due to a series of lawsuits that considered this [...]
Pétition: Les droits humains des peuples autochtones en matière de migration
signez la pétition Read in English // Leer en español Pétition: Les droits humains des peuples autochtones en matière de migration Les peuples autochtones d’Abiayala (les Amériques, en termes coloniaux) continuent [...]
8 years after the genocide sentence: continued impunity and a justice system in crisis
"I commemorate to avoid repetition!" Flyer, of the eighth anniversary of the first sentence for genocide and crimes against against the Maya Ixil people, released on May 10, 2013. Credit: Center for Legal Action [...]
April 2021 Solidarity Update
Fabiola García and Miriam Pixtun from CALDH during the live-streamed presentation of the virtual exhibition. Photo credit: CALDH //Fabiola García y Miriam Pixtun de CALDH durante la presentación en vivo de la exposición virtual [...]
COMUNICADO PÚBLICO DE LOS PUEBLOS ORIGINARIOS DE HUEHUETENANGO
De manera urgente, La Asamblea Departamental de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango ADH, nos hemos declarado en sesión permanente; analizando la situación preocupante de la Comunidad de Triunfo de Champerico Retalhuleu. En este momento la [...]
LA ASOCIACION DE COMUNIDADES PARA EL DESARROLLO, DEFENSA DE LA TIERRA Y LOS RECURSOS NATURALES ACODET, EN SU DÉCIMO TERCERA ASAMBLEA GENERAL ORDINARIA, ANTE LA OPINION PUBLICA
MANIFESTAMOS: Nosotros y nosotras las autoridades indígenas, autoridades ancestrales cocodes, comités de mujeres de las diferentes comunidades indígenas de Ixcan, Cobán y Uspantan que conformamos la asociación de comunidades para el desarrollo, defensa [...]
THE ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT AND THE DEFENSE OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES – ACODET- IN ITS THIRTEENTH REGULAR GENERAL ASSEMBLE, BEFORE THE PUBLIC OPINION
WE EXPRESS: We, the indigenous authorities, the ancestral cocodes authorities, women’s committees from the different indigenous communities of Ixcan, Cobán and Uspantan that compose the Association of Communities for Development and the Defense [...]
One year of remote accompaniment: the bad, the complex and the beautiful
As I write these lines, I can’t help but think that just a year ago, on March 15, 2020, the first COVID-19 death was reported in Guatemala. On March 17, the state closed the [...]
March 2021 Solidarity Update: Day of Dignification of the Victims of the IAC, International Day of Water, and become a sustaining donor!
During the February 25 commemoration, social organizations placed a poster with national symbols, covered by pictures of the disappeared and victims of the Internal Armed Conflict, outside the Congress. Photo credit: Edith López [...]
COMUNICADO: ADH SE MANIFIESTA EN EL DIA MUNDIAL DEL AGUA.
Lea este comunicado que nuestres compañeres de La Asamblea Departamental de Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH) han escrito en el marco de la conmemoración del día mundial del agua. ¡El agua genera [...]
Press Release: MAYA-IXIL HUMAN RIGHTS SURVIVORS AND VICTIMS OF GUATEMALAN STATE-SPONSORED VIOLENCE FIGHT FOR ASYLUM IN THE UNITED STATES
(Español abajo) Maya-Ixil Human Rights survivors and victims of Guatemalan state-sponsored violence fight for asylum in the United States El Paso Immigration Lawyer Carlos Spector declares, “It’s the most significant case I’ve ever [...]
Statement:22 years honoring the memory of the victims and survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict
Guatemalan authorities put a giant poster with national symbols outside the Congress. Social organizations covered it with pictures of the disappeared and victims of the Internal Armed Conflict during the [...]
Petición: Derechos humanos de los Pueblos indígenas en la migración
FIRMA LA PETICION INSCRIBETE PARA EL WEBINAR Los pueblos indígenas de Abiayala (en términos coloniales conocido cómo las Américas) continúan enfrentando los impactos directos de la continuación del colonialismo basado [...]
Petition: Indigenous Peoples’ Human Rights in Migration
SIGN THE PETITION TODAY REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR Indigenous peoples of Abiayala (the Americas, in colonial terms) continue to face the destructive results of ongoing Doctrine of Discovery-based colonialism: imposed [...]
February Solidarity Update: ACAs suspended, updates from our partners, and a new volunteer opportunity!
These past few months have been full of challenges, victories, and continued perseverance. Continue reading below to join us in celebrating our wins, take action with us, and learn about the continued fight for [...]
Termination of the ACAs! // ¡Terminación de los ACAs!
Three hundred community members organized by the ADH took over the Mesiilla check point on the Guatemala-Mexico border on August 9, protesting the "third safe country" agreement, systemic impunity & the invasion of [...]
Más de 70 organizaciones exigen que Biden revise la política exterior hacia Centroamérica
Read this page in english Al Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Presidente-Electo Oficina del presidente electo 1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230 15 de enero, 2021 Estimado presidente electo Biden, [...]
More than 70 Organizations Call for Biden to Overhaul Central America Policy
leer esta pagina en español The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President-Elect Office of the President Elect 1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230 January 14, 2021 Dear President-Elect Biden, Congratulations [...]
#LaPazEsNuestroDerecho / #PeaceIsOurRight
Since Giammattei announced a series of decrees closing several institutions created to comply with the Peace Accords signed by the Guatemalan State in 1996, we have been echoing the demands of our Guatemalan partners [...]
195 organizaciones denuncian los últimos ataques contra miembros de la Resistencia Pacífica a la mina de Escobal
READ THIS PAGE IN ENGLISH VISITA EL SITIO WEB DE FUERA MINA ESCOBAL 21 de enero de 2021 DIRIGIDO A: María Consuelo Porras, Fiscal General, Ministerio Público de Guatemala Augusto [...]
195 international organizations denounce latest attacks against members of the Peaceful Resistance to Escobal mine
LEER ESTA PAGINA EN ESPANOL VISIT RESIST ESCOBAL'S WEBSITE January 21, 2021 TO: María Consuelo Porras, Attorney General, Office of the Public Prosecutor, Guatemala Augusto Jordán Rodas Hernández, Ombudsman, Office [...]
Statement: 24 Years After the signing of the Peace Agreements
"What is the institutional framework of peace in Guatemala? They are institutions that ensure that the State respects the Peace Accords and provides dignified reparation to the people who suffered crimes against humanity committed [...]
Statement: THE ACTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE CREOMPAZ CASE CANNOT REMAIN IN IMPUNITY
On December 9, 2020 a virtually public hearing was held in the Constitutional Court, to address an injunction presented by FAMDEGUA regarding the prosecution of the crimes of sexual violence and crimes against [...]
Implementación del Acuerdo de Cooperación de Asilo vulnera derechos de las personas migrantes
Escrito y originalmente publicado por nuestras camaradas del Comité en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de El Salvador (CISPES). Click here to read in English. En respuesta al anuncio desde el Departamento de seguridad nacional [...]
Implementation of Asylum Agreement Violates Human Rights of Migrants
Written and originally posted by our comrades at the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES). Haz clic aquí para leer en español. On December 18, International Day of the Migrant, [...]
Statement: As it was in the 80’s
In the last few weeks, protests are growing in Guatemala due to the mismanagement of the pandemic and the lack of an appropriate state response to hurricanes Eta and Iota, the outrageous 2021 budget, [...]
November solidarity update // Boletín de noviembre
Picture from one of ACODET’s women’s leadership workshops. Photo credit: ACODET // Foto de uno de los talleres de ACODET de liderazgo de mujeres. Crédito de foto: ACODET Read our solidarity update [...]
Statement: The Appointment of Roberto Molina as a Constitutional Court Judge is another action of the pact of the corrupts
On November 10, the Guatemala Supreme Court elected Roberto Molina Barreto to the Constitutional Court (CC), replacing Judge Bonerge Mejía, who died of COVID-19 in September. In 2013, when Molina Barreto was also serving [...]
Statement: For the right to peaceful protest and against government repression!
After the Guatemalan government heavily repressed on Saturday 21 a peaceful demonstration that had initially being call against the 2021 budget, human rights organizations and social movements are calling for the immediate resignation of [...]
#NoNosPela // Solidarity with the Guatemalan uprisings
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN GUATEMALA? For centuries, the elite of Guatemala have consolidated their power by violently robbing resources from the Indigenous majority. In recent history, the oligarchy has maintained its control through militarized [...]
#NoNosPela // Solidaridad con los levantamientos guatemaltecos
¿QUÉ ESTÁ PASANDO EN GUATEMALA? Durante siglos, la élite guatemalteca ha consolidado su poder al robar violentamente recursos a la mayoría Indígena. En la historia reciente, la oligarquía ha mantenido su control a través [...]
October Solidarity Update // Boletín de Octubre
Aleisar Arana, President of the Xinka Parliament, speaking at the meeting with the MEM. Photo credit: Xinka Parliament // Aleisar Arana, Presidente del Parlamento Xinka, hablando durante la reunión con el MEM. Credito [...]
Statement: “We reject the closure of the institutions of peace and human rights”
Members of the Platform of Victims and Survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict outside the Constitutional Court of Guatemala. Photo credit: Courtesy of AJR On October 5, the National Platform of Victims [...]
Accompanier Perspectives:”We Must Love Each Other and Support Each Other”
Graphic credit: IG @bbyanarchists Hello Everyone, A lot has happened in such a short amount of time. Adjusting to a pandemic that pushes pre-existing inequality to a new limit while also seeing [...]
September Solidarity Update: AJR and XP gatherings, house parties, & more
One of many scenes of the first virtual assembly in Santa Anita. Photo credit: AJR This month we invite you to watch a series of virtual forums organized by the Xinka Parliament, [...]
“For their truth to last”: Statement in support of survivors of genocide
"Their truth is our truth". Illustration by CALDH. On September 16, 17 and 18, survivors of massacres that occurred in the Ixil region gave their testimonies as pretrial evidence in the case against [...]
The Fugitives of CREOMPAZ
This article was originally written by Carlos Juarez for gAZeta magazine on January 2020. You can read the article on Spanish here. Since the publication of this article no further arrest has been made. [...]
August Solidarity Update: La Puya, ACAs, Molina Theissen & more
Guatemala civil society called a protest on August 15 to denounce the financial mismanagement of the Guatemalan government during the pandemic. Photo credit: Antonio Ramirez/IG: @suculentapro Along with people worldwide who [...]
Release request of convicted military personnel in the Molina Theissen case is rejected
Archive picture of Marco Antonio Molina Theissen On Wednesday, August 19 a closed hearing was held to resolve the petition of substitute measures for 3 high-rank military officials who currently are [...]
Perspectivas de lxs acompañantes: Lidiando con la complejidad
To read in English Nicole Estrada (ella), NISGUA Internacionalista actual, escribió esta carta durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y los levantamientos de Las Vidas Negras Importan. Imagen de un sendero mágico en [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: On Holding Complexity
Para leer en español Nicole Estrada (she/her/hers), current NISGUA Internacionalista, wrote this letter during the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter uprisings in the U.S. Picture of a dreamy trail in Birmingham, [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Vivas Nos Queremos. Resistance at the intersection of feminism, coronavirus and the police state
Isa Villalon, NISGUA internacionalista, wrote this letter upon their return to the United States in March, 2020. Since her return, Isa has been organizing with Abolish ICE Denver. I wasn't [...]
38 national and international organizations sent a letter to the World Bank expressing their concerns regarding the attacks against the Guatemalan Judicial system
[Español abajo] On July 30, 38 national and international organizations asked the World Bank Group to take decisive measures to reverse its contribution to fostering conditions that threaten the institutional order in Guatemala. [...]
July 2020: Rubén Herrera Presente!
Beloved community, we write this Solidarity Update with broken hearts. Rubén Herrera of the Departmental Assembly of Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) passed away on July 22. We honor Rubén and we [...]
In loving memory of Rubén Herrera // ¡Rubén Herrera presente!
Rubén walks between a line of police and protestors outside the Huehuetenango city government building. On this day, Rubén and the ADH led a march against the ACAs and the militarization of Huehuetenango [...]
Organizations deliver petition with 2000+ signatures against the Asylum Cooperative Agreements (ACAs)
learn more and take action Migrants’ rights organizations deliver petition with 2000+ signatures against the Asylum Cooperative Agreements (ACAs) Leer en español Today, a broad coalition of Central and North American [...]
Se entrega petición con más de 2000 firmas en contra de los ACAs
APRENDEr MAS y tomar accion Organizaciones pro migrantes entregan petición al congreso estadounidense con más de 2000 firmas en contra de los Acuerdos de Cooperación de Asilo (ACAs) Read in English [...]
19 Organizaciones rechazan el golpe técnico contra la Corte de Constitucionalidad
[English below] The Constitutional Court is the highest body of defense for the Political Constitution of the Republic. (Photo: La Asamblea Departamental de Pueblos de Huehuetenango- ADH) Alta Corte de Justicia [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Connecting — Zapatistas, Feminist Teachings, and Neocolonialism in Guatemala
[Christina Reyes, NISGUA Internacionalista, wrote and sent this letter in early January 2020. It now includes modifications they made in early March 2020 for International Women’s Day] Hello loved ones, I hope this message [...]
Webinar! From the U.S. to Central America // Desde EE.UU. a Centroamérica
[español abajo] On June 10, we had the honor of coordinating a webinar "From the U.S. to Central America: Asylum, Deportations, and COVID-19" featuring five panelists from Central America and the U.S. who [...]
NISGUA denounces the State of Siege in three municipalities in Sololá
[Español abajo] Image reads: Liberty! No to the State of Siege (Photo credit: Festivales Solidarios) On May 30, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei declared a State of Siege in Santa Lucía [...]
June 2020: Campaign updates, digital commemorations & more!
Picture taken on February 25th, National Day of Dignification for Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict. Despite the fact that in Guatemala the COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic [...]
Statement: National Day Against Forced Disappearance 2020
June 21 is the National Day Against Forced Disappearance in Guatemala, marking the anniversary of the collective forced disappearance of 27 unionists from the National Workers Union (Central Nacional de Trabajadores). We share the [...]
The ADH speaks out against the impunity of World Bank
Read this statement that our partners from the Departmental Assembly of Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) have written demanding "the world bank to stop investing money in projects that only destroy humanity and our Cosmos." [...]
ADH se manifiesta en contra de la impunidad del banco mundial
Lea este comunicado que nuestres compañeres de La Asamblea Departamental de Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH) han escrito exigiendo "al banco mundial que deje de invertir dinero en proyectos que solo destruyen a la humanidad y [...]
Organizaciones solicitan a CIDH dar seguimiento a acuerdo de tercer país seguro
Guatemala: organizaciones solicitan a CIDH dar seguimiento a acuerdo de tercer país seguro con EEUU 09 de junio de 2020.- Organizaciones regionales e internacionales solicitamos a la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos [...]
ADH denounces the serious crisis of COVID-19 generated by the government
Para leer en Español Read this statement that our comrades from the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) wrote "in the face of the serious crisis generated by the measures taken by [...]
LAS VIDAS NEGRAS IMPORTAN // BLACK LIVES MATTER
[English below] LAS VIDAS NEGRAS IMPORTAN. Desde NISGUA nos solidarizamos con todas las luchas en defensa de la vida, la dignidad y la seguridad de las personas negras por todo el mundo. Como una [...]
ADH denuncia la grave crisis de COVID-19 generada por el gobierno
To read in English Lea este comunicado que nuestres compañeres de La Asamblea Departamental de Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH) han escrito "ante la grave crisis generada por las medidas tomadas por el gobierno de [...]
May 2020 Solidarity Update
Lawyers of the victims and survivors of the CREOMPAZ case at the hearing on May 18. Photo credit: Dr. Ramón Cadena May 2020 Solidarity Update We are in regular [...]
Alert for aggressions against human rights defender Tania Palencia
[Español abajo] NISGUA denounces the attack on social activist Tania Palencia We are deeply concerned about the attack at the home of social activist Tania Palencia on May 22 . Tania is a human [...]
21 Years After the publication of the Military Diary families of the victims are still seeking justice
A page from the Military Diary. Photo credit: Centro de Medios Independientes. The Military Diary is a 54-page document that lists the names of 183 people who were captured and forcibly [...]
Military accused in the CREOMPAZ case try to get out of pre-trial detention
On May 11, the military José Antonio Vásquez García and César Augusto Cabrera Mejía, accused in the CREOMPAZ case, asked Judge Claudette Dominguez to obtain conditional freedom in the context of the COVID-19 emergency. [...]
Video: Commemorating the National Day of Dignification for Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict
[Español abajo] On February 25th, NISGUA accompanied survivor organizations as they gathered to remember what they survived and those they lost on the National Day of Dignification for Victims of the Internal [...]
FAMDEGUA Statement on the 38 anniversary of Los Josefinos massacre
We share with you this statement from the Association of Family Members of the Detained and Disappeared of Guatemala (FAMDEGUA), in commemoration of the Los Josefinos massacre, which occurred on April 29 and 30 [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: What is happening at the border?
Nicole Estrada (she/her) wrote this blog while volunteering as an international accompanier in our GAP Internacionalista program. Her blog is here both as a text and an illustrated booklet -- check it out! [...]
April 2020 Solidarity Update
Picture of Esteban Celada during a hearing on the Creompaz case. Photo credit: Verdad y Justicia April 2020 Solidarity Update As we all face the multidimensional implications of the [...]
ADH conmemora el Día de la Tierra en el contexto del COVID-19
Miembres de la Asamblea Departamental de Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH) en una manifestación en julio de 2019. Lee el comunicado por la Asamblea Departamental de Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH), marcando el Día [...]
Statement: During the Coronavirus emergency military condemned intend to get out of jail
As several grave war crimes cases have been temporarily suspended, the lawyer of five senior military officials convicted in the Molina Theissen case (including Benedicto Lucas García and Manuel Callejas y Callejas) made another [...]
CALDH denounces break in at the home of Lawyer Esteban Celada, lawyer of high impact cases
NISGUA joins CALDH in denouncing the break-in of the home of Esteban Celada. Esteban is a well known Guatemalan lawyer who currently represents the girls massacred in a state-run youth shelter "Hogar Virgen de [...]
Movimientos Ancestrales: Territorios Indígenas y Migración
Silvia Raquec, coordinadora del Programa de Migración de la Asociación Pop No'j y la oradora de la gira de NISGUA de 2020. Toma acción: No a los acuerdos [...]
Human Rights Ombudsman findings on verification mission of deported people in Guatemala City Airport
A sign from the Departmental Assembly of Peoples of Huehuetenango that reads "Only together, with the memory of the struggle and resistance of our peoples, can we stop imperialism." Human Rights Ombudsman [...]
Gobierno Plurinacional aclara los incidentes de febrero 2020 en Ixquisis
Una represa ya baja construcción es visible desde el otro lado del río en Ixquisis, a pesar de la resistencia permanente de las comunidades ante la imposición de megaproyectos en sus territorios. [...]
Ancestral Movements: Indigenous Territories and Migration
Silvia Raquec, Migration Program Coordinator for Asociación Pop No'j, and NISGUA's 2020 tour speaker. TAKE ACTION: NO SAFE THIRD COUNTRY AGREEMENTS WITH CENTRAL AMERICA WATCH THE WEBINAR! [...]
Plurinational Government clarifies facts of February 2020 incidents in Ixquisis
Dams already under construction in Ixquisis are visible from the river bank despite the communities' ongoing resistance against the imposition of mega-projects in their territories. Note of clarification: We reject all attempts [...]
Citizen complaint: Escobal mine takes advantage of COVID-19 pandemic
Thank you to Earthworks for the translation.
Statement: Survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict reject attempts to shut down SEPAZ
In the midst of an unprecedent health, economic and social crisis caused by COVID19, the Guatemalan government is betting on closing SEPAZ, one of the few institutions that ensures the monitoring and compliance with [...]
The struggle continues: Reflections in times of COVID-19
The setting sun shines through bougainvillea flowers in central Guatemala. Dear friend, I write to you today from my kitchen table, thankful for the pink-blossomed trees outside and the available resources [...]
Guatemalan National Organizations denounce NGO law
On February 14, Guatemalan Congress approved law Decree 4-2020, formerly known as Bill 5257, or the NGO Law. Guatemalan social movements have pointed out that this initiative is antidemocratic, regressive, limits political rights, and threatens people [...]
National and International Organizations Condemn Approval of NGO Law and Urge Use of the Presidential Veto to Guarantee Fundamental Rights
Graphic by CEJIL, Center for Justice and International Law. As NISGUA we thank CEJIL for their leadership in creating this letter.
Organizaciones nacionales e internacionales condenamos aprobación de ley de ONGs y urgimos el veto presidencial para garantizar derechos fundamentales
Gráfico por CEJIL, Centro por la Justicia y el Derecho Internacional. Exhortamos al presidente de la República de Guatemala a ejercer el veto presidencial sobre el Decreto 04-2020, dada la situación de [...]
Gira 2020: “Movimientos Ancestrales: Territorio Indígena y Migración” con Asociación Pop No’j
A causa del brote de COVID-19, hemos decidido cancelar todas las actividades en persona de nuestra gira de 2020. Lamentamos mucho hacer este anuncio y estamos muy agradecides por todes les anfitrionas en Nuevo [...]
Tour 2020: “Ancestral Movements: Indigenous Territory and Migration” with Association Pop No’j
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have decided to cancel all in-person tour stops for our spring 2020 tour. We are sad to make this announcement and we are incredibly grateful for all [...]
Más de 45 organizaciones exigen libertad para el defenser Maya Chuj Julio Gómez
Julio Gómez, Maya Chuj Coordinador del Gobierno Ancestral Plurinacional local, dirigiéndose a miles de personas en el Parque Central de San Mateo Ixtatán, Huehuetenango. Fotografía por Nelton Rivera, Prensa Comunitaria Km. 169 [...]
Over 45 organizations demand release of Maya Chuj land defender Julio Gómez
Julio Gómez Lucas speaks before a crowd of thousands of people in San Mateo Ixtatán, Huehuetenango. Photo credit: Nelton Rivera, Prensa Comunitaria Km. 169 January 28, 2020 María Consuelo Porras Attorney [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Our struggles are connected and so is our liberation
Welcome to this second Friends and Family letter, I hope you are staying warm and cozy this winter days! I wish you a festive, joyous and reflective time. Below you’ll read about my reflections [...]
Parlamento Xinka: El incumplimiento de los ministerios de llevar a cabo la consulta sobre la mina Escobal
Representantes del Parlamento Xinka hablan con los medios durante su conferencia de prensa el 18 de diciembre de 2019. COMUNICADO DE PRENSA POR EL INCUMPLIMIENTO DE LOS MINISTERIOS DE ENERGIA Y [...]
Xinka Parliament: Ministries have failed to execute consultation over Escobal mine
Representatives of the Xinka Parliament speak with the press following their press conference on December 18. PRESS RELEASE THE MINISTRIES OF ENERGY AND MINES AND OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES HAVE [...]
International Human Rights Day Statement from survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict
Survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict at their Press Conference. Photo Credit: Impunity Watch Statement on International Human Rights Day The Victims and Survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict, convened in [...]
Human Rights Ombudsman makes recommendations on consultation over Escobal mine
A banner reads: "Xinkas: never conquered, eternally respected." Summary of Recommendations from Guatemala’s Human Rights Ombudsman (PDH) on the Court-Ordered Consultation over the Escobal mine A report on the status of [...]
Statement: Maya Achi survivors present a complaint against Judge Claudette Dominguez for racism and discrimination
On December 5, 36 Achi women survivors of sexual violence presented a formal complaint of racism and discrimination against judge Claudette Domínguez. Previously in June, Judge Claudette Domínguez dismissed charges against three of the [...]
Sisters in struggle: Indigenous Environmental Network leadership trip to Guatemala
In September, NISGUA had the honor of hosting a delegation to Guatemala for representative leaders of the Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN). The delegation featured talks with women land defenders, cultural exchanges, and a community [...]
Press Release: We support the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR)
On October 17, Judge Claudette Domínguez, known for her right-wing ties and regressive decisions, was removed from the Maya Ixil genocide case against Luis Enríquez Mendoza García, who was chief of military operations under [...]
CREOMPAZ case plaintiffs send an open letter to Judge Claudette Dominguez
On October 2, the First High Risk Appellate Court announced their decision to maintain Judge Claudette Domínguez in the CREOMPAZ case, despite the plaintiffs' lawyers' arguments that Judge Domínguez may have direct or indirect [...]
UPDATE: State of siege militarizes communities in Ixcán
UPDATE: 10/22/19 As the state of siege continues, impacts are felt in communities where no state of siege has been requested, as in the case of the municipality of Ixcán, Quiché: A military incursion [...]
ACTUALIZACIÓN: Estado de sitio militariza comunidades en Ixcán
ACTUALIZACIÓN: 22/10/2019 Una incursión militar en Santa María Tzejá y la intervención militar local en conflictos comunitarios en Pueblo Nuevo muestran los impactos del estado de sitio abriendo la puerta a la intimidación militar [...]
September Solidarity Update 2019
News recap: Hear the voices of our Guatemalan partners who speak out against the current state of siege, take action to support Xinca land defenders, and read updates on the Maya Achí sexual violence [...]
Western Regional Assembly statement on the state of siege
On September 4, 2019, Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales declared a state of siege in 22 municipalities and 5 departments of Guatemala. The decree came after an event in Semuy II, El Estor, Izabal, in [...]
Solidarity Update: August 2019
News recap: After presidential elections we amplify our partners' analyses as to what they expect from the new government; we also share voices of people in resistance to U.S. Intervention along the Guatemalan border; [...]
One year later, Xinka land defenders against Escobal mine return to Constitutional Court
The march begins to form outside of the Supreme Court of Justice. A sign reminds of the negative impact that the mine has on the local watershed. [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: climate change and Indigenous organizing
Accompanier Olivia Pandolfi (they/she or elle/ella) writes about climate change and indigenous resistance in Quiché, Guatemala. In the text you'll read about extractivism, linguistics, and a multiple-hour Google Earth tour of Guatemala's river systems. ————— [...]
Apoya la justicia racial: Christina Reyes lanza el Fondo de Becas GAP
Una semilla de transformación y liberación se plantó hace dos años, cuando compartimos la visión de solidaridad de NISGUA y nuestro compromiso con un marco de justicia racial para toda la organización. Nos comprometimos a [...]
Invest in Racial Justice: Christina Reyes launches GAP Scholarship Fund
A seed of transformation and liberation was planted two years ago, when we shared NISGUA’s vision for solidarity and our commitment to an organization-wide racial justice framework. We committed to increasing participation of People [...]
Facing U.S. intervention, we resist to live: Statement by the ADH
A sign reads, "The interference by the United States buries the people's peace." THEY DO NOT CONSULT US, THEY DO NOT LISTEN TO US, WE RESIST TO SURVIVE… On this day, August [...]
Ante injerencia gringa, resistimos para vivir: Comunicado por la ADH
A sign reads, "The interference by the United States buries the people's peace." NO NOS CONSULTAN, NO NOS TOMAN EN CUENTA, RESISTIMOS PARA VIVIR… Los pueblos originarios de Zaculeu, en este 9 [...]
Solidarity Update: July 2019
News Recap: Huehuetenango communities march against militarization, Escalation of tension, threats and defamation against the peaceful resistance to mining in Mataquescuintla, NISGUA Oakland takes action for immigrant justice on Amazon Prime Day, Thank you [...]
Escalation of tension, threats and defamation in Mataquescuintla, Guatemala
July 23, 2019 Escalation of tension, threats and defamation against the peaceful resistance to mining in Mataquescuintla, Guatemala On July 5th, in the evening, members of the Peaceful Resistance of Mataquescuintla were at one [...]
Escalada de tensiones, amenazas y difamación en Mataquescuintla
23 de julio 2019 Escalada de tensiones, amenazas y difamación en contra de la resistencia pacífica a la minería en Mataquescuintla, Guatemala La noche de viernes 5 de julio, integrantes de la Resistencia Pacífica [...]
Accompanier Zine: Militarization & Resistance at the Mexico/Guatemala Border
Former NISGUA accompanier Olivia Pandolfi (they/them or she/her) created this zine about militarization and resistance as a Friends and Family Letter to their community. To read the zine as a PDF, click [...]
Carta al gobernador de Huehuetenango: No militarización gringa sin consulta
Rubén Herrera, Coordinador General de la ADH, entrega el Memorial de Zacaleu a los representantes del gobernador de Huehuetenango el 11 de julio, 2019. El 11 de julio, 2019, comunidades de [...]
Letter to Huehuetenango Governor: No U.S. Militarization without Consultation
Rubén Herrera, General Coordinator of the ADH, present the Petition of Zacaleu to representatives of the Governor of Huehuetenango on July 11, 2019. On July 11, 2019, communities of Huehuetenango marched [...]
Petition of Zaculeu: Communities in Huehuetenango reject U.S. militarization
The following public statement by the Assembly of Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) rejects the militarization by the United States in their territories. To read more about the resistance against militarization, click here. To take [...]
Memorial de Zaculeu: Comunidades de Huehuetenango rechazan la militarización gringa
El siguiente comunicado por la Asamblea de Pueblos de Huehuetenango (ADH) rechaza la militarización por el estado de los EE.UU. y Guatemala en sus territorios. Para leer más sobre la resistencia en contra de [...]
Solidarity Update: June 2019
News recap: Xinka Parliament, Lawyer Quelvin Jiménez, and Peaceful Resistance Under Threat; In Blow to Justice, Judge Frees 6 Men Accused of Sexual Violence against Maya Achi Woman; 2019 Accompanier Cohort Participates in NISGUA's [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Political prisoners return home
Dear Friends and Family, As I reflect on the past year since joining Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) and officially finishing my first period in Guatemala Accompaniment Program, I hold [...]
Comunicado de CALDH frente a Captura del Prófugo Gen. Luis Enrique Mendoza, Acusado de Genocidio
Mientras Guatemalan realizaba sus elecciones generales el 16 de junio, el sistema de justicia hizo una captura importante. Detuvieron al ex-general Luis Enrique Mendoza en Baja Verapaz, cuando él fue a votar. Mendoza había [...]
CALDH Statement on Arrest of Fugitive Gen. Luis Enrique Mendoza, Accused of Genocide
As Guatemala held its general elections on June 16, the justice system made an important arrest. They captured retired general Luis Enrique Mendoza in Baja Verapaz, as he went to cast his ballot. Mendoza [...]
Upcoming Presidential, Congressional Elections in Guatemala
Presidential and Congressional elections will be held in Guatemala this Sunday, June 16. Find out more about the elections, Thelma Cabrera's historic candidacy, and potential effects on organizing and movements in Guatemala. Correction: We [...]
Serious Concerns in the Face of Huehuetenango Militarization
In the past several weeks, communities and organizations in Huehuetenango have noted an increase in U.S. and Guatemalan military presence in their territories. This unexplained and unapproved military presence has caused great consternation in [...]
Maya Achi Women Speak about Fight for Justice to NISGUA, BTS Networks
Maya Achi Survivor Paulina Ixpata Alvarado and Maya Achi lawyer Gloria Pérez speak about their experiences working for justice. On two warm afternoons in Rabinal, Paulina Ixpata Alvarado and Gloria Pérez [...]
Solidarity Update: April 2019
Our April Solidarity Update features a news recap: NISGUA and BTS Jointly Organize Webinars about Maya Achí Women’s Fight for Justice Report-back on 2019 Delegation: NISGUA and NMSU Organize Environmental Indigenous Leadership Exchange Accompanier [...]
Xinka Parliament condemns Pan American’s interference in consultation process
An image made by the Xinka Parliament reads: "In our Xinka territory, water, our cosmovision, and spirituality are worth more than gold and silver." On Wednesday, May 8th, hundreds of members [...]
Indigenous people call on Pan American Silver to cease local interference out of respect for consultation process in Guatemala
(Vancouver/Victoria/Ottawa/Tatamagouche/Washington, D.C.) Ahead of Pan American Silver’s annual shareholder meeting in Vancouver today, the Xinka Indigenous Parliament released a statement calling on the company to stop attempts to engage with communities outside of the [...]
Accompanier Zine: An Introduction to Community Consultations in Guatemala
Current NISGUA accompanier Olivia Pandolfi (they/them or she/her) created this zine about community consultations as a Friends and Family Letter to their community. To read the zine as a PDF, click [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Women Seek Justice in Maya Achí Sexual Violence Case
Maya Achi women demanding justice for sexual violence enter the court for a trial date in the case's intermediate phase. Photo credit: ACOGUATE Current accompanier, Tal Netter-Sweet, shares their experience [...]
2019 NISGUA Delegation: Environmental Indigenous Leadership Exchange
This March, NISGUA partnered with New Mexico State University to host a week-long exchange between Indigenous undergraduate students and Maya Q'eqchi', Mam, Q'anjob'al, and K'iche' environmental defenders. Ten NMSU students visited with NISGUA partners [...]
Solidarity Update: March 2019
News recap: Survivors Achieve Tentative Victory against Proposed Amnesty Law; ACODET Leaders, Indigenous Authorities Hold Press Conference in Defense of Community Consultations; NISGUA and New Mexico State University Organize Indigenous Environmental Leadership Delegation to [...]
NISGUA partners with New Mexico State University for Indigenous delegation to Guatemala
This March 23-30, NISGUA is partnering with New Mexico State University to host a week-long exchange between Indigenous undergraduate students and Mayan environmental defenders. Ten NMSU students will visit with NISGUA partners in the [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Connecting Struggles for Justice Across Borders
Current NISGUA accompanier Meredith Wilkinson shares the journey that brought her to accompaniment and the lessons she'll take away. She invites others to join NISGUA's cross-border work for justice through the Guatemala Accompaniment Program. [...]
Hydroelectric bank complaint moves forward amid increasing attacks
Community members in Ixquisis gather. Photo credit: Nomada On March 4, 2019, the Ancestral Plurinational Government of the Akateo, Chuj, Popti, and Q'anjob'al Original Nations released a statement expressing their outrage [...]
Solidarity Update: February 2019
News recap: Join NISGUA- as staff or as an accompanier!; Survivors Respond as Guatemalan Congress Threatens Amnesty; Sign On in Solidarity with Cross-Border Indigenous Organizing for Self-Determination; Plurinational Government, Omaha Nation Hold Summit in Q’anjob’al territory, [...]
Four lessons from survivors on the Day of Dignification for Victims
In 1999, the UN-sponsored Commission for Historical Clarification presented its report, Guatemala: Memory of Silence, which documented the crimes the Guatemalan state had committed against its own people during the Internal Armed Conflict. Each [...]
Sobrevivientes del Terrorismo del Estado, Organizaciones Rechazan Amnistía en Guatemala
Organizaciones en Guatemala, entre ellas CALDH e HIJ@S, publicaron una carta abierta denunciando el intento del Congreso a aprobar una iniciativa de ley garantizando amnistía. La iniciativa de ley arriesgaría décadas de lucha por [...]
Survivors of State Terror, Organizations Reject Amnesty in Guatemala
Guatemalan partner organizations, including CALDH and HIJ@S, published an open letter denouncing Guatemalan congressional attempts to pass amnesty legislation. The proposed legislation could overturn decades of work for justice, allowing those responsible for crimes against humanity [...]
Solidarity Update: January 2019
News recap: NISGUA is hiring!; Civil society reacts as political crisis escalates to a technical coup; Stand with Indigenous and campesino communities' right to self-determination; Pan American buys Tahoe Resources, inheriting Escobal Mine's legacy of human rights [...]
International Organizations Publish Statement in Solidarity with La Puya
NISGUA joins 10 international organizations who stand in solidarity with the communities of the Peaceful Resistance “La Puya” impacted by the international arbitration claim filed against the state of Guatemala by US mining company, [...]
Solidarity Update: December 2018
News recap: Organizations demand justice in wake of assassinations and ongoing violence in Ixquisis, TAKE ACTION to stand with communities working to protect community consultations, NISGUA Speaking Tour shares lessons from successful organizing in Chixoy-Copón Rivers [...]
Media Advisory: Social movements at risk as technical coup unfolds in Guatemala
For a downloadable version of this media advisory, click here. For nearly a year and a half, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales has repeatedly defied the rule of law by attacking the UN-backed International [...]
Political Crisis in Guatemala: Organizations Call on Embassy, State Department to Support CICIG
The Jimmy Morales administration has brought Guatemala to a technical coup, as it ramps up its attack against the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), in an effort to circumvent corruption investigations. [...]
Political Crisis Continues in Guatemala: A Timeline
For nearly a year and a half, the Jimmy Morales administration has repeatedly defied the rule of law in its attacks on the UN-backed International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).The situation reached another climax [...]
More than 100 Organizations Denounce Murders, Violence against Peaceful Resistance of Ixquisis
Statement on the double assassination, physical aggression, and the dangerous situation faced by communities in the Ixquisis region, Guatemala We, the below signed organizations, collectives, and people, express our deep concern about the [...]
Más de 100 Organizaciones Denuncian Asesinatos, Agresiones contra Resistencia Pacifica de Ixquisis
Pronunciamiento ante doble asesinato, agresión física y situación de riesgo de las comunidades de la Microrregión de Ixquisis, Guatemala Las organizaciones, colectivos, y personas firmantes manifestamos nuestra profunda preocupación por la situación de [...]
Struggle for Justice for Sexual Violence Continues in Military Zone 21 Case
A survivor of sexual violence waits outside the courtroom for the Military Zone 21 case. Photo Credit: CALDH This article is about Indigenous women seeking justice for systematic sexual violence that [...]
2018 Tour Speaker Participates in “Indigenous Symposium: Water Protection”
As part of its visit to Las Cruces, New Mexico, NISGUA's fall 2018 speaking tour, "How to Stop a Dam with Indigenous Resistance," participated in a four-day symposium of events dedicated to facilitating direct [...]
In Honor of Jakelin: Demand justice for immigrants and environmental defenders
Jakelin Ameí Rosmery Caal Maquin died on December 6 of septic shock, fever, and dehydration while in US Border Patrol custody. Artist credit: Ruben Guadalupe Marquez Like many of you, we [...]
NISGUA’s 2018 speaking tour builds connection between Indigenous water protectors in the US and Guatemala
This November, NISGUA partnered with the Association of Communities for Development and the Defense of Land and Natural Resources (ACODET) for a 14-day speaking tour, “How to Stop a Dam with Indigenous Resistance.” ACODET [...]
Four lessons on human rights that we’ve learned from defenders of life
On International Human Rights Day, we recognize that the language of human rights has not always served to advance social justice. In many cases, it has functioned as a smoke screen for imperial institutions [...]
Solidarity Update: November 2018
News recap: NISGUA celebrates a successful fall speaking tour; Communities celebrate another year of resistance; Take action to stand with Indigenous Peoples to demand respect for Indigenous self-determination in Guatemala; ACODET releases statement in [...]
Displacement in Guatemala and How Transnational Solidarity Must Impact our Local Organizing for Housing and Land Rights
Washington, D.C. local, Clara Lincoln is a recent NISGUA accompanier through the Guatemala Accompaniment Program. She spent ten months accompanying land and human rights defenders in Guatemala. Since returning, she has collaborated with ONE [...]
Statement by the Mesoamerican Movement in Resistance to the Extractivist Model (M4) on state-regulated consultations
Español abajo. The peoples that form part of M4 who resist the capitalist and extractive model and are working towards social transformation DECLARE In Guatemala City’s historic center, on November 15, 16 and [...]
2018 NISGUA Tour stops in Duwamish and Coastal Salish Territories
As the kick-off to NISGUA’s 2018 tour, “How to Stop a Dam with Indigenous Resistance,” we travelled to Seattle on occupied Duwamish and Coastal Salish territories. Duwamish Tribal Chair Cecile Hansen and Jolene Hass [...]
Municipality of Mataquescuintla celebrates over six years of mining resistance
On November 11, 2018, six years after the municipality of Mataquescuintla voted “NO” in a referendum on mining, thousands of community members marched to uphold the results and re-affirm their resistance. The 2012 referendum, [...]
Xinka Parliament denounces illegalities as court-ordered consultation process begins
The following article was co-written by the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, Earthworks, and NISGUA. On November 19, 2018, the Xinka Parliament held a press conference to denounce the malicious behaviour of the Ministry [...]
Ríos para la Vida: ACODET Denuncia Criminalización, Ataques contra Defensores de los Ríos
En las últimas semanas, los defensores del agua en Guatemala se han enfrentado amenazas crecientes. El viernes pasado, el líder comunitario q’eqchi’ Bernardo Caal Xol fue injustamente sentenciado a siete años y cuatro meses [...]
Rivers for Life: ACODET Denounces Criminalization and Attacks on Water Defenders
In the past few weeks, water defenders in Guatemala have faced growing threats. Last Friday, Q'eqchi' community leader Bernardo Caal Xol was unjustly sentenced to seven years and four months in prison in Cobán. He was [...]
Open for signatures: International statement of Indigenous Peoples on the right to self-determination
Español abajo. The following statement was written by Indigenous communities in the Ixcán, Cobán, and Uspantán regions of Guatemala. At the request of the authors, NISGUA invites Indigenous and Indigenous-descendent individuals and Indigenous-led organizations [...]
Boletín de ACOGUATE: septiembre-octubre 2018
En este boletín el equipo de ACOGUATE subraya varios desarrollos en casos jurídicos de alto perfil, incluyendo el caso por genocidio, el caso de Las Dos Erres y el caso de la Mina San [...]
Solidarity Update: October 2018
Solidarity Update news recap: NISGUA’s Fall Speaking Tour Kicks Off in November; AJR President, Edwin Canil, speaks on the fight for justice for genocide in "Learning From Survivors" talk; NISGUA welcomes a new GAP cohort; Former [...]
“So much to learn” – Meet the Organizers of Our Fall Speaking Tour
For decades, NISGUA has used grassroots speaking tours as a tool to build cross-border, people-to-people connections between social movements in the U.S. and Guatemala. With the support of scores of volunteers, activists, and organizers, [...]
Maya Mam environmental activist José Gómez of ACODET to tour the U.S.
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: David Imhoff, (510) 763-1403, david@nisgua.org Event Details: Maya Mam Indigenous Water Defender to visit Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico & Washington (Guatemala City/Oakland, CA): José Gómez, Maya Mam community leader and co-coordinator [...]
Evento de NISGUA: Aprender de Sobrevivientes – Una Conversación con Edwin Canil
Luego de la sentencia en el caso por genocidio Ixil en septiembre, NISGUA invitó a su base a reflexionar sobre la importancia de esta decisión con el presidente de la Asociación para la Justicia [...]
NISGUA Event: Learning from Survivors – A Talk with Edwin Canil
Following the recent ruling in the Ixil genocide case late last month, NISGUA invited its base to reflect on the significance of the decision for members of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) [...]
“La lucha que llevamos es una misma.” – Entrevista con José Gómez de ACODET
Antes de nuestra gira de charlas, "Cómo frenar una represa a través de la resistencia indígena," NISGUA tuvo una conversación con el invitado especial, José Gómez, dirigente del pueblo Maya Mam, representante de la [...]
Solidarity Update: September 2018
News recap: Court affirms that the state enacted genocide, but finds Rodríguez Sánchez not guilty in a split decision; Constitutional Court upholds temporary suspension of Escoal mine and calls on the State to consult [...]
5 takeaways from the recent genocide trial verdict
We will use this genocide verdict to leave a good tree planted, with strong roots -- the fruits of which will be enjoyed by our children. - Edwin Canil, President of the Association for [...]
Building the case: Military Intelligence is a key component in carrying out acts of genocide
Today, the trial against former Head of Military Intelligence José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez is expected to reach a verdict. As a key player under Efraín Ríos Montt’s 1982-1983 dictatorship in Guatemala, Rodríguez Sánchez stands [...]
“They’ll be met with massive organization and struggle” – NISGUA interviews Maya Mam community leader José Gómez of ACODET
In the lead-up to our fall speaking tour, "How to Stop a Dam with Indigenous Resistance," NISGUA sat down with José Gómez, Maya Mam community leader and member of the Association of Communities for [...]
New NISGUA report: 18 years seeking justice in the courts
Next week, a verdict is expected in the retrial of José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez, former head of military intelligence under General José Efraín Ríos Montt’s 1982-1983 dictatorship in Guatemala. Rodríguez Sánchez faces charges of [...]
Survivors of the Internal Armed Conflict Denounce Current Remilitarization
This morning, survivors of the internal armed conflict held a press conference to denounce remilitarization under President Jimmy Morales' government and call for the renewal of the mandate for the International Commission Against Impunity [...]
Organizaciones de Sobrevivientes Denuncian Militarización, Influencia del Ejercito
En una conferencia de prensa, organizaciones de sobrevivientes del conflicto armado interno rechazaron tanto la influencia del ejercito en el gobierno de Jimmy Morales, como la militarización de la seguridad pública y la corrupción de [...]
Political Crisis Unfolds in Guatemala: A timeline
Featured photo credit: La Hora GT For weeks, Guatemala has made international headlines after President Jimmy Morales announced his government will not renew the mandate for the UN-backed International Commission Against Impunity in [...]
“Any presumption of his innocence has crumbled. I ask the courts to find Rodríguez Sánchez guilty of genocide.” – Edgar Pérez
"We're motivated to come here - come and listen, to see whether or not there will be justice in Guatemala." Today, the genocide retrial against former head of military intelligence José [...]
Guatemala’s Highest Court Orders Tahoe’s Escobal Mine to Remain Suspended
Press Release September 4, 2018 Earthworks * MiningWatch Canada * Projet Accompagnement Québec-Guatemala * Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala * Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network Late Monday night, the Guatemalan Constitutional [...]
Boletín de ACOGUATE: julio-agosto 2018
En este boletín el equipo de ACOGUATE hace un análisis histórico del caso Las Dos Erres y da actualizaciones sobre un caso por violencia sexual, el estatus de defensorxs criminalizadxs en Huehuetenango y la [...]
Gira de Charlas 2018: cómo frenar una represa a través de la resistencia indígena
En estos tiempos de represión cada vez más intensa y de inestabilidad política, urge compartir experiencias y estrategias concretas entre los movimientos para la defensa de la tierra y de la vida. El movimiento [...]
Solidarity Update: August 2018
News recap: Communities in Huehuetenango call out the Inter-American Development Bank for human rights and environmental violations in Ixquisis; Over 60 international organizations call for an investigation into the murder of environmental activist Estuardo [...]
Communities impacted by mining deliver message of resistance to Tahoe Resources
Today, the Peaceful Resistance of Santa Rosa, Jalapa & Jutiapa and the Xinca People's Parliament sent a letter to US and Canadian mining company, Tahoe Resources, and their Guatemalan subsidiary, Minera San Rafael, expressing [...]
Comunidad internacional exige una investigación sobre el asesinato de activista del medioambiente Estuardo Quevedo
El 12 de julio de 2018, el activista guatemalteco Ángel Estuardo Quevedo, miembro de la Resistencia Pacífica en Casillas que exige el cierre definitivo de la mina de plata El Escobal, fue asesinado mientras [...]
International community calls for an investigation into the murder of Guatemalan Environmental Activist Estuardo Quevedo
On July 12, 2018, Guatemalan activist Ángel Estuardo Quevedo, a member of the Peaceful Resistance in Casillas which demands the permanent closure of the Escobal silver mine, was murdered while traveling in the municipality [...]
Solidarity Update: July 2018
News recap: Environmental activist Ángel Estuardo Quevedo killed in a wave of assassinations; Accompanier perspectives on violence at the U.S. border; New NISGUA report: Defending an ancestral decision-making process; Maya Achí women from Rabinal [...]
2018 Speaking Tour: How to Stop a Dam with Indigenous Resistance
In these times of intensifying repression and political upheaval, our social movements urgently need to share concrete lessons and strategies for organizing to defend land and life. The Latin American solidarity movement has a [...]
Reflection: Defending Truth and Memory Photo Exhibit in the US/Mexico Borderland Region
Former accompanier Kayla Autumn Myers writes about the photography exhibit, "Defending Truth and Memory." The exhibit traveled to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in February, 2018. Visit our blog for more information about the exhibit and [...]
Xinka People’s Parliament denounces the murder of environmental activist Ángel Estuardo Quevedo
On Thursday, July 12, 2018, Guatemalan activist Ángel Estuardo Quevedo, a member of the Peaceful Resistance in Casillas which demands the permanent closure of the Escobal silver mine, was murdered while traveling in the [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Extraction, Destruction, and Immigration – In Honor of Claudia Patricia Gómez González
Accompanier Claire Bransky dedicates this article to Claudia Patricia Gómez González and the many other victims of the United States' imperialism and racialized violence. The US's funding and training of genocidal dictators and its imposition [...]
Boletín de ACOGUATE: mayo-junio 2018
En este boletín el equipo de ACOGUATE da actualizaciones sobre las luchas de la resistencia pacífica en Ixquisis, FAMDEGUA y CONAVIGUA. También cuenta sobre la visita de la relatora especial de las Naciones Unidas [...]
Cincuenta y cuatro organizaciones guatemaltecas e internacionales rechazan la intervención de los EEUU en caso minera de Guatemala
Ayer, 54 organizaciones de Guatemala, America Latina, los Estados Unidos, Canadá e Europa entregaron una carta al embajador de los EEUU en Guatemala, Luis Arreaga. Las organizaciones expresaron su preocupación ante la intervención del [...]
Fifty four Guatemalan and international organizations reject US intervention in Guatemalan mining case
Yesterday, 54 organizations from Guatemala, Latin America, United States, Canada and Europe delivered a letter to the U.S. ambassador to Guatemala, Luis Arreaga. The organizations expressed their concern regarding the U.S. government's intervention in [...]
Volcán de Fuego erupts: Ways you can support
On Sunday, June 3, the Volcán de Fuego erupted and has had catastrophic effects. We have been in touch with our partners, none of whom have been directly affected by the eruption. We're saddened [...]
Solidarity Update: May 2018
News recap: VICTORY! Four former military officials found guilty in the historic Molina Theissen trial; Host a summertime community screening of 500 YEARS!; Accompanier perspectives on land, genocide, and gentrification in Guatemala and the U.S.; Security measures restored [...]
Grassroots Cinema: Join NISGUA this summer by hosting a community screening of 500 YEARS!
This summer and fall, join NISGUA activists across the country in advancing conversations about international movements for social and environmental justice! We’re inviting our network to grow our capacity for cross-border solidarity by hosting [...]
“Defending Truth and Memory” – Photo exhibit travels to Las Cruces, New Mexico
Documentary photographer Roderico Y. Diaz talks about the exhibit, “Defending Truth and Memory: The Path Towards Justice in Guatemala,” at the University Museum at Kent Hall on Feb. 1. [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: land, genocide, and gentrification in Guatemala and the US
In her final letter as a human rights accompanier in Guatemala, Clara Lincoln draws connections between the US and Guatemalan governments' violence against indigenous peoples and people of color, through genocide, sexual violence, state brutality, [...]
Thousands march in protest of Escobal Mine and in support of Xinca People’s right to self-determination
Thousands gather in front of the Constitutional Court in Guatemala City, demanding the closure of Tahoe Resources' Escobal mine and the respect for the self-determination of the Xinca People. On Monday April [...]
The search for justice will not end with the death of Ríos Montt
Three Ixil survivors lift up the 2013 sentence in the last day of the retrial against Ríos Montt, following his death. Photo credit: CALDH On April 1, 2018, former Guatemalan dictator José Efraín [...]
Statement by genocide survivors on the death of Ríos Montt
On April 1, 2018, former Guatemalan dictator Efraín Ríos Montt died from a heart attack at the age of 91. Having initially been convicted in 2013 of genocide and crimes against humanity against the [...]
Statement by CALDH on the death of Ríos Montt
On Sunday, April 1, 2018, former Guatemalan de facto dictator Efraín Ríos Montt died of a heart attack. At the time of his death, he was being retried for genocide and crimes against humanity, [...]
Forty-six international and Guatemalan organizations call for the restoration of security measures for the Reynoso Pacheco family
Community members demand justice for the murder of 16-year old environmental activist, Topacio Reynoso, outside of the Guatemalan Public Prosecutor's Office in 2014 On March 26, Guatemalan and international human rights organizations [...]
Cuarenta y seis organizaciones guatemaltecas e internacionales exigen restauración de medidas de seguridad para la familia Reynoso Pachecho
Comunitarios y comunitarias exigen justicia por el asesinato de la defensora del medio ambiente de 16-años, Topacio Reynoso, frente al Ministerio Publico en el 2014. El 26 de marzo organizaciones guatemaltecas e [...]
Solidarity Update: March 2018
News recap: Prayerful action on the Equinox at the Ohlone Shellmound and Village Sacred Site in California; Genocide retrial moves to Nebaj to hear testimonies from elderly and protected witnesses; Nearly 40 years later, former military [...]
One more way to fight impunity: The Molina Theissen trial opens today
Nearly a year has passed since the March 2017 indictment of five former high-ranking officers in the Guatemalan military for crimes against humanity. They stand accused of having participated in the illegal detention, torture, [...]
Guatemalan communities denounce Tahoe Resources for trying to provoke conflict during suspension of Escobal mine
Members of the Peaceful Resistance of Santa Rosa, Jalapa, and Jutiapa at a press conference in front of the Guatemalan Constitutional Court on February 21, 2018. The following article was co-written by [...]
Xinca Parliament denounces provocations by Tahoe Resources and Minera San Rafael
The following information was published by the Xinca Parliament regarding the misreporting by local news sources, which are alleging the "detention" of two Tahoe Resources/Minera San Rafael executives in a community in Santa Rosa. [...]
“We will not tire of speaking the truth” – Statement by Ixil genocide survivors as retrial hearings wrap up in Nebaj
"Let's respect the word of the people." Original statement in Spanish below. The Ixil genocide case retrial was moved to Santa María Nebaj for this week, following plaintiffs’ request for the judges to hear [...]
“No nos cansaremos de decir la verdad” – Comunicado por sobrevivientes del genocidio Ixil mientras se terminan audiencias del re-juicio en Nebaj
Entre el 6 y 9 de febrero, se trasladaron las audiencias del re-juicio del caso por genocidio a Santa María Nebaj, tras la solicitud de las querellantes que los jueces escucharan los testimonios contra [...]
Ixil survivors remain committed to search for justice, as trial moves to Nebaj
The Ixil genocide case retrial was moved to Santa María Nebaj for this week, following plaintiffs' request for the judges to hear testimony in the region against former de facto dictator Ríos Montt and [...]
Plaintiffs in the Military Zone 21 case appeal to the Constitutional Court, fighting to include important witness testimonies
Today, plaintiff organizations went to Guatemala’s Constitutional Court to ask that the Court include testimonies from 35 key witnesses in the Military Zone 21 case – the largest case of forced disappearance to [...]
Solidarity Update: January 2018
News recap: We're ready for 2018 with a new cohort of GAP volunteers; NISGUA Local: Building connections between global movements to defend life and territory; Members of the AJR denounce ongoing racism as they [...]
Environmental defenders from Huehuetenango denounce threats to their land and water
In the face of the ongoing threat by mega-development projects and extractive industries to indigenous and campesino peoples' natural resources, and in particular to their water sources, the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of [...]
NISGUA Local: Building connections between global movements to defend life and territory
"We oppose any desecration of our sacred site. Our sacred sites are not for sale. We will not allow our ancestors to be disturbed. This sacred site represents more than 5,000 years of our history and it [...]
San Mateo Ixtatán: Don Sebastián Alonzo Juan, martyr in the defense of rivers
Photo Credit: Francisco Simón Original article posted in Spanish on Prensa Comunitaria. Translation by NISGUA. By: Francisco Simón. January 6, 2018, San Mateo Ixtatán The communal authorities of Yulch'en Frontera paid tribute [...]
Peaceful resistance members meet with international delegation
This week, NISGUA received a delegation from the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN) in our Guatemala City office. NISGUA relies on a strong network of individuals and organizations, like CRLN, fighting [...]
Socixs de la AJR denuncian hostigamiento al re-juicio del caso por genocidio
Photo credit: Jose Rodriguez Después de un receso para las fiestas del fin de año, el re-juicio del caso por genocidio Ixil comenzó nuevamente. Mientras testigxs ixiles se presentan para compartir públicamente [...]
AJR members denounce harassment at genocide retrial
Photo credit: Jose Rodriguez After a holiday recess, the Ixil genocide case retrial will be heard again today. As Ixil witnesses come forward to once more share their experience of genocide publicly, [...]
En el 21° aniversario de la firma de los Acuerdos de Paz de Guatemala, AJR dice que el Estado aún les debe justicia a los sobrevivientes
En medio del nuevo juicio del caso por genocidio de los acusados José Efraín Ríos Montt y José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez, la Asociación para la Justicia y la Reconciliación (AJR), el Centro de Acción [...]
On 21st anniversary of Guatemalan Peace Accords signing, AJR says State still owes survivors justice
In the midst of the ongoing genocide retrial of José Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez, the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), the Center for Human Rights Legal Action (CALDH), and the Human Rights [...]
Solidarity Update: November 2017
News recap: Needham Congregational Church celebrates 30 years of U.S.-Guatemala solidarity; As Ríos Montt and Rodríguez Sánchez are retried, witnesses and survivors reaffirm 2013 genocide sentence; NISGUA report highlights grassroots strategies to preserve historical [...]
Youth add their voices to the cry for justice
Young Ixil university students stand in solidarity with genocide survivors outside of court.Photo credit: Ixil University students, Chemol txumb'al, FUNDEBASE, y AJR Friday, December 1, marked the seventh trial date since the [...]
Peaceful resistance movement and Xinca Parliament call for the permanent closure of the Escobal mine
Peaceful Resistance of Santa Rosa, Jalapa and Jutiapa member from Santa Rosa de Lima speaks to the press during a conference held at their second permanent resistance camp in front of the Guatemalan Constitutional [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Guatemalan History – The coup, the conflict, and the consequences
In her first letter from Guatemala, Claire Bransky provides a brief history of Guatemala and how its people have been affected by forces of racism, exploitation, and the US's imperialism. As a volunteer with [...]
Sponsoring Communities: Needham’s Guatemala Partnership celebrates 30 years of solidarity
NISGUA's Sponsoring Community partnerships provide the resources, energy and political action required to ensure ongoing international accompaniment in Guatemala. Their long-term commitment to human rights and solidarity is an essential component of the longevity [...]
La Resistencia a las Represas Hidroeléctricas en Guatemala: Una Cuestión de Vida y Muerte
Foto: Nómada El siguiente artículo fue escrito por Zia Kandler y publicado en inglés en la revista electrónica, Upside Down World. Fue traducida a español por la autora y publicado aquí con permiso de la [...]
NISGUA’s 2017 tour speaking tour brings together youth organizers in defense of life
NISGUA partnered with Jalapa-based youth organization, Youth Organized in Defense of Life (JODVID), for a 16-day U.S. speaking tour, “Guatemalan Youth in Defense of Land and Life.” Together we helped raise awareness about the community and [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: From Huehuetenango to Omaha, NE
The Maya Q’anjob’al Nation takes their defense of land and life in Huehuetenango transnational through community organizing in both Guatemala and the U.S. Caya Simonsen worked for 6 months as a NISGUA accompanier in Huehuetenango [...]
Give Senator Heller the facts he badly needs about Tahoe Resources
In August, Nevada Senator Dean Heller wrote to the U.S. State Department to lobby for Tahoe Resources, a Canadian company headquartered in Reno. At the time, Tahoe’s operating license for its flagship Escobal mine in [...]
Peaceful Resistance Camp in Casillas protests in front of Guatemalan Constitutional Court
Members of the Peaceful Resistance Camp in Casillas have created a second camp in front of the Guatemalan Constitutional Court. They arrived one week ago and will remain until court justices make a decision [...]
AJR ¡Presente! in ongoing genocide retrial
Today, Survivors of massacres in the 80s from Chimaltenango traveled to participate in the trial against Rodríguez Sánchez for the Ixil genocide. The AJR (Association for Justice and Reconciliation) is made up of [...]
Recording: Alex Escobar talks about youth organizing; Grabación: Alex Escobar habla sobre la organización juvenil
[español abajo] An online presentation from our annual speaking tour, "Guatemalan Youth in Defense of Land and Life"! Who is JODVID? Youth Organized in Defense of Life (JODVID, in Spanish) is a Guatemalan environmental justice [...]
Sobrevivientes comparten sus observaciones mientras Ríos Montt está procesado por genocidio…otra vez
El 13 de octubre, el caso por genocidio del pueblo ixil se abrió de nuevo contra el ex-dictador Efraín Ríos Montt y José Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez, ex-jefe de inteligencia militar. Este fue el segundo [...]
Survivors share their reflections as Ríos Montt is tried for genocide…again
On October 13, the Ixil genocide trial is set to open once again against former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez, former head of military intelligence, in the second attempt to retry [...]
Solidarity Update: September 2017
News recap: Solidarity in the streets; U.S. Speaking Tour, "Guatemalan Youth in Defense of Land and Life," kicks off on October 9th; Thousands call for resignation of Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Congressional representatives; Grieving [...]
In their own words: JODVID on the the importance of youth leadership in the movement to defend life and land
[En español aquí] A week ahead of the launch of our 2017 speaking tour, “Guatemalan Youth in Defense of Land and Life,” NISGUA sat down with the invited organization to learn more about the young [...]
En sus propias palabras: JODVID habla de la importancia de la juventud en el movimiento en defensa del territorio y la vida
[English here] Con solo una semana hasta el inicio de la gira de charlas de 2017, “La juventud guatemalteca en defensa del territorio y de la vida”, NISGUA entrevistó a la organización invitada para conocer a las [...]
Political crisis as corrupt officials seek to undermine advancements in the fight against impunity
On August 27, Guatemalan President, Jimmy Morales, declared Iván Velásquez, head of the UN anti-impunity commission, the CICIG, "persona non grata" in Guatemala and requested his immediate expulsion. This decision came on the heels [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: 2017 Political Crisis in Guatemala
Guatemala plunged into a political crisis this month as President Jimmy Morales attempted to circumvent a criminal investigation into his campaign finances by declaring the head of the UN-sponsored Commision (CICIG) persona non grata, [...]
Tahoe Resources hace cabildeo ante los gobiernos de Estados Unidos y Canadá para que intervengan en la decisión de corte guatemalteca de suspender la mina Escobal
Miles de personas afuera de la Corte Suprema de Justicia en Guatemala el 28 de agosto 2017. Foto: Jose Pablo Chumil El siguiente artículo fue co-escrito por AlertaMinera Canadá y Red en Solidaridad con [...]
Tahoe Resources lobbies U.S. and Canadian governments to intervene over Guatemalan court decision to suspend Escobal mine
Thousands gather outside Guatemalan Supreme Court on August 28, 2017. Photo credit: Jose Pablo Chumil The following article was co-written by MiningWatch Canada and Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala [...]
Que su testimonio sea semilla que cae en tierra fértil
El siguiente comunicado fue publicado por el Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos – CALDH y publicado aquí con su permiso. Jose Efraín Ríos Montt fue condenado a 80 años en prisión [...]
Two days after massive protest, police attack peaceful resistance camp
In the early morning of July 21, the Guatemalan National Civil Police (PNC) carried out a second violent attack on the peaceful encampment in Casillas, where community members have expressed their resolute opposition to the [...]
Solidarity Update: August 2017
News recap: "This Land is Ours": Hundreds march to demand the restitution of stolen and occupied lands at site of Military Zone 21; Former military officers to stand trial for crimes committed against Molina Theissen family; [...]
Smear campaign launched against opponents to Tahoe Resources’ Escobal project, after mine licenses suspended
The following article was co-written by MiningWatch Canada and the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA). Following the suspension of two of Tahoe Resources’ mine licenses in Guatemala on July 5, [...]
Tahoe Licenses Suspended for Lack of Consultation with Indigenous Communities, While Company Denies Indigenous Presence and Opposition
July 7, 2017 (Oakland/Reno/Ottawa/Tatamagouche/Toronto) On Wednesday July 5, the Guatemalan Supreme Court of Justice announced that it was temporarily suspending two of Tahoe Resources’ mining licenses until a suit against the Ministry of Energy [...]
Solidarity Update: July 2017
News recap: Ixil communities celebrate ancestral resistance during the Day of Dignity; Land defender Angélica Choc appeals the acquittal of Mynor Padilla, accused of murdering her husband; Communities fighting to protect the Oxec and Cahabón Rivers [...]
Our commitment to racial justice
*Racial justice is essential to solidarity work* *Internationalism and the instructive resilience and courage of 500 years of resistance to colonialism and imperialism are essential to local struggles for justice in the U.S.* *We [...]
Sí a la vida! Las comunidades del Ixcán conmemoran 10 años desde la consulta de buena fe que dijo ‘no’ a la extracción de recursos
Hace diez años, las comunidades del Ixcán practicaron sus tradiciones y derechos ancestrales como pueblos indígenas, celebrando una consulta de buena fe en el municipio donde 89.7% de las y los 21.555 participantes votaron [...]
Immediately following police violence on Thursday, community members return to peaceful encampment in Casillas
On Thursday, June 22, riot police used tear gas to disperse communities protesting the negative impacts of Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine. For three weeks, representatives from six municipalities neighboring the mine have maintained a peaceful [...]
Los miembros de la comunidad regresan a un campamento pacífico en Casillas, inmediatamente después de la violencia policial el jueves
El jueves 22 de junio, la policía antidisturbios utilizó gases lacrimógenos para dispersar a las comunidades que protestaban contra los impactos negativos del proyecto minero Escobal de Tahoe Resources. Durante tres semanas, representantes de seis [...]
Police use violence against community members during a peaceful demonstration against Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine
Since June 7, communities have maintained a 24-hour encampment along the highway in the municipality of Casillas, 15 kilometers from the Escobal mine of U.S.-Canadian company Tahoe Resources. Blocking only mine-related traffic, they are denouncing [...]
Statement from the peaceful resistance to Tahoe’s Escobal mine, currently blocking mine-related traffic in Casillas
For more than five years, communities surrounding Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine in southeastern Guatemala have opposed the project operating in their territories. Through 18 community and municipal referenda, multiple legal actions, and different sits-ins, encampments, and protests, [...]
Solidarity Update: Special focus on Tahoe Resources
News recap: A strong grassroots movement continues to resist Tahoe Resources; Six police officers tasked with the custody of Tahoe's former head of security found guilty on charges related to his escape; Supreme Court of Canada [...]
Communities maintain peaceful demonstration in protest of negative impacts of Tahoe Resources’ mine in Guatemala
Featured photo credit: Jorge Tobías Pineda Herrera Since June 7, 2017, communities surrounding Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine in southeastern Guatemala have maintained a 24-hour peaceful protest of mine-related traffic. They are denouncing the constant tremors [...]
Demanda contra Tahoe Resources en Canadá obtiene visto bueno para ir a juicio, se considera la punta del iceberg con respecto a riesgos
12 de junio de 2017 (Ottawa/Oakland/Tatamagouche/Toronto/Washington D.C.) El lunes se emitió una alerta para inversionistas advirtiendo que los históricos desarrollos con respecto a la demanda contra Tahoe Resources en Canadá es tan sólo uno de [...]
Lawsuit against Tahoe Resources cleared for trial in Canada, ‘Tip of the Iceberg’ with regard to risks
June 12, 2017 (Ottawa/Oakland/Tatamagouche/Toronto/Washington D.C.) An investor alert released today warns that historic developments in the lawsuit against Tahoe Resources in Canada is just one indicator of serious risks surrounding its Escobal silver mine in [...]
Six police officers on duty when former head of security for Escobal mine fled house arrest sentenced to multiple years in prison
Featured photo credit: CALAS With files from the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network. On June 1, Guatemala trial Judge Verónica Ruíz convicted six members of the National Civil Police for breach of duty. All six [...]
Se solicita a la Comisión de Valores de Columbia Británica investigar a minera por no revelar información sustancial a inversionistas
Comunicado de Prensa (CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA/OAKLAND/TORONTO/OTTAWA/TATAMAGOUCHE) – Mientras en los tribunales de Columbia Británica avanza una demanda civil contra Tahoe Resources por violencia es su mina Escobal en Guatemala, organizaciones de derechos humanos instan a [...]
British Columbia Securities Commission Asked to Investigate Mining Company’s Failure to Disclose Material Facts to Investors
Justice and Corporate Accountability Project (JCAP) – Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) – Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) – MiningWatch Canada – Diocesan Committee in Defense of Nature (CODIDENA) (Guatemala [...]
Join us on tour this Fall with JODVID!
This fall, we’re excited to welcome Alex Escobar Prado as the featured speaker for this year's tour, "Guatemalan Youth in Defense of Land and Life!" Alex is an activist, educator, and a member of the [...]
Solidarity Update: May 2017
News recap: Motions filed against former Constitutional Court judges for breach of duty in overturning the genocide verdict; Ríos Montt to stand trial for genocide for his role in the Dos Erres massacre; Accompanier perspective: [...]
Movements resisting resource extraction are being met with targeted violence
Over the last several decades, transnational resource extraction companies have flocked to Central America. Licenses to construct hydroelectric dams, exploit minerals, or build the necessary infrastructure to make these types of projects possible are [...]
Más de 2.900 personas de 59 países distintos piden al Ministerio Publico de Guatemala que investigue el asesinato de defensora del medio ambiente
Comunicado de Prensa 17 de mayo de 2017 (Guatemala / Oakland, CA / Tatamagouche, NS) - El miércoles se entregó una carta al Ministerio Público de Guatemala en nombre de más de 2.900 personas que [...]
More than 2900 concerned individuals from 59 countries ask Guatemalan Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate murder of environmental defender
Press release May 17, 2017 (Guatemala/Oakland, CA/Tatamagouche, NS) -- On Wednesday, a letter was delivered to the Public Prosecutor’s office in Guatemala on behalf of more than 2,900 people requesting an immediate and thorough investigation [...]
Yes to life! Communities in the Ixcán commemorate 10 years since the referendum that said ‘no’ to resource extraction
Ten years ago, community members from the Ixcán exercised their ancestral traditions and rights as indigenous peoples, holding a municipality-wide community referendum in which 89.7% of the 21,555 participants in the referendum voted against [...]
Solidarity Update: April 2017
Photo credit: Roderico Díaz. News recap: Honoring the life of Miguel Ramírez Matóm, witness in the Ixil genocide trial; Take action: Denounce impunity for attacks against environmental defenders; Communities in the Ixcán commemorate 10 years since the referendum [...]
One Year Later: Berta Lives, COPINH Continues On
On March 2, 2016, Berta Cáceres was assassinated in an attempt to silence her voice, bring an end her important leadership and destroy the political project and struggle of a people acting in defence of [...]
Solidarity Update: March 2017
News recap: The women of Sepur Zarco celebrate one year since the verdict and continue to call for dignified reparations; La Puya celebrates five years of resistance; UC Berkeley students take action in solidarity with victims [...]
More than a tragic accident: Guatemalan organizations denounce the fire that killed 40 teenage girls at a state-run home
On International Women’s Day, March 8, a fire was set at a state home for children and youth in Guatemala, immediately killing 19 girls. Since then, at least another 21 have died as a result [...]
Report: Beyond the verdict – The importance of comprehensive reparations for the women of Sepur Zarco
"This experience will be a legacy for new generations, showing that even war has limits. It is a clear message that confirms the commitment that justice and society have to human rights, to promote a [...]
One year after the emblematic verdict in the Sepur Zarco trial, the struggle for dignified reparations continues
Yesterday marked one year since former members of the Guatemalan military were found guilty for crimes against humanity committed at a military base in the eastern community of Sepur Zarco. At great personal risk, 15 [...]
Protect Sacred Sites – Support NISGUA local action!
NISGUA is committed to taking leadership from and acting in solidarity with indigenous peoples in Guatemala and globally. With our U.S. office based in Oakland, CA, we are also committed to taking local action [...]
Solidarity Update: February 2017
Photo: Holly Sheenan. News recap: Celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Sepur Zarco verdict; Civil suit continues against the Ministry of Energy and Mines, in an attempt to cancel Las Lajitas license; Hundreds respond to calls for [...]
More attempts made to suspend Las Lajitas license
On January 24, residents from the municipalities of Casillas and San Rafael las Flores filled the courtroom to hear arguments in a civil suit against the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) that seeks [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Ixil
While international accompaniment is at its core a response to the requests of Guatemalan communities and a tool for the protection of human rights, it is also a radical practice of showing up in solidarity and [...]
Júbilo de organizaciones internacionales ante avance que sienta precedente de demanda civil contra Tahoe Resources en Canadá por violencia en Guatemala
30 de enero de 2017 (Guatemala/Montreal/Ottawa/Reno/Tatamagouche/Toronto/Washington, DC) Organizaciones de la sociedad civil canadienses y estadounidenses reciben con entusiasmo la decisión del Tribunal de Apelaciones de Columbia Británica que Vancouver constituye el foro más adecuado [...]
International organizations celebrate precedent-setting step toward justice in civil suit against Tahoe Resources in Canada for violence in Guatemala
January 27, 2017 (Guatemala/ Montreal/Ottawa/Reno/Tatamagouche/Toronto/Washington, DC) Canadian and US civil society organizations wholeheartedly welcome a British Columbia Court of Appeals’ decision that Vancouver is the preferred forum for a civil suit to be heard [...]
Solidarity Update: January 2017
Photo: Francisco Simon, Prensa Comunitaria News recap: Former Kaibil, accused of participating in Dos Erres massacre, arrested in Maryland; Elderly protester killed in the Ixquisis region, Huehuetenango; Former Guatemalan Minister of Energy and Mines arrested in [...]
La elección de Donald Trump y nuestro compromiso al internacionalismo
Click here for the statement in English. Querida familia de NISGUA, Frente a la elección de Donald Trump a la presidencia de los Estados Unidos, nosotros, como muchos de ustedes, hemos sentido el choque, [...]
Ante la represión en contra de las comunidades defensoras de los derechos de las comunidades que integran la Micro Región de Ixquisis, San Mateo Ixtatán, Huehuetenango
Hoy, 17 de enero de 2017, las comunidades de la Micro Región de Ixquisis, de San Mateo Ixtatán, Huehuetenango, que defienden los derechos humanos, su territorio, la vida y los bienes naturales, realizaron una [...]
Repression of communities defending their rights in the Ixquisis Region, San Mateo Ixtatán, Huehuetenango
On January 17, 2017, community members from the Ixquisis region, located in northern Huehuetenango, held a demonstration against the construction of three hydroelectric projects by the company Promoción y Desarrollos Hídricos, Sociedad Anónima (PDH, SA). That afternoon, [...]
CALAS busca aumentar medidas de seguridad después del asesinato del miembro de personal
Thelma Esperanza Aldana Hernández de López, Fiscal General de la República, Jefe del Ministerio Público Correo: fiscalgeneral@mp.gob.gt 15 Avenida 15-16 zona 1, Barrio Gerona, 8o nivel, Ciudad de Guatemala FAX: + 502.2411-9124/ + 502.2411-9326 [...]
CALAS seeks increased security measures after staff member is murdered
Today NISGUA, along with other environmental and social justice organizations from the Unites States and Canada, sent a letter to Guatemalan Attorney General and the Minister of the Interior asking that necessary actions be taken to [...]
Las Dos Erres massacre case advances with a new trial
The following is a translation of an article originally featured in Spanish on the ACOGUATE blog. NISGUA is a member of ACOGUATE, a coalition of North American and European solidarity committees who provide international [...]
Twelve communities of Tzalbal continue in their legal struggle for their lands
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Accords in Guatemala, which brought an official end to the 36-year internal armed conflict. The Accords not only promised a more equitable [...]
Solidarity Update: December 2016
Photo: CPR Urbana News recap: Lucas García to be tried for the disappearance of Marco Antonio Molina Theissen; Staff member from the environmental justice law firm CALAS is murdered; The municipality of Mataquescuintla re-affirms 2012 referendum results [...]
Plaintiffs in the Dos Erres trial denounces faulty media coverage in the trial against Ríos Montt
Former Guatemalan dictator José Efraín Ríos Montt is currently facing charges of genocide for his role as the intellectual author of the 1982 massacre that killed more than 200 people in Las Dos Erres, [...]
CREOMPAZ: the burial of Marta Elena Chen Ivoy
The following is a narrative account by a current NISGUA accompanier who was present at the burial of the remains of eight people from Alta Verapaz, disappeared by the Guatemalan military in 1982. These eight [...]
NISGUA’s 2016 speaking tour builds connections across movements for gender justice
During our fall tour, “Guatemalan women healing towards justice,” community psychologist Maudi Tzay met with hundreds of students, activists, psychologists, and healers from across the U.S. to speak about the groundbreaking case of Sepur Zarco [...]
Trump’s election and our commitment to internationalism
En español aquí. Dear NISGUA family, In the wake of the recent election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States, like many of you, we have felt shock, grief, and [...]
Oakland event builds solidarity across movements for gender justice
As part of NISGUA’s 2016 tour, “Guatemalan women healing towards justice: the case of Sepur Zarco,” Bay Area organizers brought together community and clinical psychologists working in trauma and healing to discuss the connections [...]
Mataquescuintla reaffirms its commitment to uphold the results of the 2012 consultation that rejected mining
Four years ago, residents of the southeastern Guatemalan municipality of Mataquescuintla held a municipal referendum in which 98.42% of participants voted against the presence of resource extraction projects in their territories. This past Friday, [...]
Murder of Young Assistant from Guatemalan Environmental Organization is Evidence of Escalating Risk to Human Rights Defenders
November 16, 2016 (Ottawa/Toronto/Vancouver/Reno/Washington/Guatemala) North American organizations are dismayed and deeply troubled by the execution-style murder of 22 year-old Jeremy Abraham Barrios Lima, assistant to the director of the Guatemalan Centre for Legal, Environmental [...]
CALAS denounces the murder of colleague Jeremy Abraham Barrios Lima
The Center for Environmental and Social Legal Action of Guatemala (CALAS) denounces the murder of Jeremy Abraham Barrios Lima, assistant to the General Director Yuri Melini. Below is the translated urgent action and original [...]
Community members protest damage to homes near Tahoe Resources’ mine, fear violent reprisal
The following article was written in collaboration with the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala, the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, MiningWatch Canada, and the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada. In February [...]
Carta pública a las autoridades hondureñas sobre el reciente caso de expulsión de un defensor internacional de derechos humanos
Las organizaciones firmantes expresamos nuestra preocupación y condena por la detención y expulsión de un defensor de los derechos humanos al ingresar en Honduras el día 25 de octubre de 2016. Respetados Señores y [...]
Guatemalans appeal case against Tahoe Resources in Canadian court
PRESS RELEASE Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) - Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) Today, the British Columbia Court [...]
Committee for Reparations for La Cuchilla denounce cracks in houses from explosions at the Escobal mine
Community members from La Cuchilla in the municipality of San Rafael las Flores are concerned about major cracks in the foundation of their houses that have developed since Tahoe Resources' began mining operations at the [...]
“We march because where there is militarization, there is sexual violence”
Maudí Tzay joins hundreds of activists in denouncing ongoing U.S. militarization at this year’s SOA Watch Convergence This year’s tour, “Guatemalan women healing towards justice: the case of Sepur Zarco,” kicked off at the U.S.-Mexico [...]
Opposing funding for Urban Shield
The following is a letter NISGUA sent to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, expressing our opposition to the requesting of funds for Urban Shield. NISGUA has joined the Stop Urban Shield coalition to demand an [...]
Solidarity Update: October 2016
News recap: “Guatemalan women healing towards justice” tour kicks off this weekend at the border; Alliance for Prosperity means more of the same U.S. foreign policy towards Central America; Xamán massacre will be prosecuted in Inter-American Court; [...]
Comunidades campesinas e xincas en resistencia al proyecto extractiva de biomasa
Más de 30 comunidades xincas y campesinas de los municipios de Quesada y Jutiapa, ubicados en el suroriente de Guatemala, están en resistencia a un proyecto energético de biomasa, lo cuál propone la quema de árboles de eucaliptos [...]
Extended interview with Guatemalan psychologist, Maudi Tzay on the Sepur Zarco case
In the lead-up to the “Guatemalan women healing towards justice: the case of Sepur Zarco," NISGUA sat down with Maudi Tzay, a community psychologist with ECAP, to talk about the Sepur Zarco trial, community [...]
Entrevista con Maudi Tzay, ECAP
NISGUA habló con Maudi Tzay, una psicóloga comunitaria con el Equipo de Estudios Comunitarios y Acción Psicosocial (ECAP), sobre el caso de Sepur Zarco y el papel integral de los procesos de sanación en los [...]
Solidaridad internacional con defensoras y todos quienes defienden el agua, la tierra, la vida y el territorio
29 de septiembre de 2016 Las organizaciones que suscriben expresamos nuestra profunda solidaridad con Angélica Choc y su familia luego de los disparos que recibió su vivienda el viernes 16 de septiembre de 2016. [...]
Indigenous Xinca and campesino communities stand in resistance to extractive biomass project
More than 30 Xinca and campesino communities from the municipalities of Quesada and Jutiapa in southeastern Guatemala are resisting a biomass energy plant that will burn eucalyptus trees for electricity. Representatives from the communities have formed [...]
Hundreds sign on to Solidarity Statement with Women Defenders and All Defending Water, Land, Life and Territory
International Solidarity with Women Defenders and All Defending Water, Land, Life and Territory September 29, 2016 We, the undersigned, express our solidarity with Angelica Choc and family after gunshots were fired against her home on [...]
Guatemalan community psychologist Maudi Tzay to speak across the U.S. on the historic case of Sepur Zarco, winning justice for women survivors of state-sanctioned sexual violence in Guatemala
MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: David Imhoff, (510) 763-1403, david@nisgua.org Event Details: U.S. Speaking Tour to visit AZ, TX, CA, OR, and WA, October 7-24 (Guatemala City/Oakland, CA): Maudi Tzay, a Guatemalan community psychologist with the [...]
Comunicado: Psicóloga comunitaria guatemalteca, Maudi Tzay, dará charlas en los EE.UU. acerca del caso histórico de Sepur Zarco, un paso adelante para las sobrevivientes de la violencia sexual estatal en Guatemala.
Comunicado Contacto: David Imhoff (510) 763 - 1403, david@nisgua.org Gira de charlas en los EE.UU. visitará a AZ, TX, CA, OR y WA, 7-24 de octubre (Ciudad de Guatemala/Oakland, CA): Maudi Tzay, una psicóloga [...]
Saying “NO” to proposed parking lot on Mission Peak Ohlone cultural site
NISGUA's Oakland office and staff are guests on Ohlone land in California. On September 20, we responded to call to stand with the local Ohlone community in saying no to a proposed parking lot on [...]
Plan Alianza para la Prosperidad del Triángulo Norte – Entrevista con Fernando Solis, el Observador
Mientras que los EEUU promueva el Plan Alianza para la Prosperidad del Triángulo Norte – asignando $750 millones sólo en este año fiscal – NISGUA se entrevistó a Fernando Solis, editor y analista político para [...]
Solidarity Update: August 2016
News recap: National and international human rights defenders threatened as transitional justice advances; Communities celebrate the release of political prisoners from Huehuetenango; SEC complaint says Tahoe Resources failed to disclose widespread opposition to Escobal silver mine. [...]
Public declaration of the Maya Q’eqchi’ of Los Copones, Ixcán, Quiché
The following is a translated statement made by the Maya Q'eqchi' authorities from Los Copones, Ixcán on August 13, 2016, to mark the third anniversary of the State recognition of their rights as indigenous peoples. [...]
Caravan traveling to Huehuetenango celebrates the freedom of ancestral and community authorities
On July 30, 2016, seven ancestral and community authorities from northern Huehuetenango began their journey back home after being held as political prisoners. All of the men were held for over a year – [...]
International Convergence at the U.S./Mexico Border from October 7-10, 2016
The following is a press release issued by the School of the Americas Watch (SOAW), in advance of the International Convergence at the U.S./Mexico Border. NISGUA has officially endorsed the Convergence and will be [...]
Fernando Solis from El Observador on the Alliance for Prosperity
While the United States pushes forward with the Alliance for Prosperity – allocating $750 million this fiscal year alone to Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala – NISGUA talked with Fernando Solis, editor and political [...]
ADH Statement on the International Day of Indigenous Peoples
The following is a statement made by the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) on the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. For the original statement by the ADH, click here. Translation by NISGUA. [...]
US Securities and Exchange Commission asked to investigate mining company’s failure to disclose secret lawsuits
News Release August 11, 2016 (GUATEMALA CITY/OAKLAND/TORONTO) - The US Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) is being asked to investigate a Canadian mining company with offices in Reno, Nevada and operations in Guatemala. The [...]
Se pide a la Comisión de Bolsa y Valores de Estados Unidos que se investigue la no revelación de juicios secretos de una compañía minera canadiense
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA Se pide a la Comisión de Bolsa y Valores de Estados Unidos que se investigue la no revelación de juicios secretos de una compañía minera canadiense 11 de agosto de 2016 [...]
June 30: A day for memory, dignity, and resistance
"Today our loved ones return to Central Park; we celebrate their love and their LIVES, their example and their dignified rebellion" - Hijos Guatemala On June 30, urban activists took to the streets once more [...]
Organizations call for full investigation into murder of Daniel Choc Pop (CCDA)
Jimmy Morales Cabrera, President of the Republic of Guatemala, Thelma Aldana, Attorney General and Head of the Public Prosecutor's Office Carlos Moran, Secretary for Agrarian Affairs - SAA Mario Estuardo Mendez Cobar, Minister of [...]
Trial opens against political prisoners from Huehuetenango
Today marks the opening of the trial against seven land defenders from northern Huehuetenango, all of whom have been held in pretrial detention as political prisoners for over a year. All seven are being [...]
Guatemalans Demand Answers from Distastefully-Named Gunpoint Exploration
News Release: Source: Mining Watch Canada - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) (Ottawa/Guatemala City) Today, a letter from Guatemalans living in the vicinity of Gunpoint Exploration’s ‘El Escorpión’ project was sent [...]
Solidarity Update: July 2016
News recap: Psychologist Maudi Tzay joins NISGUA this fall on tour in the United States; Eight former military to stand trial for charges in the CREOMPAZ case; Urban activists return to Central Square for the [...]
Marcha de la Memoria 30 de Junio 2016 – Comunicado de HIJOS
Comunicado de HIJOS el día de la Marcha de la Memoria, 30 de Junio, 2016 Digna Rebeldía Subversión de la Memoria Hoy compartimos con ustedes esta nuestra cueva de memoria, de lucha, de digna reVeldía; [...]
Words from Photographer CPR.Urbana on the National Day Against Forced Disappearance
In commemoration of the National Day Against Forced Disappearance in Guatemala, we share words from photographer CPR.Urbana on the importance of photography in the recuperation of historical memory. CPR.Urbana describes their project in the [...]
CREOMPAZ: Eight former military officers to stand trial for forced disappearances
On June 7, Judge Claudette Domínguez of Guatemala’s High-Risk Crimes Court “A” ordered eight former military officers to stand trial for crimes against humanity in one of the largest cases of forced disappearance in [...]
Building connections across borders for gender justice: Psychologist Maudí Tzay (ECAP) to join NISGUA on tour this Fall
A major legal victory took place in Guatemala earlier this year, when for the first time, sexual slavery was successfully tried as a crime against humanity. A former Colonel and Military Commissioner were convicted [...]
Ermitaño López: Marking one year in pre-trial detention for protecting land
One year ago today, Ermitaño López – “Don Taño” – was arrested in Guatemala City’s courthouse as he was attending a pre-trial declaration hearing in support of other land defenders from Barillas. Don Taño [...]
Announcing the 2016 Fall tour: Guatemalan Women Healing Toward Justice
We are excited to announce that our Fall 2016 speaking tour, “Guatemalan Women Healing Toward Justice: the case of Sepur Zarco,” will feature Maudi Tzay, a psychologist with the Community Studies and Psycho-social Action [...]
Solidarity Update: May 2016
News recap: Final arguments heard to determine whether CREOMPAZ case will be sent to trial; More than 99% of participants vote ‘NO’ to resource extraction in Quesada municipal consultation; Guatemala’s highest court upholds suspension order [...]
International organizations call on KCA to suspend operations
International Organizations Reiterate Support for Guatemalan Communities and Institutions Upholding Rule of Law and Respect for Human Rights in the case of the communities of La Puya and El Tambor Mine The undersigned human rights and [...]
CALDH reports from the closed-door retrial of Ríos Montt
The following are translations from the Center for Human Rights Legal Action (CALDH), plaintiff in the genocide case against former dictator Ríos Montt and his Head of Military Intelligence, Rodríguez Sánchez. CALDH and the [...]
More than 99% of participants in the Quesada municipal consultation oppose mining
This weekend, the municipality of Quesada, Jutiapa held a consultation in which 99% of voters expressed their firm opposition to resource extraction activities taking place in their territories. Consultations organized at the community and [...]
Communities Rise Up: Report-back on NISGUA’s delegation to communities organized in resistance to Tahoe Resources
In the fall of 2015, Llan Carlos Dávila from the Diocesan Committee in Defense of Nature (CODIDENA) toured the U.S. to speak about CODIDENA’s efforts to stop the development and expansion of Tahoe Resources’ Escobal [...]
Family members of disappeared Marco Antonio Molina Theissen move forward in their search for justice
Photo of 14-year-old Marco Antonio Molina Theissen. Photo credit: Lucrecia Molina Theissen The submission of preliminary evidence in the Molina Theissen trial was expected in Guatemala's First Instance Tribunal last week but was [...]
“Caravan for Dignity” testifies to human rights violations in Huehuetenango
The following is a press release issued by the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH), together with other organizations who accompanied the "Caravan for dignity, resistance, and freedom for political prisoners from [...]
Thousands march to Guatemala City in the defense of water
On Friday, April 22, communities from across Guatemala marched into the capital in protest of an economic development model that prioritizes corporate interests over the rights of communities to water. The activity coordinated the arrival [...]
Solidarity Update: April 2016
News recap: CREOMPAZ: Public Prosecutor presents evidence in the largest case of forced disappearance in Guatemala’s history; Closed-door genocide retrial moves to Ixil territory; Observer mission travels to Huehuetenango to document human rights violations in the context of [...]
Open letter from civil society organizations from the Ixil region
The following is a statement released by Ixil human rights organizations in light of the decision to move the genocide retrial to Nebaj for three days this week. This is the first time the Court [...]
Tribunal hears testimonies of massacres in Nebaj, Quiché
The following is a translation of reports from the Center for Human Rights Legal Action (CALDH), one of the plaintiff organizations in the genocide case against former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt and his former head of [...]
Caravan for Dignity, Community Resistance and the Freedom of Political Prisoners
The following is a press release published by the Departmental Assembly of the People of Huehuetenango (ADH) in response to the events surrounding the recent Caravan for Dignity, Community Resistance and the Freedom of Political [...]
Caravan for Dignity: for the resistance and freedom of political prisoners from northern Huehuetenango
This article was written by Gustavo Illescas and originally posted in Spanish on CMI-Guatemala. Translation by NISGUA. Under the motto “We are all northern Huehuetenango,” the Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) joined [...]
Political prisoner: the story of Rigoberto Juárez
Original article posted in Spanish on Prensa Comunitaria with information provided from his family. Translation by NISGUA. Rigoberto Juárez is a representative of the Plurinational Government of the Q’anjob’al, Chuj, Akateka, Popti and Mestiza nations, [...]
This spring, stand for gender justice!
February 28, 2016 marked a big step forward for justice in Guatemala when a verdict was reached in the Sepur Zarco trial. For the first time in the Americas, a national court successfully tried sexual slavery [...]
Sepur Zarco: Entrevista con Luz Méndez, integrante de la junta directiva de UNAMG
¿Por qué es el caso de Sepur Zarco un caso emblemático para Guatemala? El caso Sepur Zarco es un caso emblemático por varias razones. En primer lugar, porque es el primer caso que se ha [...]
Palabras de Gustavo Castro al pueblo de Honduras
Tegucigalpa, Honduras 15 de marzo de 2016 AL PUEBLO DE HONDURAS No se si algún día estas líneas lleguen a ustedes. Vine a Honduras con tanta ilusión. Hacía muchos años que no venía. Pero [...]
ACODET reaffirms peaceful resistance to the Xalalá Dam amid threats to environmental activists
Let us wake up! Let us wake up, humankind! We’re out of time. We must shake our conscience free of the rapacious capitalism, racism, and patriarchy that will only assure our own self-destruction. The [...]
Open Letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Regarding Murder of Honduran Indigenous and Environmental Activist Berta Cáceres
March 10, 2016 Dear Secretary of State Kerry, We write in shock and deep sorrow regarding the murder of Honduran human rights and environmental defender Berta Cáceres, founder and general secretary of the Civic [...]
Civil society organisations in America and Europe condemn the murder of Berta Cáceres, Lenca indigenous leader and human rights defender
March 4, 2016. The signatory networks and organisations who support the defence of human rights in Honduras, condemn the murder of Lenca indigenous leader Berta Cáceres, coordinator of the Civic Council of Grassroots and [...]
Organizaciones de las sociedades civiles de América y Europa condenamos el asesinato de la lideresa indígena del pueblo Lenca y defensora de los Derechos Humanos, Berta Cáceres
4 de marzo de 2016. Las redes y organizaciones firmantes, que apoyamos la defensa de los Derechos Humanos en Honduras, repudiamos el asesinato de la lideresa indígena Lenca, Berta Cáceres, coordinadora del Consejo Cívico [...]
Judge sends to trial the case against Rigoberto Juárez and Domingo Baltazar
Original article written in Spanish by Nelton Rivera for Prensa Comunitaria. Read the original article here. Translation by NISGUA. By Nelton Rivera “We will continue to defend life. We will give our lives if necessary, [...]
Sepur Zarco guilty verdict takes major step forward in global fight for gender justice
Yesterday marked an historic day for both Guatemala and the world in the struggle to seek justice for gender-based crimes. Retired Coronel Esteelmer Reyes Girón and former Military Commissioner Heriberto Valdez Asig were convicted [...]
Awaiting the Sepur Zarco verdict: “The women have spoken”
Woman outside of Sepur Zarco courtroom commemorating the victims of the internal armed conflict. Photo by CPR-Urbana “For the thousands of women who suffered sexual violence during the internal armed conflict in many [...]
Sponsoring Communities take action: UUCA and NISGUA together in Guatemala
One of the pillars of international human rights accompaniment is the backing of a strong and active international network that commits to ongoing education of the international community about the human rights context of [...]
Sepur Zarco: Luz Méndez talks about the emblematic case for sexual slavery
Luz Méndez, former director and current board member of the National Union of Guatemalan Women (UNAMG) spoke with NISGUA about the historic Sepur Zarco case that is currently being prosecuted in Guatemalan courts. UNAMG is [...]
Land defenders Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez finally return home
On January 22, 2016, after spending more than two years in prison, wrongly convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, land defenders Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez were finally able to return to their homes [...]
Day 1: Despite stall tactics by the defense, Sepur Zarco case opens in Guatemalan courts
The first case in the world to be tried in a domestic court for sexual and domestic slavery opened in Guatemala City today, for crimes against humanity committed at the Sepur Zarco military base [...]
Today: Justice for Women
Español abajo. Press Release Sepur Zarco Trial January 31, 2016 Today: Justice for Women For more than 30 years, women survivors of sexual violence, sexual slavery and domestic slavery from Sepur Zarco have waited for [...]
CREOMPAZ: Eleven retired military officers indicted on charges of crimes against humanity
Today, 11 former military were indicted on charges of forced disappearance and crimes against humanity committed between 1981 and 1988, based on evidence uncovered at the CREOMPAZ military center in Cobán, Alta Verapaz. Judge Claudette Domínguez [...]
Political prisoners Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez finally released!
We celebrate the release yesterday of Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez, two community leaders wrongly convicted of homicide in a 2014 trial plagued with irregularities. Saúl and Rogelio were sentenced to 33 years in prison, [...]
“We know this will come to an end” – Interview with the son of a political prisoner
Original interview posted on CMI-Guatemala and written by Gustavo Illescas. Translated and edited for clarity by NISGUA. Bernardo López Samayoa talks about the strength of his mother, Priscila Samayoa, and the role that Bernardo Ermitaño [...]
Four military captured for the disappearance of Marco Antonio Molina Theissen
The following statement was released by the Public Prosecutor’s office on January 6, 2016. Translation by NISGUA. On January 6, 2016, the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Human Rights coordinated the capture of four members [...]
Benedicto Lucas García and other high-ranking military arrested on charges of crimes against humanity
"We are talking about one of the biggest cases of forced disappearance in Latin America." - Thelma Aldana, Guatemala Attorney General Major arrests were made yesterday morning related to cases of crimes against humanity and forced disappearances [...]
Tahoe Resources’ Former Security Manager Turns Fugitive
(Guatemala City/Ottawa/Tatamagouche) On Monday, plaintiffs in the criminal case against Tahoe Resources’ former security manager, Alberto Rotondo, were informed that he had escaped police custody. Rotondo is accused of having ordered private security guards [...]
Step into the House of Memory
Earlier this year, the Center for Human Rights Legal Action (CALDH) inaugurated the permanent installation of the Casa de la Memoria, an art exhibit that empowers youth to reconstruct their historical memory through the [...]
Land defenders Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez absolved of all charges but remain in prison
On October 28, 2015, a Quetzaltenango Femicide Tribunal unanimously voted to absolve political prisoners Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez of the crimes of femicide and homicide. The Tribunal rejected every single witness presented by [...]
B.C. Supreme Court Stays Lawsuit against Tahoe Resources, Denies Justice in Canada for Guatemalan Victims
Source: Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network - MiningWatch Canada - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (Ottawa/Oakland/Tatamagouche) Canadian and US organizations are calling a British Columbia judge’s refusal to hear a lawsuit against [...]
“Tahoe On Trial” speaking tour strengthens solidarity between communities standing up against Tahoe Resources
NISGUA's 2015 speaking tour "Tahoe On Trial: Guatemalan Communities Rise up to Defend Land and Life" set out to raise awareness about Tahoe Resources, a joint US-Canadian silver mining company, and its contribution to human [...]
Shooting attack in Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, against opponents of Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine
Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) – Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) – MiningWatch Canada – Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) – Projet Accompagnement Québec Guatemala (PAQG) (Guatemala/Ottawa/Washington/Tatamagouche) Fifty-five international [...]
Take Action: Anti-mining activist shot for the second time
On Saturday, October 17, armed assailants shot at six people in Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, Guatemala, where communities have organized in peaceful resistance to Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine project. Among those injured was Alex Reynoso, an [...]
Expression of solidarity with the Duwamish Tribe in their struggle for tribal recognition
When Víctor Caal Tzuy from ACODET came to the U.S. last year on NISGUA's "Rivers for Life" tour, he met with Ken Workman, Duwamish Tribal Council Member and direct descendent of Chief Si'ahl. Both [...]
Tahoe Resources kicks out peaceful protesters from Reno offices during the launch of the 2015 Tahoe on Trial speaking tour
Criminalizing protest and free speech across borders NISGUA’s Tahoe on Trial speaking tour kicked off yesterday by going right to the U.S. source - Tahoe’s U.S. headquarters in Reno, Nevada. We were honored to [...]
Three things you can do to halt Tahoe Resources’ expansion in Guatemala!
For the past five years, communities impacted by Tahoe Resources' Escobal mine in southeastern Guatemala have stood up to peacefully defend their lands and livelihoods. The Diocesan Committee in the Defense of Nature (CODIDENA) [...]
Join NISGUA & CODIDENA on our 2015 tour!
We are excited to announce that NISGUA’s 2015 speaking tour will feature the Diocesan Committee in Defense of Nature (CODIDENA) - the grassroots organizers behind widespread opposition to Tahoe Resources' mine in Guatemala. The [...]
Retrial for Ríos Montt to take place behind closed doors
Legal battles over Efraín Ríos Montt's health have taken center stage over the past three months in the decades-long search for justice for genocide in Guatemala. On August 25, the three-judge tribunal ruled that [...]
Crumbling political support for Tahoe Resources in Guatemala
Article written in collaboration with MiningWatch Canada and the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network. If the militarized security strategy that Tahoe Resources has used to put its Escobal silver mine into operation isn’t enough to raise questions [...]
Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina resigns, detained on charges of corruption
Update: On Tuesday, September 8, former President Otto Pérez Molina was indicted on charges of customs fraud, illicit association, and bribery in connection with "La Línea," a customs fraud network accused of stealing millions [...]
Despite the arrest of former VP Roxana Baldetti, President Otto Pérez Molina says he won’t step down
On Friday, the UN-backed International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and Public Prosecutor's office revealed evidence connecting Guatemala President Otto Pérez Molina to the massive customs corruption network known as La Línea. Prosecutors [...]
Take Action: Call on the U.S. Embassy to stand up for political prisoners Saúl and Rogelio
On September 1, Barillas land defenders Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez will stand trial again for accessory to murder. Citing serious irregularities and major errors in the initial trial earlier this year that condemned [...]
For there to be peace in Barillas…
Original article posted on CMI-Guatemala in Spanish on August 11, 2015. Written by Alba Cecilia Mérida Translation by NISGUA On August 8, beneath the energy and protection of Kawok - symbolizing the strength of [...]
Ríos Montt ordered to undergo a full psychiatric review
"We can't allow the massacres in our communities to remain in impunity. We've already achieved our sentence, but we're ready for it to be declared a second time because we know there was genocide." [...]
In wake of Guatemala corruption scandals, Tahoe Resources’ Escobal license faces legal challenge
On July 12, 2015, the Guatemalan Center for Environmental and Social Legal Action (CALAS) filed criminal charges against former Minister of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), Erick Archila, and former mines director [...]
Survivors call into question INACIF report claiming Ríos Montt too sick to stand trial
On Tuesday, Guatemala's National Forensic Science Institute (INACIF) published a report stating that former general Efraín Ríos Montt is mentally unfit to stand trial. The report was requested by Judge Carol Patricia Flores, the [...]
NISGUA’s 2015 summer of grassroots organizing kicks off in Los Angeles
Last month, Los Angeles communities kicked off our summer of grassroots organizing and celebration with the first “house party” of the season hosted by the inspiring collective and cultural space, Eastside Cáfe in El [...]
Sepur Zarco: First case of sexual slavery will be heard in Guatemalan courts
On June 22, 2015, Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez ruled to accept witness testimonies and other evidence in the Sepur Zarco sexual slavery case. This is the first case of its kind to be heard [...]
Second solidarity festival for political prisoners in Huehuetenango
"This is all of our struggle. Who doesn't breathe this air? Who doesn't drink this water? Who doesn't feel the rays of the shining sun on their face? Standing up for life - this [...]
Commemorating 10 years of community consultations in defense of land and life
For generations, indigenous communities in Guatemala have held consultations to make decisions on issues affecting their people and their lands. While the signing of the Peace Accords in 1996 facilitated the adoption of national [...]
Petition to remove Pérez Molina’s presidential immunity moves to Congress
On June 10th, Guatemala's Supreme Court unanimously voted to accept Congressman Amílcar Pop's petition to remove President Otto Pérez Molina's immunity. Pop is accusing President Molina of playing a role in the corruption scandals [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Huehuetenango
Dear Family and Friends, Thanks to those of you who’ve responded to my recent call for action in solidarity with political prisoners in Huehuetenango and for financial support in NISGUA’s successful May Match campaign! [...]
Communities defend right to clean water, continue to speak out against Tahoe’s dirty mine
In honor of World Environment Day, communities impacted by Tahoe Resources' Escobal mine did what they have consistently done since the mining company came on to their lands - stand up for land, water [...]
Accompanier Perspectives: Ixcán
Since the mid-1990s, members of the NISGUA network have provided a physical international presence to threatened human rights defenders and communities in the Ixcán. We invite you to read the following reflection piece from one [...]
Victory for communities threatened by the Xalalá dam: Contract for feasibility studies canceled
NISGUA's 2014 Rivers for Life speaking tour featured ACODET, an association made up of more than 50 communities whose livelihoods and culture are threatened by the possible construction of the Xalalá dam. During the [...]
A corruption scandal, a new Vice President and the largest mass mobilization in Guatemala’s recent history
Tens of thousands gather in Guatemala's central park to demand an end to impunity and corruption. Photo credit: SkyCam Guatemala A crime ring that defrauded the Guatemalan national tax collection agency (SAT) and customs office, [...]
Take action to support political prisoners from Barillas!
UPDATE: On May 15 a court in Huehuetenango unanimously resolved not to ratify the 33-years and 4-month sentence against Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez. The decision is the result of a special appealed filed [...]
Community leader from Huehuetenango testifies at the World Bank
Last month, Cecilia Mérida testified at the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. about the damage being inflicted by the Bank's financing of the Cambalam hydroelectric dam in the municipality of Barillas, Huehuetenango. [...]
Something big was missing from Goldcorp and Tahoe Resources’ shareholder meetings: the voices of communities impacted by their mines
On April 30th and May 8th respectively, Goldcorp and Tahoe Resources held their Annual General Meetings (AGM) in Canada to discuss their FY2014 accomplishments and future expansion plans at their mine sites in Guatemala. [...]
Surgen preguntas preocupantes sobre el equipo de seguridad militarizada de Tahoe Resources en base de transcripciones de escuchas telefónicas
Fuente: Amnistía Internacional Canadá – AlertaMinera Canadá – Red en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala (NISGUA) 7 de abril, 2015 (Ciudad de Guatemala/Ottawa/Vancouver) Han salido a la luz pública las transcripciones de las [...]
Member of the Committee in Defense of Life and Peace in San Rafael Las Flores Detained
UPDATED May 1, 2015 Last night, Roberto de Jesus Pivaral y Pivaral was release from police custody due to lack of evidence, and all charges against him were dropped. Pivaral was charged with murder [...]
Tahoe Resources’ Administrative Manager detained on charges of industrial contamination
(Guatemala City/Ottawa) Monday, a Guatemalan judge denied bail to the Administrative Manager and Legal Representative, Carlos Roberto Morales Monzón, of Tahoe Resources’ subsidiary, Minera San Rafael S.A., and ordered him to pre-trial detention on [...]
Two more human rights defenders from Huehuetenango imprisoned for opposing megaprojects
Since 2011, communities in northern Huehuetenango have organized more than 50 peaceful protests and dozens of community referenda in which they have actively expressed their opposition to the expansion of hydroelectric dams and other [...]
A report-back on NISGUA’s Rivers for Life Delegation
When Víctor Caal Tzuy came to the U.S. last fall to speak about indigenous peoples’ fight for self-determination in Guatemala, he ended many of his presentations by inviting people to his home to see [...]
ACOGUATE turns 15!
This year, ACOGUATE honors 15 years providing a physical international presence to threatened Guatemalan human rights defenders as they work towards social justice and transformation. In 2000, NISGUA joined international accompaniment organizations from Canada [...]
Civil Society Organizations Speak Out on US Central America Plan
Honorable: President Barack Obama, President Otto Pérez Molina President Juan Orlando Hernández President Salvador Sánchez Cerén, President Enrique Peña Nieto We, the undersigned civil society organizations and groups, wish to address you as your meetings [...]
How a quasi-military project was created to protect the Escobal mine
An affidavit given on November 24, 2014 by Donald Paul Gray, vice president of the Canadian mining company Tahoe Resources Inc., has shed light on the strong interests at play since 2011 in contracting [...]
Wiretap transcripts raise troubling questions about Tahoe Resources’ militarized security detail
Source: Amnesty International Canada – MiningWatch Canada - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) April 7, 2015 (Guatemala City/Ottawa/Vancouver) Wiretap transcripts ordered by Guatemala’s Public Prosecutor of Tahoe Resources’ former head [...]
One more political prisoner: Rigoberto Juárez, land defender
Written by Nelton Rivera Translated by NISGUA Read original piece in Spanish here. [Yesterday] Rigoberto Juárez Mateo was arbitrarily detained and became another political prisoner held by the state of [...]
Santa Cruz Barillas: Natural resource defenders Saúl Méndez and Rogelio Velásquez sentenced to 33 years in prison
Posted on March 2, 2015 by ACOGUATE Translation by NISGUA Detained and awaiting trial since August 27, 2013, natural resource defenders Saúl Méndez and Antonio Rogelio Velásquez of Santa Cruz Barillas were recently sentenced [...]
Communities speak out against the Escobal mine: we are still here, we are still in resistance
"In the face of a storm, some animals go underground and bury their heads. But eagles fly above the storm. We need to be like the eagles...with this storm upon us, we choose to [...]
Uncertainty around the Xalalá Hydroelectric Project
Posted on February 28, 2015 by ACOGUATE Translation by NISGUA On November 7, 2013, the National Electrification Institute (Instituto Nacional de Electrificación, INDE) signed an Emergency Purchase contract with the Brazilian company Intertechne Consultores, [...]
Expansion of hydroelectric dams and energy transportation infrastructure threatens Indigenous communities in northern Guatemala
With information from Resistencia de los Pueblos, Boletín February 2014 and El Observador 44-45 In 2010, information became publicly available about government electricity projects under the plan: “Expansion of the Electricity Transportation System.” Ever [...]
Norwegian Fund Divests from Tahoe Resources, Canadian and U.S. Investors Urged to Follow Suit
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 (Ottawa/Guatemala) North American shareholders in Tahoe Resources should follow the Norway's Council on Ethics’s lead and divest say Canadian and U.S. organizations. They urge Canadian and U.S. investors to make [...]
The answer to “Who knows who started the fire…” at the Spanish Embassy
Three and a half decades had to go by in order to achieve justice for a horrendous moment in the history of the country. At the time, television cameras recorded the burning of the [...]
Freedom of expression at serious risk in Guatemala
Today, alternative and grassroots media in Guatemala denounced attacks against Radio Snuq' Jolom Konob', a community radio station in the department of Huehuetenango that regularly transmits voices of the Q'anjob'al people living in and [...]
2015 US Appropriations Act maintains restrictions on US military aid to Guatemala
When President Otto Peréz Molina was elected in 2012, he came with an agenda to fully re-instate US military aid and end the restrictions on funding to Guatemala in place to varying degrees since [...]
Interactive map shows scope of natural resource concessions in Guatemala
Those of you following NISGUA's work on defense of land and territory over the past seven years may remember the story of how Goldcorp's Marlin mine first gained access to indigenous lands in San [...]
Interview with members of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation on the genocide retrial and suspension of proceedings
NISGUA sat down with several members of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) to ask them how they feel about the genocide retrial and the events of January 5th, when lead Judge Jeannette [...]
Genocide retrial: Recusal of judge leads to suspension of proceedings
"We know that genocide took place. The whole world knows it, but the truth has been denied." Juventino Caal, member of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) Yesterday, a new trial against Jose [...]
A solidarity message to the Association for Justice and Reconciliation as the genocide case goes to retrial
January 5, 2015 Dear members of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), During this moment in which the Guatemala justice system is retrying the case against Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez, [...]
The Countdown to January 5th, 2015: Genocide retrial on course, but questions remain
“The thousands and thousands of victims will never abandon this struggle. We have to see it through. There are multitudes of victims by my side demanding that I speak out for justice and so [...]
US groups call on new US Ambassador to Guatemala to promote justice
The following letter was originally sent on October 14, 2014 Ambassador Todd Robinson U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala Dear Ambassador Robinson: We write to congratulate you on your recent appointment as the United States [...]
Tahoe Resources’ former security manager to be tried in Guatemalan court
Source: Center for Environmental, Social and Legal Action (CALAS) - MiningWatch Canada - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) (Guatemala City/Ottawa) On Wednesday, a Guatemalan judge decided that Tahoe’s former security [...]
Un vistazo al futuro? Mapas comunitarios muestran el potencial de Tahoe Resources para ampliar operaciones mineras
Click here for English. Los mapas que se encuentran abajo son parte de un proceso colectivo de las comunidades afectadas por la minería, con el objetivo de ampliar el conocimiento sobre las licencias de [...]
Human rights defenders from Barillas convicted despite irregularities in proceedings
An excerpt from a press release issued by the Guatemalan Unit for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (UDEFEGUA): "On Thursday, November 13, the trial court judge in Villa Nueva sent Oscar Morales, a leader [...]
“We are a peaceful people” – Mataquescuintla celebrates 2nd anniversary of municipal referendum against mining
"Second Anniversary, Municipal Consultation as requested by Residents." Photo: CPR Urbana “Authorities will come and go, but it’s the responsibility of the people to uphold this decision,” says Moisés Divas to a large crowd [...]
A glimpse into the future? Community maps show Tahoe’s potential to expand
Haga clic aquí para leer en españo. The maps below were created as part of a collective, community-based process to build awareness around the existence of mining exploration and exploitation licenses in the department [...]
Reflections on the “Rivers for Life: Cultural Resistance to the Xalalá Dam” fall speaking tour
Tour speaker, Víctor Caal Tzuy, shows NISGUA's Rivers for Life solidarity banner to ACODET members from Las Margaritas Copón. The goals for the 2014 NISGUA speaking tour were much like those which have guided [...]
The Q’eqchi’ and the Duwamish
This article was originally published in Spanish, online at elsalmon.org By Alejandro Echeverría October 13, 2014 Indigenous leaders Víctor Caal Tzuy and Ken Workman Ken Workman is a Seattle native who despite his tall [...]
Guatemalan Prosecutor summons Tahoe Resources CEO to testify about criminalization of community leaders
For additional background on this case see the article: A cheat sheet for Kevin McArthur on Tahoe Resources' tactics to silence opposition in Guatemala PRESS RELEASE Friday, October 17, 2014 Source: Committee in Defense [...]
Ixil communities of Nebaj express opposition to US-led extraction in their territory
"Historically, we have never received the support of the state or the government for our development, which is why it seems fair that we be able to take advantage of our own natural resources [...]
NISGUA Fall Tour 2014
FULL ITINERARY: SEATTLE, WA.; OCTOBER 2-6 Area Contact Phil Neff: phil.neff@gmail.com OCTOBER 2 Seattle University, 1:30-2:30pm 901 12th Avenue Bannan Building, Room 102 Seattle, WA 98122 Traditions Fair Trade Café; 7-8:30pm $5-15 Sliding Donation [...]
Communities in Santa Rosa and Jalapa launch campaign to halt Tahoe Resources’ expansion
"Water and life are worth more than silver or gold. You are intelligent, don't let them fool you." Community organized billboard campaign in Santa Rosa and Jalapa. Photo NISGUA In February 2013, the community [...]
Comunidades de Santa Rosa y Jalapa lanzan campaña contra la expansión de Tahoe Resources
--> Comunicado de Prensa: Comunidades Organizadas en Defensa del Territorio y la Naturaleza de Santa Rosa y Jalapa Valla anti-minera ubicada en Mataquescuintla, Jalapa. Photo NISGUA Desde el año 2012 a la fecha, en [...]
Center for Independent Media denounces attacks following its coverage of violence in Alta Verapaz
Below is NISGUA's translation of a press release by Guatemala's Center for Independent Media (CMI-G) regarding attacks suffered as a result of its coverage of the violent eviction of communities opposing the imposition of [...]
Will new World Bank lending policies undermine advances for justice in Guatemala?
Only days after a Guatemalan appeals court emitted an historic ruling strengthening the domestic jurisdiction of Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO 169), a leaked draft of the World Bank’s new Safeguard Policies [...]
Court rules that Guatemala must recognize results of community consultations
In an historic resolution, a Guatemalan Appeals Court ruled last week that the government must take into account the right to free, prior and informed consent when granting mining licenses on the lands of indigenous [...]
Witnesses give pre-trial testimony for Military Diary case
On July 3 and 4, four witnesses presented their testimony to the High Risk Court "B" in anticipation of the upcoming trial in the Military Diary case. Although a trial date has yet to be [...]
Retired military officials arraigned for atrocities at Sepur Zarco military base
Ex-colonel Esteelmer Reyes Girón and ex-military commissioner Heriberto Valdéz Asij were arraigned and ordered to pre-trial detention on June 23 by Tribunal "B" of the High Risk Crimes Court. The two will remain in prison [...]
Red del Proyecto de Acompañamiento de NISGUA denuncia intento de expulsar observadores internacionales
Toma acción inmediata para expresar su apoyo para el acompañamiento internacional en derechos humanos y los defensores de derechos humanos en Guatemala! Favor de remitir la siguiente carta a las autoridades guatemaltecas y estadounidenses [...]
NISGUA’s Accompaniment Project network denounces attempted expulsion of international observers
Take immediate action to express your support for international human rights accompaniment and human rights defenders in Guatemala! Please forward the below letter to Guatemalan and US authorities today! Download the letter here [...]
Guatemalan organizations respond to the expulsion of two volunteers with Peace Brigades International (PBI)
On July 1, 2014, Guatemalan officials revoked the temporary residence permits of two human rights accompaniers with Peace Brigades International. In response to their expulsion, the Convergence for Human Rights (Convergencia por los Derechos [...]
Organizaciones guatemaltecas responden a la expulsión de dos voluntarios con Brigadas Internacionales de Paz (PBI)
El 1 de julio del 2014, autoridades de la Dirección General de Migración de Guatemala cancelaron la residencia temporal a dos acompañantes internacionales de derechos humanos con Brigadas Internacionales de Paz (PBI). La Convergencia [...]
Statement from Peace Brigades International Guatemala in response to the cancellation of the residence permits of two volunteers
URGENT: Cancellation of temporary residence permits of two volunteers of PBI Guatemala Peace Brigades International (PBI) Guatemala would like to bring attention to and share its grave concern following the cancellation of the temporary [...]
Lawsuit Against Tahoe Resources a Wake Up Call for Investors and Canadians
Source: MiningWatch Canada - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) - Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network June 18, 2014 (Ottawa/Tatamagouche/Guatemala City) A civil lawsuit filed today in Vancouver against Tahoe Resources [...]
Demanda en contra de Tahoe Resources – señal de alerta para inversionistas y canadienses
Fuente: Alerta Minera Canadá - Red en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala (NISGUA) - Red Rompiendo el Silencio de las Provincias Marítimas y Guatemala 18 de junio de 2014 (Ottawa/Tatamagouche/Guatemala) Se presentó hoy [...]
Letter to the Executive Directors of the World Bank: No New Loans for Guatemala Until Chixoy Reparations Plan Implemented
On June 4, NISGUA, along with 33 other organizations from around the world, submitted a letter to the Executive Directors of the World Bank calling on them to delay their vote on the approval [...]
Urgent action to support La Puya communities opposing US-owned gold mine
Take action: Stand in solidarity with La Puya On Friday, May 23, the communities in resistance of La Puya were violently evicted from their blockade at the entrance to El Tambor gold mine. This [...]
Genocide survivors respond to congressional resolution to deny genocide
"We are thousands of Guatemalan victims of grave human rights violations committed during the internal armed conflict. The only thing we ask for is justice." - Communique from survivors in response to congressional resolution [...]
Worldwide Day of Action: Celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Genocide Sentence
On May 10, supporters, scholars and students from over a dozen countries celebrated the one-year anniversary of the genocide sentence. The worldwide day of action brought together communities to support the survivors' decades-long struggle for truth [...]
Asesinato de joven de 16 años – Continúa la violencia vinculada a mina canadiense; urgen al Fondo de Pensiones de Canadá desinvertir en Tahoe Resources
El 13 de abril del 2014 Topacio Reynoso, una joven guatemalteca de 16 años, fue asesinada cerca de su comunidad de Mataquescuintla, Guatemala, donde organizaba un grupo de jóvenes en contra de la minería. [...]
Sixteen-year old girl murdered in continued violence associated with Tahoe Resources’ mine, Canada Pension Plan urged to divest
(Ottawa/Toronto) A sixteen year old Guatemalan girl, Topacio Reynoso, was murdered on April 13, 2014 near her home town of Mataquescuintla, Guatemala where she was head of a youth movement against mining. Her father, [...]
Human Rights Convergence statement on the Attorney General nomination
The pact to maintain impunity consolidates with the nomination for Attorney General The Human Rights Convergence states: The director of the Public Prosecutor’s Office is a key and decisive position to guarantee that justice [...]
Worldwide action for the one-year anniversary of the genocide sentence
“We must raise awareness [so] that these kinds of events are never repeated, because the people of Guatemala want to live in peace, acknowledging our identity, our rich multicultural, multilingual [heritage] and the respect for [...]
Acción mundial por el primer aniversario de la sentencia por genocidio
"No queremos que hechos de esta naturaleza vuelvan a repetirse, creemos en realidad que para que exista paz en Guatemala debe existir previamente justicia." - Sentencia por genocidio Foto: CMI Guatemala Este próximo 10 [...]
Organizaciones internacionales exigen justicia ante ataque armado en contra de líderes comunitarios opuestos a la mina Escobal de Tahoe Resources
Merilyn Topacio Reynoso Pacheco, 1997 -2014 (Foto: Danilo Zuleta) Han pasado dos semanas desde el ataque mortal contra Alex y Topacio Reynoso, lideres comunitarios de Mataquescuintla, Jalapa, quienes estuvieron oponiéndose activamente a la mina [...]
International organizations demand justice in deadly attack against opponents of Tahoe Resources’ mine
Merilyn Topacio Reynoso Pacheco, 1997 - 2014. (Photo: Danilo Zuleta) Two weeks have passed since the deadly attack against Alex and Topacio Reynoso, community leaders from Mataquescuintla, Jalapa who were actively opposed [...]
Organizations in defense of territory denounce violence against their communities
Late Sunday night, around 10:30PM, father and daughter activists involved in the resistance against Tahoe Resources' Escobal Mine, Edwin Alex Reynoso and Merilyn Topacio Reynoso, were attacked by unknown suspects. Alex and Topacio were [...]
Urgent Action from La Puya: Call for an End to Police Intimidation and Eviction Threats
The National Police, at the service of US mining company Kappes Cassiday and Associates (KCA), have been carrying out acts of intimidation and threatening eviction against communities in resistance at La Puya, just north [...]
Accusations of anomalies and corruption place contract for Xalalá Dam studies in question
Following the "emergency contract" for geological feasibility studies signed between Guatemala's National Electrification Institute (INDE) and Brazilian company Intertechne Consultores S.A. last November, communities organized against the Xalalá Dam publicized the controversial transaction and [...]
Say No to State Department funds for Guatemalan Army
Join NISGUA and GHRC in calling on Secretary of State John Kerry to deny certification of DOS funds to Guatemala "We need more teachers and not military brigades." Photo: PrensaComunitariaGuatemala’s UN Truth Commission report not only [...]
Guatemalan organization express their solidarity with Yassmín Barrios
OUR SUPPORT FOR THE DIGNITY AND PROFESSIONALISM of HONORABLE JUDGE YASSMÍN BARRIOS To the people of Guatemala and to the international community, we express our total indignation of the decision emitted by the [...]
Interview with Judge Yassmín Barrios: “The door to impunity and corruption is being opened”
Interview originally published by El Periódico in Spanish. Translation by NISGUA. Judge Yassmín Barrios Photo: El Periódico Judge Iris Yassmín Barrios, presiding judge of the High Risk Crimes Court A, refers to the decision handed [...]
Peaceful blockade in Barillas celebrates one-year anniversary
Tired of being ignored and disrespected by the Guatemalan government, and determined to halt a hydroelectric project approved without their free, prior and informed consent, the men and women of Santa Cruz Barillas founded [...]
Guatemala’s Constitutional Court set to hear arguments regarding fate of genocide trial
This morning, the Constitutional Court (CC), Guatemala’s highest court, will hear arguments regarding the April 2013 decision by Judge Carol Patricia Flores to set the genocide case back to a pre-trial phase. The mid-trial [...]
‘On the Road for Justice’ Speaking Tour to Bring Attention to Guatemala Mining Conflict, Need for Remedy in Canada
(Ottawa) How is it that when community leaders wrongfully targeted in the wake of violence connected with Tahoe Resources’ Escobal silver mine in Guatemala they spend months in jail, while the company’s former head [...]
ADH expresses solidarity with Santa Cruz Barillas political prisoners
We demand liberty for our leaders; they have not committed crimes Photo: ADH Departmental Assembly of Huehuetenango Communiqué in Solidarity with the Civil Society Movement of Santa Cruz Barillas Today, March 4, 2014, we [...]
La ADH expresa su solidaridad con presos políticos de Santa Cruz Barillas
Foto: ADH Comunicado Asamblea de Pueblos de Huehuetenango, ADH, en Solidaridad con el Movimiento fe la Sociedad Civil de Santa Cruz Barillas El día de hoy, 4 de marzo de 2014, acudimos a dos [...]
ACODET denounces attempt to militarize communities opposing Xalalá dam
According to a secret contract signed between Guatemala's National Electrification Institute (INDE) and Brazilian Intertechne Consultores S.A., geological studies necessary to begin construction on the Xalalá dam are to begin in March 2014. Communities [...]
ACODET denuncia un intento de militarizar las comunidades que resisten la construcción de la represa Xalalá
Según el contrato firmado secretamente entre el Instituto Nacional de Electrificación (INDE) y la empresa brasileña Intertechne Consultores S.A., los estudios de factibilidad para la represa Xalalá debería comenzar en marzo de 2014. Las [...]
Guatemala commemorates victims and 15 year anniversary of truth commission
February 25 marks the annual Day of Dignity for Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict in Guatemala. In addition, 15 years ago to the day, the UN-sponsored Historical Clarification Commission presented its "Guatemala: Memory [...]
Sipakapa is still not for sale…
Neither are San Rafael Las Flores, Nueva Santa Rosa, Mataquescuintla, Jalapa nor Santa Rosa de Lima. In 2005, the communities of Sipakapa carried out one of the first community consultations on mining in Guatemala, [...]
Pressure to construct Xalalá hydroelectric dam; Local opposition remains strong
The following is a summary of an in-depth report published by ACOGUATE on January 22, 2014 and translated by NISGUA. Read the full report, Pressure to Construct Xalalá Hydroelectric Dam; Local Opposition Remains Strong. Nearly two [...]
Organizations denounce high court decision to remove Attorney General Paz y Paz
Last week Guatemala's Constitutional Court (CC) emitted a provisional ruling stating that Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz should end her term in May 2014, seven months before schedule. Friday, the CC dismissed an appeal [...]
ADH denounces World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank
The Departmental Assembly of Huehuetenango in Defense of Territory and for the Autonomy and Free Determination of the People – ADH – informs the national and international community: During 1981, 1982, 1983, the Guatemalan [...]
ADH denuncia al Banco Mundial y el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
La Asamblea de los Pueblos de Huehuetenango en Defensa del Territorio y por la Autonomía y La Libre Determinación de los Pueblos – ADH- a la comunidad nacional e internacional INFORMAMOS: Que en [...]
Communities denounce forced labor in San Miguel Ixtahuacán
CALAS and Plurijul denounce mayor of San Miguel Ixtahuacán Photo: Breaking the Silence Press Conference Communiqué Article 4 of the political constitution of the Republic of Guatemala establishes that no person can be subjected [...]
Comunidades denuncian sometimiento a servidumbre en San Miguel Ixtahuacán
CALAS y Plurijur denuncian al alcade de San Miguel Ixtahuacán. Foto: Rompiendo el Silencio Comunicado Conferencia de Prensa La Constitución Política de la República establece en el artículo 4° que, ninguna persona puede ser [...]
NISGUA leads delegation with UUCA to Guatemala
UUCA delegates gather with NISGUA staff in Antigua. All photos: David McTaggart This past December, NISGUA organized and hosted a ten-day delegation with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA), home to NISGUA Sponsoring [...]
ADH statement in solidarity with Barillas political prisoners and the people of Sipakapa
On January 14, the people of Sipakapa joined together to take action in denouncing the granting of the Los Chocoyos mining exploration license to Goldcorp Inc. Earlier this month, the Sipakapa Maya Council, together [...]
Comunicado de la ADH en solidaridad con presos políticos de Barillas y el pueblo de Sipakapa
El 14 de enero, el pueblo de Sipakapa se manifestó en contra de la licencia minera, Los Chocoyos, autorizado a Goldcorp Inc. Al principio del mes, el Consejo Maya Sipakapense y el Consejo de [...]
“Justice for genocide: A survivor’s story” 2013 tour accomplishments
In October 2013, NISGUA and the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) traveled the greater United States to share a story of determination and resilience: a 13-year journey that finally brought former dictator Efraín [...]
Xalalá geological feasibility studies, an emergency contract?
The monitoring committee of the community consultation in the Ixcán writes to the public opinion, social organizations, indigenous organizations and human rights protection organizations with the purpose of informing about the situation created by [...]
Estudios de factibilidad geológica Xalalá, ¿Una contratación de emergencia?
La Comisión de Seguimiento a la Consulta Comunitaria en Ixcán se dirige a la opinión pública, organizaciones sociales, organizaciones indígenas y organismos de protección a los derechos humanos con el fin de informar sobre [...]
Tens of Thousands Oppose Tahoe Resources’ Escobal Project in Guatemala
Please show your support for mining-affected communities in the area of Tahoe's Escobal project! Take action with this online petition directed at President, CEO and Director of Tahoe Resources, Kevin McArthur. (Versión original en [...]
Genocide retrial set for January 2015; national courts debate possibility of amnesty
On November 5, almost six months since the highly contested decision by Guatemala's Constitutional Court (CC) to annul the genocide sentence, Guatemalan courts announced a date for the retrial of former General Ríos Montt. Guatemala's High [...]
Tahoe Resources on the defense as opposition to the Escobal mine gains ground
While community opposition to Tahoe Resources’ Escobal project grows and wins support from the Constitutional Court, the company remains on the defense trying to convince investors that it enjoys “strong local community support.” However, the [...]
NISGUA receives 2013 Global Justice and Peace Award
On Saturday, November 16, the Denver Justice and Peace Committee (DJPC) presented NISGUA with their annual Global Justice and Peace Award. DJPC, a longtime supporter of NISGUA’s Guatemala Accompaniment Project, recognized NISGUA's organizational achievements [...]
“Justice for genocide: A survivor’s story” visits Laramie, Denver and the Bay Area
The "Justice for genocide: A survivor's story" fall speaking tour left Wisconsin on November 13 to embark on the final stops of the tour: Laramie, WY; Denver, CO; and the Bay Area, CA. The [...]
Jalapa says NO to mining! Guatemalan Constitutional Court hears case related to Tahoe Resources’ mining license
Jalapa has said NO to mining. Photo: Xinka Parliament On Sunday, November 10, in a community consultation in the municipality of Jalapa, 23,152 people said NO to chemical metal mining. Members of Santa María [...]
“Justice for genocide: A survivor’s story” visits the Midwest
“We are here in the United States asking for your solidarity. Borders divide us, but justice is a fundamental pillar of democracy” -Anselmo Roldán to the international community From November 7-11, NISGUA visited six [...]
“Justice for genocide: A survivor’s story” visits Los Angeles
The Guatemala Education and Action Project (GEAP) hosted NISGUA and the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) on our third tour stop in Los Angeles. GEAP's events included a press conference, community event and [...]
Survivors submit complaint against Guatemalan state for denial of justice in genocide case
Genocide survivors submit a complaint before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington DC on November 6, 2013. Photo: AJR INTERNATIONAL COMPLAINT AGAINST THE GUATEMALAN STATE FOR DENIAL OF JUSTICE IN THE GENOCIDE [...]
Sobrevivientes entregan denuncia contra el estado de Guatemala por denegación de justicia en el caso de genocidio
DENUNCIA INTERNACIONAL CONTRA ESTADO DE GUATEMALA POR DENEGACION DE JUSTICIA EN EL CASO DE GENOCICIO Washington D.C. 06 de noviembre 2013.- Víctimas sobrevivientes del genocidio en Guatemala y organizaciones sociales, interpusieron hoy, ante la [...]
“Justice for genocide: A survivor’s story” DC & Tucson tour stops
On October 30, NISGUA began our tour with Association for Justice and Reconciliation president, Anselmo Roldán Aguilar. After a day of meeting with key state and congressional representatives, Anselmo gave his first presentation at [...]
Take action: Tell Tahoe Resources to pack its bags and leave Guatemala!
The time has come to support community resistance to the Escobal mine by echoing their voices internationally. Take Action! Write Kevin McArthur, President of Tahoe Resources, to demand the company respect communities' right to [...]
“No Impunity! No Amnesty!”: Organizations react to news of CC ruling
Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre splashed "CC brings José Efraín Ríos Montt closer to amnesty" across its front page headlines, with the corresponding article publishing excerpts of a leaked ruling issued by the Constitutional Court. [...]
Comunicado: Amnistía no es aplicable a delitos de genocidio y delitos de lesa humanidad
El día de hoy, la Prensa Libre publicó un articulo declarando que "Ríos Montt se acerca a amnistía, según Corte de Constitucionalidad". El Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos responde a la [...]
Declaration from the V Gathering of the Latin American Network against Dams and for Rivers, Communities and Water (REDLAR)
Last week, NISGUA had the honor of participating in the fifth gathering of the Latin American Network against Dams and for Rivers, Communities and Water. Before arriving at the meeting site in Retalteco, Petén, [...]
Justice for Genocide campaign: Presentation to the AJR
This past spring, thousands of you participated in our international "Justice for Genocide" photo and pledge campaign in support of the brave survivors of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR). NISGUA staff recently [...]
Report reveals company strategy to criminalize opposition to Escobal mine
“In order to suffer what we have suffered, we must be committed. We have to imagine ourselves like pencils; if we aren't worn down, then we aren't doing our part” - Community leader from [...]
Communiqué denouncing recent repression in Northern Huehuetenango
On September 28, conflict erupted again in Northern Huehuetenango in response to the imposition of Spanish-owned Cambalam hydro-electric project in Santa Cruz Barillas. Despite ongoing criminalization and repression, community members continue to demand respect [...]
Comunicado denunciando agresiones en el Norte de Huehuetenango
A LA COMUNIDAD NACIONAL E INTERNACIONAL EXPRESAMOS: La agresión actual a los pueblos Q’anjob’al, Akateko, Chuj y mestizo de la Región Norte del departamento de Huehuetenango, de parte del Presidente y comandante en Jefe [...]
Letter to the president expressing solidarity with San José Nacahuil
On September 7, six unknown men shot and killed eleven in San José Nacahuil, in the municipality of San Pedro Ayampuc. Today, NISGUA submitted a letter, signed by over a dozen international organizations, to [...]
Carta al presidente expresando solidaridad con San José Nacahuil
El 7 de septiembre, seis hombres desconocidos dispararon y mataron a once miembros de la comunidad de San José Nacahuil, en la municipalidad de San Pedro Ayampuc. El día de hoy, NISGUA entregó una [...]
Victim of Río Negro massacre exhumed from Cobán mass grave and buried in Rabinal
Boys carry Martina Rojas' photo through the streets of Rabinal. Photo: CPR Urbana On September 7, Martina Rojas was buried in Rabinal, Baja Verapaz, 31 years after she was forcefully detained and disappeared from [...]
Communities in Totonicapán and Quetzaltenango hold community referenda on mining
"The Council of Ancestral Authorities of the 31 communities of Momostenango welcomes you to the good faith community consultation" (All Photos: NISGUA) On Sunday September 1, the municipality of Momostenango held the third community [...]
Organizaciones indígenas guatemaltecas denuncian al estado por la ley minera ante la CIDH
Fuente: Consejo del Pueblo Maya de Occidente (CPO) – Red en Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala (NISGUA) – Alerta Minera Canadá – Centro para el Derecho Ambiental Internacional (CIEL) (Ciudad de Guatemala/Ottawa/Washington) Martes, el [...]
Guatemalan Indigenous Organizations File Complaint over Mining Law with Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Sources: Western Peoples' Council (CPO) - Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) - MiningWatch Canada – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) (Guatemala City/Ottawa/Washington) Tuesday, Guatemala's Western Peoples' Council of Mayan organizations [...]
El Consejo de los pueblos Mayas y Xinka denuncian al estado de Guatemala ante la CIDH
El Consejo presenta su denuncia el 3 de septiembre de 2013. Foto: CPO EL CONSEJO DE LOS PUEBLOS MAYAS Y XINKA, DENUNCIAN AL ESTADO DE GUATEMATEMA ANTE LA COMISIÓN INTERAMERICANA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS Porque [...]
The Council of Maya and Xinca Peoples denounces the Guatemalan State in the IACHR
The Council presents their demand on September 3, 2013. Photo: CPO THE COUNCIL OF MAYA AND XINCA PEOPLES DENOUNCES THE GUATEMALAN STATE IN THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS On February 28, 2013, the [...]
Urgent Communique: Detention of Leaders from Santa Cruz Barillas
On Tuesday, August 27, Saúl Aurelio Méndez Muñoz and Antonio Rogelio Velásquez López, community leaders opposed to the imposition of the Cambalam hydroelectric project, operated by Hidro Santa Cruz, property of Spanish company Hidralia [...]
Comunicado urgente por detención a lideres de Santa Cruz Barillas
A LA OPINIÓN PÚBLICA NACIONAL E INTERNACIONAL MANIFESTAMOS: El pueblo Q'anjobal de Santa Cruz Barillas a pesar de la represión y violación a sus derechos humanos a defendido su territorio a través de las [...]
Declaración del segundo encuentro de las nacionalidades Q’anjob’al
Durante el 21 - 23 de agosto, representantes de 20 comunidades Maya Q'anjob'al del norte de Huehuetenango y Chiapas, México se reunieron en San Juan Ixcoy, Huehuetenango para el Segundo Encuentro de las Nacionalidades [...]
Declaration of the Second Gathering of the Q’anjob’al Nationalities
On August 21 – 23, leaders and representatives of twenty Maya Q'anjob'al communities in northern Huehuetenango and Chiapas, Mexico, gathered in San Juan Ixcoy, Huehuetenango to discuss the ongoing imposition of large-scale development projects [...]
Three years since the kidnapping and murder of Tat Lisandro Guarcax González
Imagen by Grupo Sotz'ilLisandro Guarcax González, a visionary artist, teacher and founding member of Grupo Sotz'il, was kidnapped and murdered three years ago on August 25, 2010. NISGUA, along with dozens of international and national [...]
A tres años del secuestro y asesinato de Tat Lisandro Guarcax González
Imagen de Movimiento de Artistas Mayas Ruk'u'xFlorece tu corazón en el caminar del arte y la creación de nuestras expresiones, el Saqb’e aún no termina, inicia un nuevo B’ak’tun que marca pleno reconocimiento de la [...]
Gains for communities defending life and territory as mining takes a hit in Guatemala
On July 22, a Canadian court ruled that Hudbay Minerals will stand trial in Canada for violence, including murder and rape, carried out by employees of its former Guatemalan subsidiary, Compañía Guatemalteca de Níquel [...]
Querellantes guatemaltecos celebran la efectiva suspensión de la licencia otorgada a Tahoe Resources
(Ottawa/Ciudad de Guatemala) El martes pasado, la Sala Primera de la Corte de Apelaciones del Ramo Civil y Mercantil notificó al Centro de Acción Legal Ambiental y Social (calas) su aceptación del recurso relacionado [...]
Guatemalan complainants celebrate effective suspension of Tahoe Resources license
CALAS and the Xinca Parliament announce the suspension of Tahoe Resources' mining license on Wednesday morning. Photo: Prensa Libre (Ottawa/Guatemala City) On Tuesday, the Civil and Mercantile Division of Guatemala’s First Court of Appeals [...]
Tahoe Myths: Setting the record straight
On Monday July 8, Guatemala's Public Prosecutor, on behalf of the six victims and co-plaintiffs in the case, filed a formal accusation against Alberto Rotondo, former security manager for Minera San Rafael, a wholly-owned [...]
Urgent communique denouncing assassination of Santos Fidel Ajau Suret, member of La Puya encampment
On Tuesday, July 9, Santos Fidel Ajau Suret, a member of the ongoing peaceful resistance at La Puya, was assassinated. The MadreSelva Collective released the following communique denouncing his assassination. Translation by NISGUA, in [...]
Organizaciones Indigenas denuncian propuesta de moratoria minera
LOS PUEBLOS ORIGINARIOS NUNCA HAN PEDIDO MORATORIAS; UN PRESIDENTE DEMOCRÁTICO DEBE SER CONGRUENTE CON LOS RESULTADOS DE LAS CONSULTAS COMUNITARIAS DE BUENA FE El anunció del Presidente de la República de Guatemala de presentar [...]
Indigenous organizations denounce proposed mining moratorium
In a televised program broadcast from outside Tahoe Resources’ conflictive Escobal mine project, President Otto Pérez Molina announced a proposed two-year moratorium on the granting of new mineral mining licenses. A similar moratorium put [...]
On June 30, the March for Memory proclaimed: “I am also a victim of genocide”
In Guatemala City, hundreds celebrated the Day of Heroes and Martyrs on June 30, in lieu of the perennial national holiday known as Army Day. Since 1999, groups of urban activists have chosen to [...]
Communities of Santa Rosa and Jalapa denounce criminalization of leaders opposing Tahoe Resources’ Escobal mine
Since the May 2 declaration of a state of siege in four municipalities surrounding Tahoe Resources' mine, 12 members of the Committee in Defense of Life and Peace of San Rafael had their homes [...]
Hundreds accompany the Ixil people on their Day of Dignity
Several hundred traveled from Guatemala City to Nebaj on June 21-22 with the "Caravan for the Dignity of the Ixil People and Against Genocide". Photo: NISGUA Ixil authorities welcome organizations to Nebaj. Photo: NISGUA [...]
NISGUA’s genocide trial coverage: the complete collection
While we await the next steps of the genocide trial, we are honored to provide an accessible archive of the daily coverage we provided from day 1 of the trial. Please read and share [...]
Sipakapa celebrates 8th anniversary of community consultation
On June 18, the communities of Sipakapa, a municipality affected by GoldCorp's Marlin Mine in Western Guatemala, celebrated the eighth anniversary of one of the first community consultations in the country. Today, more than [...]
Members of La Puya resistance meet with President Otto Pérez Molina
Yolanda Oquelí (foreground) meets with Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina and Minister of The Interior Mauricio Lopez Bonilla. Photo: Giles Clarke In an uncharacteristic move, President Otto Pérez Molina and the Ministry of Energy [...]
Criminal case against Alberto Rotondo, security manager for Tahoe Resources, moves forward in Guatemalan courts
On Friday June 7, Alberto Rotondo, former security manager for Tahoe Resources, was summoned to appear for the second time in a Guatemalan court. During the first hearing on May 7, Rotondo was charged [...]
Speculation around genocide trial restart; Ríos Montt back under house arrest
Guatemalan civil society reacted to the May 20 annulment of the genocide trial verdict through public actions, marches and vigils overwhelmingly rejecting the decision. On May 24, an impromptu march that some activists reported [...]
Complaint asks for investigation into Tahoe Resources after wiretap evidence implicates employees in violence at Escobal mine
On Saturday April 27, mine security at Tahoe Resources' Escobal project opened fire on community members peacefully gathered outside the mine site. Six men were shot and seriously injured. This incident set of a [...]
Se solicita a Comisión de Valores en Canadá investigar a Minera Tahoe luego de que escuchas telefónicas vincluan a sus empleados en hecho violentos en Guatemala
PARA DIFUSIÓN INMEDIATA 3 de junio 2013 (Toronto/Ottawa) El Proyecto Justicia y Responsabilidad Corporativa (Justice and Corporate Accountability Project - JCAP) en Canadá entregó el día viernes una queja a la Comisión de Valores [...]
Rubén Herrera Released from Prison!
Rubén Herrera and Cecilia Mérida moments after Rubén was liberated. Yesterday, Rubén Herrera, unjustly imprisoned since March 15 for his resistance to the Cambalam hydro-electric project, was released from custody and cleared of all [...]
NISGUA in NYC with the Association for Justice and Reconciliation: Listen live to our special event
Live transmission of event in NYC with the AJR. Tramission will begin at approximately 7:15pm EST, May 30, and last for one hour. Transmisión en vivo de la actividad en la ciudad de Nueva [...]
International community calls for Rubén Herrera’s immediate release
More than one year after President Molina declared a state of siege in Santa Cruz de Barillas, repression continues against community leaders resisting the Cambalam hydroelectric project, operated by Spanish owned Hidro Santa Cruz. [...]
AJR Declaration to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
The Association for Justice and Reconciliation addressed the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City today. We are honored to provide the exclusive English translation of the declaration. Read the [...]
Genocide trial sentence overturned; CALDH press conference called sentence, “An opportunity for peace”
The Guatemalan Constitutional Court emitted a resolution late Monday evening to annul the genocide trial verdict and revert proceedings back to April 19. Judge Barrios of the First Court for High Risk Crimes "A" [...]
Sentence of Dignified Reparations for the Ixil People
On May 10, Efraín Ríos Montt was found guilty of the crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity, in an historic ruling that sentenced him to 80 years in prison. As ordered during the [...]
Ríos Montt: Guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity
Today in Guatemala, Judge Yazmin Barrios found former dictator Efraín Ríos Montt guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity. The court ratified all the elements of genocide described by witness and expert testimony, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 27: Genocide trial closes and moves to deliberations
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, 2, 3, 4/5, 6, 7, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 26: Benjamin Jerónimo on behalf of AJR, “I ask that justice be done… so the survivors can feel peace”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, 2, 3, 4/5, 6, 7, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 26: Concluding arguments, “You cannot deny the undeniable”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity.Read our previous summaries: Day 1, 2, 3, 4/5, 6, 7, 8, 9, [...]
Tahoe Resources Investor Alert calls Guatemala project a Dangerous Investment
(Ottawa/Guatemala City) – Yesterday, the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) and MiningWatch Canada warned Tahoe Resources investors against further investment in the Escobal silver project, given lack of community support and increasing violence and [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 24/25: Defense incensed and exposed, Judge moves to concluding arguments
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, 2, 3, 4/5, 6, 7, 8, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 23: Proceedings continue, trial will reconvene on May 7
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, 2, 3, 4/5, 6, 7, 8, [...]
Guatemalan government declares state of siege in municipalities surrounding Tahoe Escobal mine
During the early hours of Thursday, May 2, one day after the first anniversary of the state of siege in Santa Cruz de Barillas, Huehuetenango, the Guatemalan government declared another state of siege in four [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 22: Trial reconvenes and attempts to move forward
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Ríos Montt and José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, 2, 3, 4/5, 6, 7, 8, [...]
Genocide trial still suspended: Supporters remain hopeful, public dialogue continues
NISGUA continues ongoing coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity.The air in Guatemala is tensely optimistic as various injunctions and appeals related [...]
Constitutional Court issues rulings, ongoing questions about how they impact genocide trial proceedings
NISGUA continues ongoing coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity.Survivors, lawyers and human rights groups remain hopeful that the Constitutional Court will [...]
Genocide Trial, Day 21: Trial will continue, Proceedings await decision from Constitutional Court
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, 2, 3, 4/5, 6, 7, 8, 9, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 20: AJR Survivors Respond to Dramatic Events
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 20: Defense grandstands; Trial proceedings at risk
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 19: Defense delays resting their case; Statements outside courtroom multiply
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Days 17 & 18: AJR Responds to Efforts to Delegitimize the Trial
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Take Action: Demand Guatemalan Authorities Halt Criminalization and Persecution of Political Prisoner, Rubén Herrera
Rubén Herrera of the ADH Photo: James Rodríguez, mimundo.orgSign the petition condemning the capture of Rubén Herrera and calling for his immediate release. Since Friday, March 15, human rights defender and member of the Departmental [...]
Genocide on Trial, Days 15 & 16: Experts testify, “The Ixil social fabric was destroyed in the attack against their culture”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Attacks Continue against Peaceful Resistance in San Rafael Las Flores
Police in San Rafael las Flores, April 11 Source: resistencapacificaelescobal.blogspot.com While representatives from mining affected communities from throughout Mesoamerica gathered in Huehuetenango to discuss strategies to confront the expansion of mining in their territories, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Days 13 & 14: Defense experts testify, “There was never intention to commit genocide”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Ríos Montt and Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Days 11-14: Forensic experts testify
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 12: Beatriz Manz, author of “Paradise in Ashes”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity.Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10 and [...]
Mining license approved in wake of violence, investigation into murder pending
Today, NISGUA and the International Coalition against Unjust Mining in Guatemala (CAMIGUA), presented a petition with over 4,000 signatures to Guatemalan Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz asking her to launch an investigation into [...]
Licencia minera aprobada en contexto de violencia, pendiente investigación sobre asesinato
Hoy NISGUA y La Coalición internacional contra la minería injusta en Guatemala (CAMIGUA) presentaron una petición con más de 4000 firmas a la Fiscal General Claudia Paz y Paz pidiendo que ella se realice una [...]
Exclusive Interview with the AJR: “It is our right to demand justice and reveal the truth”
Before the start of the genocide trial in Guatemala, the international human rights accompaniment project ACOGUATE met with Benjamin Jerónimo, president and legal representative of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) to hear his [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 10: Expert witnesses testify, “Racism facilitated the extermination of the Ixil…”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4/5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, [...]
Exploitation License Granted for Tahoe Resources Escobal Project in Context of Escalating Violence
Communities in the departments of Santa Rosa and Jalapa have been peacefully resisting the proposed Escobal silver mine, operated by Minera San Rafael, Guatemalan Subsidiary of Canada's Tahoe Resources for more than three years. [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 9: “We were the first ones to fall…”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. See our archive of live Twitter updates at @NISGUA_Guate.Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, Day [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 8: Women survivors of sexual violence, “Your truth is our truth”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. See our archive of live Twitter updates at @NISGUA_Guate. Read our previous summaries: [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 7: “I am telling this to the eyes and ears of the world”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity. See our archive of live Twitter updates at @NISGUA_Guate. Read our previous summaries: [...]
Genocide on Trial, Day 6: “What I came here to share, I felt it in the living flesh, in my bones.”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide crimes against humanity. See our archive of live Twitter updates at @NISGUA_Guate. Read our previous summaries: Day [...]
Genocide on Trial, Days 4 & 5: “This is how my heart feels, thank you for asking me.”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide crimes against humanity. See our archive of live Twitter updates at @NISGUA_Guate. Read our previous summaries: Day [...]
Juan Raymundo Maton: “…they destroyed everything, not just our crops but our culture.”
NISGUA continues live coverage of the trial in Guatemala of Efraín Rios Montt and Mauricio Rodriguez Sánchez for genocide crimes against humanity. See our archive of live Twitter updates at @NISGUA_Guate. Our live updates were interrupted [...]
Genocide on Trial in Guatemala, Day 3: “…justice for everything we lived through.”
Read our previous summaries: Day 1, Day 2, and full archive of ongoing live Twitter coverage.Survivor testimony continued on the third day of former dictator Efraín Rios Montt and intelligence chief Rodriguez Sánchez's trial for genocide and [...]
Genocide on Trial in Guatemala, Day 2: Ixil Voices in the Halls of Justice
Read our coverage on the first day of the trial. The second day of proceedings in the Guatemala genocide case trial opened with unresolved tensions around accused former general Efraín Ríos Montt's legal representation. He [...]
Genocide trial opens amidst attacks against community leaders
"The past is still present." -- Independent journalist, commenting on recent attacks against activistson the eve of the Ríos Montt trial On Sunday, March 17, the President of the Xinca Indigenous Parliament and three other [...]
Genocide on Trial in Guatemala: Ixil witnesses speak
In the early hours of the morning, a crowd had already begun to form in Guatemala City's Plaza of Human Rights, outside the Supreme Court, where the country's historic first trial for genocide was [...]
Genocide trial opens tomorrow – NISGUA’s coverage and actions
For more than a decade, members of the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala have had the honor to walk alongside survivors of genocide in their long struggle for justice. Tomorrow, we will [...]
Rubén Herrera, member of the Departmental Assembly of Huehuetenango (ADH), Arrested in Barillas Case
URGENT COMMUNIQUE from the Departmental Assembly of Huehuetenango in Defense of Territory (ADH) *Official Translation by NISGUA Spanish below It is with great concern that we share the unfortunate news that today, March 15, [...]
Breaking Down the Wall of Impunity in Guatemala by Victoria Sanford
Victoria Sanford is the director of the Lehman College Center for Human Rights and Peace Studies in New York. She is the author of Buried Secrets: Truth and Human Rights in Guatemala. In 2012, [...]
AJR/CALDH: “First trial for genocide still set to begin March 19”
FIRST TRIAL FOR GENOCIDE STILL SET TO BEGIN MARCH 19 APPEALS COURT'S RULING DOES NOT SUSPEND DEBATE Today, March 11th, we were notified of a constitutional injunction ("amparo") filed by the military officials José [...]
AJR/CALDH: “Primer juicio por genocidio continúa para el 19 de marzo”
PRIMER JUICIO POR GENOCIDIO CONTINÚA PARA EL 19 DE MARZORESOLUCIÓN DE LA SALA CUARTA NO SUSPENDE DEBATEHoy lunes 11 de marzo fuimos notificados de una acción constitucional de Amparo interpuesta por los militares José Efraín [...]
Communities in San Rafael Las Flores say NO to Tahoe Resources’ Escobal Project
Last weekend, 93% of the population of Los Planes rejected Tahoe Resources' proposed Escobal project, voting NO to chemical mineral mining on their territory. This good-faith referendum, organized by local authorities, is the second [...]
La Puya Encampment Celebrates First Anniversary of Peaceful Resistance
On Sunday, March 3, 2013 the communities of La Puya celebrated the one-year anniversary of non-violent resistance to the Tambor (Progreso VII) mining project, owned by US company Kappes, Cassiday & Associates (KCA). During [...]
CPO Denounces Delay in Ruling on Guatemala’s Mining Law | Statement by the Western People’s Council
In July 2012 Guatemala’s Constitutional Court heard a landmark case challenging the constitutionality of the 1997 Mining Law. The legal action, presented by the Western Peoples’ Council (CPO), contends that the current law is [...]
NISGUA in the Media
Check out these recent interviews by current and former NISGUA staff in local media outlets! NISGUA's Guatemala Accompaniment Project (GAP) Director Bridget Brehen speaks about developments in the genocide case on KPFA's La Raza [...]
UNREDACTED | Update on Guatemalan Genocide Case by Kate Doyle
The following is reblogged from UNREDACTED, the National Security Archive Blog. We're posting Kate Doyle's article in full for her first-hand account of the most recent proceedings in the Guatemalan Genocide Trial. Follow the [...]
Judge Gálvez Orders the Opening of a Public Oral Debate | Statement by the AJR and CALDH
WALKING TOWARD JUSTICE Today Guatemalan society is witness to a historic event. For the first time in our country, a judge has ordered the opening of a trial for the crime of genocide and [...]
Juez Gálvez ordena la apertura de un debate oral y público | Comunicado de AJR y CALDH
CAMINANDO HACIA LA JUSTICIA La sociedad guatemalteca hoy es testiga de un hecho histórico, por primera vez en nuestro país se dicta apertura a juicio por los delitos de genocidio y delitos contra deberes [...]
Guatemalan Government Restarts Xalalá Hydroelectric Dam Project in Spite of Community Opposition
In response to the government’s announcement that it will restart the bidding process for the construction of the Xalalá hydroelectric dam in 2013, a delegation from the affected region traveled to the capital to [...]
2012: Defense of Territory and Natural Resources
2012 was marked by a high level of conflict in Guatemala, especially related to the exploitation of natural resources. Here we summarize some of the cases in which ACOGUATE accompanies human rights organizations in [...]
2012: The Search for Justice and Against Impunity
2012 was a very active year for ACOGUATE and the cases in which we accompany witnesses and plaintiffs in search for justice. Human rights defenders working for truth are amongst the most threatened groups, [...]
Political Statement in Mark of Oxlajuj B’ak’tun
THE WESTERN PEOPLE'S COUNCIL "In defense of LIFE and territory" POLITICAL STATEMENT IN MARK OF OXLAJUJ B'AK'TUN (Original in Spanish here) Authorities of the Maya People of Western Guatemala, joined together as the Council, [...]
Across Guatemala: Communities Continue to Defend Their Right to Life
In September of this year NISGUA reported on the series of violent attacks against community members in San Rafael Las Flores, Santa Rosa and Mataquescuintla, Jalapa who were peacefully resisting the advancement of the [...]
Tensions Continue at La Puya: Community Members in Resistance Threatened with Eviction
Following over nine months of non-violent peaceful resistance to the El Tambor mining project and increased intimidation and threats during the past month, the situation at La Puya escalated last Friday, December 7th, when [...]
Indigenous and Farmworker Organizations Urge Guatemalan Congress to Approve Initiative 4084
Since this Tuesday, November 27th, indigenous and rural farmworker organizations were present in the Guatemalan Congress calling for the approval of Initiative 4048, a Comprehensive Rural Development Law. The Initiative, first introduced in Congress [...]
Protect pacific resistance in San José del Golfo
For the past nine months, men, women and children from San José del Golfo, San Pedro Ayampuc and their surrounding communities have maintained a constant, non-violent presence in protest of the onset of mining [...]
Two Political Prisoners Liberated in Santa Cruz de Barillas Case
On November 15th, the Departmental Assembly of Huehuetenango (ADH) announced that two more of the 11 political prisoners illegally detained during the 18-day state of siege imposed in Santa Cruz de Barillas, have been [...]
Communities denounce Xalalá dam and oil exploitation
The following press releases have been translated by NISGUA as part of its ongoing human rights accompaniment of communities threatened by the Xalalá dam project. Press Release 1 25 October 2012 Guatemala Imposition [...]
Totonicapán rising: Guatemalan military massacres K’iche protesters
The deceased, all wounded by firearm, according to Dr. Jorge Destarac, regional head of the National Forensic Science Institute, were eight in total: Rafael Batz (Pasajoc), Santos Nicolás Menchú (Pasajoc), Jesús Baltazar Caxaj Puac [...]
Indigenous protesters killed in Totonicapan, Guatemala
At least six protesters were killed and dozens wounded this afternoon in repression of a protest organized by the representatives of 48 indigenous K'iche communities of Totonicapan, Guatemala. According to Guatemala Indymedia Center and social movement organizations, the protesters [...]
“Otro golpe al pueblo maya, al estilo mano dura”
Otro golpe al pueblo maya, al estilo mano duraPor la Asamblea de pueblos de Huehuetenango por la Defensa del Territorio, ADH - Huehuetenango, 4 de octubre de 2012La asamblea de pueblos de Huehuetenango –ADH-; a la [...]
“Another blow to the Maya people, in the style of Mano Dura”
Another blow to the Maya people, in the style of Mano DuraStatement by the Departmental Assembly of HuehuetenangoOctober 4, 2012The Departmental Assembly of Huehuetenango -ADH- before national and international public opinion, DECLARES:Our profound outrage for [...]
Criminalization and Violence Erupt in the Shadow of the Escobal Mine
In recent weeks the municipality of San Rafael Las Flores has seen growing conflict around the installation of the Escobal silver mine, owned by the Canadian corporation Tahoe Resources. Local community organizers and allies [...]
Hearing in Genocide Case, Survivors Gather by the Hundreds
This struggle is everyone's struggle and the struggle of those that have not yet been born. --Board member for the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) The genocide cases have moved forward against former [...]
Pedro García Arredondo Convicted and Sentenced to 70 years in prison
Student Édgar Sáenz Calito was disappeared in June 1981. Photo: http://www.hijosguate.blogspot.com/ Pedro García Arredondo, former chief of the now defunct National Police's infamous Comando Seis was convicted for the forced disappearance of student Édgar [...]
Pedro García Arredondo Sentenciado a 70 años por Desaparición Forzada
Estudiante Édgar Sáenz Calito fue desaparecido en junio de 1981. Foto: http://www.hijosguate.blogspot.com/ Se sentenció a condena de 70 años de prisión para Pedro García Arredondo, ex-jefe del Comando Seis del extinto Policía Nacional, para [...]
Tribunal 2012: “We are defending the life of all humanity with our struggle”
Participants listen as the international tribunal pronounces its final sentence. Graham Hunt On July 14 and 15, 2012, participants from throughout Mesoamerica and North America gathered in San Miguel Ixtahuacán, in northwest Guatemala, for [...]
Mobilizing for Goldcorp’s 2012 Meeting of Shareholders
NISGUA, in coalition with our Guatemalan and international partners, prepared actions, events and materials for Goldcorp's Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on April 26, 2012 in northern Ontario. Alfonso Jiménez Morales participated in events as [...]
Member of K’iche’ People’s Council Murdered – Asesinan a miembro del Consejo de Pueblos K’iche’s
On June 12, José Tavico Tzunun was murdered in his home. José was a member of the K'iche' People's Council, an organizer for the 2010 community referendum in Santa Cruz del Quiché, and an [...]
URGENT ACTION: Activist Yolanda Oquelí attacked on her way home
On June 13, activist Yolanda Oquelí was attacked and shot three times on her way home from a protest. We join others in denouncing the attack and expressing our concern for Yolanda's safety and [...]
May 31, 2012 Communique of the Tz’ununija’ Indigenous Women’s Movement
Español abajo The organized women of the community of Ágel of San Miguel Ixtahuacán, Department of San Marcos, and the Tz'ununija' Women's Indigenous Movement, on the day Wajxaq'ib' Ajmaq [declare]: Within [...]
Communique of the Tz’ununija’ Indigenous Women’s Movement
Español abajo COMMUNIQUE The Tz'ununija' Indigenous Women's Movement, on the day Waqxaqi' Aq'ab'al, informs civil society organizations, indigenous and women's organizations and the national and international public opinion, the following: Within the framework of [...]
Urgent Communique – State of Siege in Santa Cruz Barillas Lifted
Unofficial translation by NISGUA - Original Spanish Below Traducción no oficial por NISGUA - Español abajo WESTERN PEOPLES' COUNCIL In defense of Life, Territory, the Mother Earth and the Collective Rights of the Peoples [...]
We are all Barillas – Statement of the Western Peoples’ Council
Unofficial translation by NISGUAComunicado original en español¡In Defense of Life, Territory, Mother Earth and the collective Rights of our Peoples! “WE ARE ALL BARILLAS” No to the submission of the Guatemalan state to multinational companies. [...]
*URGENT COMMUNIQUE*
*URGENT COMMUNIQUE*To the national and international public, regarding the recent events in the municipality of Santa Cruz Barillas Huehuetenango, WE DECLARE:Yesterday, at around one o'clock in the afternoon, armed men ambushed three community leaders as [...]
*COMUNICADO URGENTE*
*COMUNICADO URGENTE*Ante la opinión pública nacional e internacional, ante los últimos acontecimientos sucedidos en el municipio de Santa Cruz Barillas Huehuetenango MANIFESTAMOS:El día de ayer a eso de la una de la tarde; hombres armados [...]
Take Action! Sign Petition on Goldcorp’s Marlin Mine
Participe en la acción urgente dirigida a Goldcorp - Versión en españolCanadian mining company with U.S. investors could leave indigenous communities with multi-million dollar bill to pay.We need your support to help defend the rights [...]
NISGUA visits Sponsoring Community in Washington, D.C. area
The victim asks the bystander to share the burden of pain. The victim demands action, engagement and remembering. ... To hold traumatic reality in consciousness requires a social context that affirms and protects the victim [...]
Paramilitaries Sentenced to Thousands of Years for Plan de Sánchez Massacre
The information below was translated from a press statement by CALDH (in Spanish below) Read Amnesty International's statementOn March 20, the First Tribunal for High Risk Cases in Guatemala sentenced 5 members of the Guatemalan [...]
Historica condena por masacre de Plan de Sánchez
Comunicado de CALDH - www.caldh.orgEl Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos, CALDH, manifiesta su complacencia ante la reciente condena de un comisionado militar y cuatro ex patrulleros militares responsables de la masacre de [...]
High Commissioner received by thousands in Totonicapán
Community mayor raise their varas, staffs symbolic of their authority.Graham HuntOn March 13, 2012, gathered in the Atanasio Tzul stadium in the city of Totonicapán, thousands of representatives of Indigenous Peoples from across Guatemala welcomed [...]
Alta Comisionada recibida por miles en Totonicapán
Alcaldes comunitarios alzan las varas que simbolizan su autoridad.Graham HuntEl 13 de marzo, 2012, reunidos en el estadio Atanasio Tzul, en la ciudad de Totonicapán, miles de representantes de pueblos indígenas de toda Guatemala dieron [...]
Preliminary Hearing in Case against José Efraín Ríos Montt
Versión en español On Thursday, January 26, 2012, in a preliminary hearing, General José Efraín Ríos Montt was linked to the ongoing legal process for genocide and crimes against humanity by the first justice [...]
“Eternal life to our loved ones” – Interviews with the AJR after Rios Montt Hearing
Versión en español An initial court hearing for former General Efraín Ríos Montt, accused of genocide, took place after ten years of work by the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR). The day after the [...]
Sentencia en Caso Lisandro Guarcax
Afiche del Tu Corazon Florece festivalEl viernes 10 de febrero 2012, la corte de primera instancia emitió una sentencia en el caso de Lisandro Guarcax y 32 otras víctimas. La corte encontró los acusados responsables [...]
Verdict in Lisandro Guarcax case
Poster for Tu Corazon Florece (Your Heart Flourishes) festival On Friday, February 10, 2012, a verdict was issued in the case of Lisandro Guarcax and 32 other victims. The accused were found guilty of charges [...]
Aumento voluntario de regalías cuestionado
El 26 de enero, 2011, tras negociaciones sostenidas entre el gobierno de Guatemala y la Gremial de Industrias Extractivas -GREMIEXT-, ente que aglutina, entre otros, a las empresas extractivas de minerales operantes en el país, [...]
Voluntary increase of royalties questioned
On January 26, 2011, following negotiations between the Guatemalan Government and the Union of Extractive Industries (GREMIEXT), a body which brings together, among others, the companies responsible for the exploitation of minerals in the country, [...]
“Our Struggle Has Become Reality”: Former Dictator Rios Montt is Charged with Genocide
Thursday, January 26, 7:00 am, hundreds of community activists and human rights defenders gather outside Guatemala City’s national court to witness former dictator Efraín Rios Montt testify on the gross military atrocities and human rights [...]
The General on trial
A personal reflection by Phil Neff, Guatemala Accompaniment Project Coordinator for NISGUAA cold evening fog had fallen over the Plaza of Human Rights outside Guatemala City's Court Tower, where two hundred survivors of massacres perpetrated [...]
Efraín Ríos Montt to Stand Trial for Genocide
"Impunity is a perverse state that damages not only the victim, but society in general." - Judge Flores "We have to celebrate this historic event. Our struggle has become reality. It was worth it." - AJR activistLast [...]
Ríos Montt Linked to Genocide Process
Statement from CALDH and AJRThe Court has restored hope to Guatemalan society, which has waited nearly 30 years for the atrocities committed against the Mayan people to be recognized. In an historic and momentous act [...]
Ríos Montt ligado a proceso por genocidio
Comunicado de CALDH y la AJRLa Justicia le devuelve la esperanza a la sociedad guatemalteca que tuvo que esperar casi 30 años para que se conocieran las atrocidades cometidas en contra del pueblo maya. En [...]
Former General Otto Pérez Molina’s First Days in Office
On January 14, former General Otto Pérez Molina assumed office as the next president of Guatemala, promising change. Pérez Molina has sworn that his administration will produce results within 6 months by implementing new iron-fist [...]
Genocide cases: Ríos Montt to Testify, Mejía Victores Unfit for Trial
Efraín Ríos Montt, the U.S.-supported dictator who ruled at the height of Guatemala's civil war, has been called to testify in the genocide case on January 26. As of January 14th, Ríos Montt stepped down [...]
2011: El año más violento contra defensores y defensoras de derechos humanos
2011: EL AÑO MÁS VIOLENTO CONTRA DEFENSORES Y DEFESORAS DE DERECHOS HUMANOSLa Unidad de Protección a Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos – Guatemala (UDEFEGUA), informa, que según nuestros registros, el año 2011, fue el [...]
2011: The Most Violent Year for Human Rights Defenders
2011: The Most Violent Year for Human Rights DefendersThe Human Rights Defenders Protection Unit – Guatemala (Unidad de Protección a Defensoras y Defensores de Derechos Humanos – Guatemala; UDEFEGUA) reports that, according to our records, [...]
Take Action: Justice for Emilia Quan
Emilia - we still remember you. The search for justice continues.On the 8th of December 2011, the first anniversary of the tragic death of Emilia Quan Staackmann takes place. Emilia was a Guatemalan woman, 33 [...]
Firmas – Justicia por Emilia Quan
Emilia - no te hemos olvidado. Seguimos buscando justiciaEl 8 de Diciembre de 2011 se cumple el primer aniversario de la trágica muerte de Emilia Quan Staackmann. Emilia era una mujer guatemalteca de 33 años [...]
Nuestra Voz Nuestra Memoria: El genocidio en Guatemala
The Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) and the Center for Human Rights Legal Action (CALDH) have released a 30 minute documentary, "Our Voice, Our Memory: The genocide in Guatemala". The documentary, available in full [...]
Military high command and former president arrested for Guatemalan genocide: Trials expected to open in 2012
Ten years have passed since genocide survivors filed cases against General Efraín Ríos Montt and members of his military high command. As a result of this investigation, in 2011, three former military officials—including a former [...]
Former General Wins Presidential Election in Guatemala
On November 6, Guatemala's presidential elections ended in a close victory for retired General Otto Pérez Molina. Pérez Molina's Patriot Party has promised an iron fist approach to security in the face of rising crime [...]
Desparcimiento del agua residual contenida en la represa de cola de la mina Marlin
FRENTE DE DEFENSA MIGUELENSE (ADISMI, ADIM, FEBIMI, COMUNIDADES EN RESISTENCIA) “DENUNCIA” DESAPARECIMIENTO DEL AGUA RESIDUAL CONTENIDA EN LA REPRESA DE COLA DE LA MINA MARLINUNA AMENAZA GRAVÍSIMA SOBRE LA SALUD DE LAS COMUNIDADES SITUADAS EN [...]
New genocide charges brought against military high command
José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez, former Director of Military Intelligence under the de facto government of Efraín Rios Montt, has become the second person to be formally charged with genocide after he was arrested on October [...]
Hearing suspended pending verification of health of Héctor Mario López Fuentes
Julia Cortéz, legal representative of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR). The AJR and the Center for Legal Human Rights Action (CALDH) are the plaintiffs in the legal case against the retired general Héctor [...]
Se suspende juicio pendiente verificación del estado de salud de Héctor Mario López Fuentes
Julia Cortéz, representante legal de la Asociación para la Justicia y Reconciliación -AJR-. La AJR y el Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos -CALDH- son los querellantes adhesivos en el caso legal contra [...]
Pedro Pimentel Rios To Be Tried for Murder and Crimes Against Humanity
(Photo credit: Kevin Hayes) Guatemala – First Tribunal Judge Carol Patricia Flores found Guatemalan ex-military Pedro Pimentel Rios' defense to be without merit yesterday, ruling that the accused can be tried for mass [...]
Se celebra festival muralistico en Archivo Histórico de la Policía Nacional
Graham HuntEl 24 de septiembre se celebró en el Archivo Histórico de la Policía Nacional -AHPN- el segundo de una serie de festivales muralísticos realizándose a lo largo del 2011, contando con la participación de [...]
Mural festival celebrated in Historical Archive of the National Police
Graham HuntOn September 24, the Historical Archive of the National Police (AHPN) celebrated the second of a series of mural-painting festivals being carried out throughout 2011, with the participation of artists' groups including Pie de [...]
Juicio por genocidio suspendido
Francisco Soto del Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos (CALDH) y representantes de la Asociación para la Justicia y Reconciliación (AJR) informan de la suspensión en una conferencia de prensa.Graham HuntEl muy anticipado [...]
Genocide trial suspended
Francisco Soto of the Center for Human Rights Legal Action (CALDH) and representatives of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) inform of the suspension in a press conference.Graham HuntThe highly anticipated genocide trial for [...]
Acusación por genocidio: Comunicado de AJR y CALDH | Accusation for genocide: statement by AJR and CALDH
[English below]Caminando hacia la justiciaLa sociedad guatemalteca hoy es testiga de un hecho histórico, por primera vez en nuestro país, el Ministerio Público presenta una acusación por el delito de genocidio contra un general retirado [...]
FREDEMI Denounces Intimidation – FREDEMI denuncia persecución
Español abajo FREDEMI: Public denunciation of the persecution against defenders of land and collective rights: the persecution of Gregoria Crisanta Pérez On Wednesday August 31st at approximately 3:30 pm in San Miguel Ixtahuacán, Ms. Gregoria [...]
Vecinos de Santa Cruz Chinautla denuncian eco-etnocidio
Graham HuntEn una conferencia de prensa el 1 de septiembre, 2011, miembros del Comité Comunitario de Desarrollo -COCODE- del municipio de Santa Cruz Chinautla, acompañados de vecinos y vecinas mujeres, hombres, jóvenes y de tercera [...]
Residents of Santa Cruz Chinautla denounce eco-ethnocide
Graham HuntIn a press conference on September 1, 2011, members of the Community Development Committee--COCODE--of the municipality of Santa Cruz Chinautla, accompanied by women, men, youth and elders, denounced before the national and international community [...]
Historica condena por masacre de Las Dos Erres
HISTORICA CONDENAPOR MASACRE DE LAS DOS ERRESEl Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos, CALDH, manifiesta su complacencia ante la reciente condena de cuatro militares responsables de la masacre del Parcelamiento Las Dos Erres, [...]
Two Municipalities of Santa Rosa Say NO to Tahoe Resources and Metal Mining
A resident of Nueva Santa Rosa holds up her index finger after exercising her right to vote. Delmi Arriaza In July, almost 13,000 residents from two municipalities in the department of Santa Rosa voted [...]
Se presenta estudio sobre los costos para el cierre de la Mina Marlin
Steve Laudeman. Según el texto del estudio, Laudeman es "Ingeniero geologo y civil con 21 años de experiencia en materiales peligrosos, manejo de residuos, construcción de carreteras, minas y canteras, e infraestructura para reservas naturales".Graham [...]
Study presented regarding costs related to closing the Marlin Mine
Steve Laudeman. According to the text of the study, Laudeman is "A geological and civil engineer with 21 years of experience in dangerous materials, management of residues, construction of highways, mines and quarries, as well [...]
History-making Dos Erres massacre trial begins: on-going coverage
More than 28 years have passed since the massacre of more than 250 men, women, and children in the small farming community of Las Dos Erres, Petén. For 17 years, survivors and family members [...]
Justice for Victor Leiva
Dear friends, On February 20, 2011, our friend Victor Leiva, artist and founding member of the collective Caja Ludica, was taken from us. Victor was shot to death while leaving his work in the Historical [...]
Justicia para Victor Leiva
Estimados compañeros y compañeras: El 2 de febrero del 2011 quitaron la vida de nuestro amigo Víctor Leiva, artista, promotor cultural y miembro fundador del colectivo Caja Lúdica. Víctor fue asesinado por arma de fuego [...]
Pronunciamiento Público de los Pueblos Mam y Kiche’ del Departamento de Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Graham HuntEn una conferencia de prensa llevada a cabo en la Ciudad de Guatemala el 12 de julio del 2011, líderes comunitarios dieron lectura al siguiente:PRONUNCIAMIENTO PÚBLICO DE LOS PUEBLOS MAM Y KICHE' DEL DEPARTAMENTO [...]
Public Declaration of the Mam and Kiche’ Peoples of the Department of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Graham HuntIn a press conference carried out in Guatemala City on July 12, 2011, community leaders presented the following:PUBLIC DECLARATION OF THE MAM AND KICHE' PEOPLES OFTHE DEPARTMENT OF QUETZALTENANGO, GUATEMALAThe municipalities of the Mam [...]
Guatemala observa el Día Nacional Contra la Desaparición Forzada
Graham HuntEl 21 de junio del 2011, en distintas actividades realizadas en la Ciudad de Guatemala, familiares de las víctimas, activistas y otros se congregaron en honor a los más de 45,000 desaparecidos de la [...]
Guatemala observes National Day Against Forced Disappearance
Graham HuntOn June 21, 2011, in different activities carried out in Guatemala City, family members of victims, activists and others gathered in honor of the more than 45,000 forcibly disappeared in Guatemala's 36-year civil war, [...]
Una oportunidad histórica para la justicia guatemalteca
Graham Hunt Después de la captura del militar retirado General Héctor López Fuentes el viernes pasado, ayer una audiencia ligó formalmente el ex-Jefe Mayor del Ejército al proceso judicial para los crímenes de genocidio, deberes [...]
An historic opportunity for justice in Guatemala
After the arrest and capture of retired general Héctor López Fuentes on Friday, proceedings yesterday officially indicted former Army Chief of Staff for the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and forced disappearance. Representatives of [...]
General Héctor López Fuentes indicted for genocide
General López Fuentes waits for his hearing to begin. Graham HuntOn June 20, 2011, retired General Héctor Mario López Fuentes was indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity and forced disappearance. As Army Chief of Staff [...]
General Héctor López Fuentes acusado de genocidio
General López Fuentes espera que se le dé inicio a su audiencia. Graham HuntEl 20 de junio del 2011, el General retirado Héctor Mario López Fuentes fue formalmente acusado de genocidio, crímenes de lesa humanidad [...]
Testimonio aportado en caso de masacre de Panzós
Walter Overdick gives his testimony. Graham HuntLa misma mañana, en la misma sala, inmediatamente previo a la comparencia de López Fuentess, otra audiencia se llevó a cabo de torno a la 1978 masacre de Panzós, [...]
Testimony given in Panzós massacre case
Walter Overdick gives his testimony. Graham HuntThe same morning, in the very same court room immediately prior to López Fuentes' indictment, another hearing was held regarding the 1978 Panzós massacre, recognized as the first massacre [...]
Breaking News: First Arrest for Genocide in Guatemala
FIRST ARREST FOR GENOCIDE IN GUATEMALAToday, June 17th, General Héctor Mario López Fuentes was captured in Guatemala City, twenty-nine years after having initiated the execution of Plan Victoria 82, developed by the Army Chief of [...]
Primeras Noticias: Primera Captura por Genocidio en Guatemala
PRIMERA CAPTURA POR GENOCIDIO EN GUATEMALA Hoy 17 de junio, a 29 años de haber iniciado la ejecución del Plan Victoria 82 elaborado por el Jefe del Estado Mayor del Ejército y el gobierno de [...]
Se celebra consulta comunitaria en Sacapulas, El Quiché
Miembros de la Coordinadora de Comunidades de Sacapulas en Resistencia y en Defensa de los Recursos Naturales y el Medio Ambiente, ente organizador de la consulta, desdoblan mantas bajo las ceibas de la plaza central [...]
Sacapulas, El Quiché, celebrates community referendum
Members of the Coordinadora de Comunidades de Sacapulas en Resistencia y en Defensa de los Recursos Naturales y el Medio Ambiente (Coordinating Committee of the Communities of Sacpulas in Resistance and in Defense of Natural [...]
Corte de Constitucionalidad otorga amparo, suspende reglamento de consultas comunitarias
El 23 de marzo del 2011, representantes de varios municipios que han celebrado consultas comunitarias, articulados en el Consejo de Pueblos de Occidente (CPO), interpusieron un amparo exijiendo que el gobierno desistiera en su intento [...]
Constitutional Court grants injunction, provisionally halts regulation of community referenda
On March 23, 2011, representatives of municipalities that have carried out referenda, articulated in the Consejo de Pueblos de Occidente (CPO), filed an injunction demanding that the government desist in its efforts to regulate community [...]
Maya Mam People Declare Mining-Free Territory
Graham HuntOn May 18, 2011, in a massively attended ceremony carried out among the temples of Zaculeu, the Maya Mam People of Huehuetenango declared their territory mining-free. In the presence of community, municipal and ancestral [...]
Pueblo Mam de Huehuetenango se declara Libre de Minería
Graham HuntEl 18 de mayo del 2011, en un acto multitudinario celebrado entre los templos de Zaculeu, el pueblo Maya Mam de Huehuetenango se declaró libre de minería. En presencia de autoridades comunitarias, municipales y [...]
Media from NISGUA tour, Mining and Violence: Indigenous Women Resist
We are excited to present multi-media available from our recent speaking tour.Concluding the Latin American Solidarity Conference in Washington, D.C., activists participated in the SOA Watch's march on the White House, demanding the closing of [...]
On fourth anniversary of community referendum of Ixcán, communities and organizations denounce environmental degradation
Two men (background, right) fish at the confluence of the Copón (foreground) and Chixoy (back) rivers, in the municipality of Ixcán, El Quiché. Community members denounce that the Copón river has become contaminated as a [...]
A cuatro años de la consulta comunitaria de Ixcán, comunidades y organizaciones denuncian deterioro ambiental
Dos hombres (trasfondo, mano derecha) pescan en la confluencia de los ríos Copón (primer plano, color café) y Chixoy (fondo, color azul), en el municipio de Ixcán, Quiché. Vecinos denuncian que desde hace un año [...]
NISGUA Spring 2011 Tour, Mining and Violence in Guatemala: Indigenous Women Resist
NISGUA's Spring 2011 tour on the East Coast featured speaker Victoria Cumes, of the Tz'ununija' Indigenous Women's Movement. Victoria spoke on mining and violence in Guatemala, emphasizing the unique ways in which women are [...]
Se manifiestan miles en contra del reglamento de las consultas comunitarias
Graham Hunt El 29 de abril de 2011, más de 3,000 personas, en su mayoría representantes de organizaciones indígenas y campesinas del interior del país, desfilaron por las calles capitalinas para manifestar de nuevo su [...]
Thousands protest against proposed regulation of community consultations
Graham HuntOn April 29, 2011, more than 3,000 people, primarily representatives of indigenous organizations from rural areas of Guatemala, marched through the streets of the capital city to manifest once more their disapproval of current [...]
A 13 años del martirio de Monseñor Gerardi
Graham Hunt*Español abajo* On April 26, 1998, two days after publicly presenting the Recuperación de la Memoria Histórica (REMHI), the interdiocesan truth commission report detailing human rights abuses committed during Guatemala's 36-year civil war, bishop [...]
Se intensifica rechazo de reglamento de las consultas comunitarias – Rejection of regulation of community referenda intensifies
Graham HuntOn March 23, hundreds of representatives from more than 50 municipalities that have carried out community referenda in Guatemala, articulated in the Consejo de Pueblos de Occidente (CPO) and other regional groups, took to [...]
NISGUA Tour Underway! 2011 Itinerary
Listado de actividades en espanol.Our most recently updated itinerary can be found on our website www.nisgua.org. MINING AND VIOLENCE IN GUATEMALA: INDIGENOUS WOMEN RESIST2011 Speaking Tour with Tz’ununija’ Indigenous Women’s MovementMarch 28 - April 14, [...]
Se celebra consulta comunitaria en San Martín Chile Verde – San Martín Chile Verde celebrates community referendum
A man prepares to vote in Caserío Tui Bul. Graham HuntUn hombre se prepara para emitir su voto en el Caserío Tui Bul.On March 16, 2011, 17,849 residents of the predominantly Maya Mam municipality of [...]
Evictions in Polochic Valley Denounced
Representatives from numerous organizations held a press conference on March 18 to denounce human rights violations committed during the eviction of hundreds of rural Maya Q'eqchi' families in the Polochic Valley, in the department of [...]
Denuncian desalojos del Valle del Polochic, Alta Verapaz
Representantes de diversas organizaciones sociales dieron una conferencia de prensa el 18 de marzo de 2011, para denunciar las violaciones de derechos humanos cometidas esta semana y para exigir que se detengan los desalojos de [...]
Violencia subraya la necesidad para una suspensión temporaria de la mina Marlin de Goldcorp
En la siguiente carte dirigida a las autoridades Guatemalecas y Goldcorp Inc., la Coalición en contra la Minería Injusta de Guatemala (CAMIGUA) expresa su profunda preocupación en relación a los informes sobre la violencia ocurrida [...]
Violence Near Goldcorp Mine in Guatemala Underscores Need for Mine Suspension
In the following letter to Guatemalan authorities and Goldcorp Inc., the Coalition Against Unjust Mining in Guatemala (CAMIGUA) expresses its profound concern following reports of violence in the municipality of San Miguel Ixtahuacán. CAMIGUA believes [...]
Communities reject initiative to regulate community referenda
A man waves a banner with the logo of the Comité de Unidad Campesina. Graham HuntIn an interview with the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Carlos Daniel de León of the [...]
Comunidades rechazan iniciativa por normar las consultas comunitarias
Un hombre agita una bandera que lleva el logotipo del Comité de Unidad Campesina. Graham HuntEn una entrevista con el diario guatemalteco la Prensa Libre en San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Carlos Daniel de León, de [...]
Comunicado urgente de preocupación para la seguridad de los defensores y defensoras de San Miguel Ixtahuacan en protesta pacifica
TAKE ACTION through Amnesty International Guatemala 28 de febrero de 2011La Red de Solidaridad con el Pueblo de Guatemala Collectif GuatemalaBreaking the SilenceRights ActionComunicado urgente de preocupación para la seguridad de los defensores y defensoras [...]
Urgent concern for safety of human rights defenders of San Miguel Ixtahuacán following peaceful protests
TAKE ACTION through Amnesty International Guatemala 28 February 2011The Network in Solidarity with the People of GuatemalaCollectif GuatemalaBreaking the SilenceRights ActionUrgent concern for safety of human rights defenders of San Miguel Ixtahuacán following peaceful protests [...]
Jennifer Harbury releases evidence in Bamaca case – Jennifer Harbury divulga pruebas en caso Bamaca
Jennifer Harbury speaks to the press. Graham HuntJennifer Harbury da declaraciones a la prensa.On Tuesday, February 22, 2010, following the Guatemalan Constitutional Court's February 11 decision to suspend the reopening of investigations regarding the 1992 [...]
Olintepeque celebrates preventive community referendum – Olintepeque celebra consulta comunitaria preventiva
A view of the Xequijel river, in Olintepeque, Quetzaltenango. Graham HuntUna Vista del Río Xequijel, en Olintepeque, Quetzaltenango.On February 20, 1524, Tecún Umán, last king of the K'iché nation, was killed in battle against the [...]
Citizens of San Juan Ostuncalco reject mining – Ciudadanos de San Jan Ostuncalco rechazan minería
San Juan Ostuncalco's central plaza on the morning of the referendum. Graham HuntLa plaza central de San Juan Ostuncalco en la mañana de la consulta.On February 18, 2011, in the 49th good faith community referendum [...]
Remembering Oscar David Hernández Quiroa – Recordando a Oscar David Hernández Quiroa
Graham HuntOn February 23, 1984, at approximately 5:45 PM, Oscar David Hernández Quiroa, electromechanic at the headquarters of the Volunteer Firefighters, was ambushed in central Guatemala City by twelve armed men traveling in three vehicles. [...]
Report: Making strides towards justice, chipping away at Guatemala’s wall of impunity
In 2003, members of the community of Choatalúm dared to do the unthinkable: they publicly denounced then-mayor Felipe Cusanero Coj for his responsibility as military commissioner for the forced disappearances of six family members [...]
Comunitarios exigen captura de Maynor Padilla – Community members demand capture of Maynor Padilla
Angélica Choc. Graham HuntOn December 9, 2010, a group of community members from El Estor, Izabal, among them eye-witnesses of the September 27, 2009 assassination of Adolfo Ich Chamán, gathered before the Crimes Against Activists [...]
ADH send statements on the murder of Emilia Quan: ADH manda comunicados sobre el asesinato de Emilia Quan
Emilia Quan The ADH delegation currently in Cancún for the climate justice activities taking place here, received sad news from back home in Huehuetenango: the murder of Emilia Quan, an investigator with CEDFOG (Center for [...]
Interview with ADH representative in Cancún: Entrevista con representante de la ADH en Cancún
Today Francisco Mateo Morales spoke as a representative of the Assembly of Huehuetenango (ADH) in a Climate Dialogue panel about the position of indigenous peoples on the issue of climate change. A delegation of members [...]
March on Cancún: Marcha en Cancún!!
The Assembly of Huehuetenango (ADH) and Climate Dialogue took to the streets today to bring the message of the forums into downtown Cancún!La Asamblea de Huehuetenango (ADH) y el Diálogo Climático se fueron a las [...]
Choc family initiates legal process against Canadian mining company for assassination of Adolfo Ich Chamán – Familia Choc inicia proceso legal en contra de compañía minera canadiense por el asesinato de Adolfo Ich Chamán
On December 1, 2010, Angélica Choc announced the initiation of legal proceedings against the Canadian mining company Hudbay Minerals Inc. and its Guatemalan subsidiary, Compañía Guatemalteca de Níquel S.A. (CGN), for their indirect responsibility in [...]
Communities present results of referenda – Comunidades presentan resultados de consultas
Representatives of the municipality of Cabricán prepare banners for the march to the Congress. Graham HuntRepresentantes del municipio de Cabricán arman pancartas para la marcha al Congreso. On Monday, November 29, representatives of the municipalities [...]
Huitán rejects mining – Huitán rechaza la minería
The urban center of Huitán. In the background, to the left of the church, stands Calel mountain, one of the municipality's primary water sources. Calel is likewise home to a mining license of the same [...]
Global Forum for Life, Environmental and Social Justice: Foro Global por la Vida, la Justicia Ambiental y Social
La Via Campesina is coordinating one of the alternative Cancún forums, bringing real solutions to climate change from the world's farmworkers. La Via Campesina ha coordinado uno de los foros alternativos en Cancún, trayendo soluciones [...]
Cambia el Sistema, No el Clima! No a REDD! Banco Mundial Fuera del Clima!: Change the System, Not the Climate! No to REDD! World Bank out of the Climate!
Change the System, Not the Climate! No to REDD! World Bank out of the Climate! These are the messages echoing in Cancún today, the first day of the International Foro for Climate Justice and the [...]
NISGUA and Assembly of Huehuetenango (ADH): Vamos a Cancún!
Global social justice mobilizations have arrived in Cancún to participate in alternative activities running parallel to the current round of UN climate negotiations, also known as COP16. NISGUA is here with the Assembly of Huehuetenango [...]
No Violence against Women: No violencia contra las mujeres
"They didn't kill me for being a narco. They killed me for being a woman."Hundreds marched on November 25, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Centenares de personas marcharon [...]
Cabricán: Quetzaltenango’s First Referendum / Primera consulta en Quetzaltenango
"The K'iche People's Council...Our land is our home.Good Faith Community Referendum in Santa Cruz del Quiche.""Consejo de Pueblos K'iche's... nuestra tierra es nuestra casa!Consulta Comunitaria de Buena Fe para Santa Cruz del Quiché"Delmi ArriazaThree consultas (community referendums) [...]
Santa Cruz del Quiche: Reorganizing Historic Resistance / Reorganizando la resistencia histórica
On October 22, 2010, more than eighty communities held simultaneous referendums on mining and hydroelectric dams planned for the municipality of Santa Cruz del Quiche. Years of organizing and popular education preceded the day-long event.El [...]
Uspantan: 25,000 Demand a Different Development / 25,000 exigen un desarrollo digno
Mayan ceremony held the night before the referendum.Se lleva a cabo una ceremonia la noche antes de la consulta. Graham HuntOn October 28, one day before the referendum, helicopters and planes flew over one of [...]
Comunidades afectadas por las represas exigen sus derechos
“Las comunidades queremos un desarrollo digno y justo,con armonía y respeto con la Madre Tierra.”[i] Representantes de comunidades afectadas por represas viajaron a la capital de Guatemala el 30 de septiembre de 2010 para presentar [...]
Dam-Affected Communities Speak Out for Free, Prior, Informed Consent
"We, the communities, want a development with dignity and justice, with harmony and respect for Mother Earth.”[i] Representatives from affected communities traveled to Guatemala City on September 30, 2010 to present their concerns and demands [...]
Human Rights Accompaniers Needed in Guatemala!
Join us as we enter our 30th year of solidarity work in Guatemala! Human Rights Accompaniers Needed in Guatemala Next training: January 2011 in Bay Area, CAApplication Deadline: October 31st, 2010For more information: http://www.nisgua.org/get_involved/join_gap/
James Anaya visit to Guatemala / James Anaya visita a Guatemala
UN Rapporteur James Anaya meets with Guatemalan indigenous groupsRelator James Anaya de la ONU reune con movimiento indígena de GuatemalaOn June 17, 2010, UN Special Rapporteur for Indigenous Rights James Anaya traveled to Huehuetenango, Guatemala, [...]
Letter Campaign/Campaña de Cartas
International Community Demands Respect for Community Referendums in GuatemalaOn November 11, 2009, 700 signed letters were submitted to the President, Congress and various government institutions.Comunidad Internacional Exige Respeto para Consultas Comunitarias en GuatemalaEl 11 de [...]
Disappeared but Not Forgotten: A Guatemalan Community Achieves a Landmark Verdict
The following was written by Amanda Kistler, an international accompanier from 2008 - 2009 with NISGUA. She was based out of Guatemala City and accompanied the plaintiffs in the Choatalúm trial. This article originally [...]
NISGUA 2010 Tour, Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO/NUEVO MÉXICO, FEBRUARY/FEBRERO 11-13"Portables" at the Native American Community School"It makes you feel bad," said Pascual, "That they have to study there.""Portátiles" en la Escuela Comunitario para Americanos Nativos"Da lástima," dijo Pascual, "que [...]
NISGUA 2010 Tour, Tucson
TUCSON, ARIZONA, FEBRUARY/FEBRERO 14-15Meeting with Tierra y Libertad Organización youth leadersWatching clip from "Business of Gold" documentaryReunión con Organización Tierra y Libertad líderes de la juventudViendo corte del documental "Negocio del Oro"Leaders from South America, [...]
NISGUA 2010 Tour, Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY/FEBRERO 16-19CARECEN Labor Center"If there is mining in Guatemala and deportations in the US,then where does that leave us?"A group of Mexican, Central American and West African day laborers waiting for jobs [...]
NISGUA 2010 Tour, Bay Area, California
SACRAMENTO/SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND, CALIFORNIAFEBRUARY/FEBRERO 20-26Sacramento PresentationPresentación SacramentoPresentation with POWER (People Organizing to Win Economic Rights) NISGUA Executive Director Luz Guerra seated leftSunrise Restaurant, Mission District, San FranciscoPanel on Mining with Pascual, CISPES, Flavio Santi (Ecuador) and [...]
NISGUA 2010 Tour, Portland, Oregon
PORTLAND/EUGENE, OREGON FEBRUARY/FEBRERO 26-28Portland Central America Solidarity Committee/PCASC eventat Musician's Union HallMarco Mejía, Moderator and Pascual presentingPhoto by/Foto por: Douglas Yarrow Portland Comité de Solidaridad con Centroamerica (PCASC) eventoen Salón del Sindicato de MúsicosMarco Mejía, [...]
NISGUA 2010 Tour, Seattle, Washington
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, MARCH/MARZO 1-5Having some tourist fun with one of our most committed activists,Kaaren Johnson from Unitarian Universalist Central America Network/UUCANDivirtiendonos como turistas con una de nuestras activistas más comprometidas, Kaaren Johnson de la Red [...]
Saliendo de Tucson, volando a Los Ángeles
Unos días buenos en Tucson, donde tuvimos la oportunidad de ver varios ex–acompañantes, conocer guatemaltecos locales y hacer nuevos contactos. Justo después de llegar fuimos de una vez a una reunión con jóvenes de la [...]
Leaving Tucson, flying to L.A.
Great few days in Tucson, where we had the opportunity to see several former accompaniers, meet Guatemalans in the area and make new connections. Upon arrival we headed straight to a meeting with youth from [...]
Empezando la Gira
Después de unos problemas en el aeropuerto de Houston ayer y ni un minuto extra --más un chofer chistoso de esos vehículos de aeropuerto, quien nos ayudó lograr el vuelo-- llegamos bien a Albuquerque. Nos [...]
Starting the tour
After some migration and customs glitches at Houston airport on Wednesday and no minutes to spare --plus a very funny golf cart driver who made all the difference-- we made our flight to Albuquerque. We [...]
Guatemala: Forced Disappearance and the Search for Justice in El Jute
The following was written by Josh McLeod, an international accompanier with NISGUA who accompanied the plaintiffs in El Jute. This article originally appeared on UpsideDown World. Original article can be found here. "We are fighting [...]