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. This and more in this month's Solidarity Update.
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. NISGUA, through ACOGUATE, has accompanied many community members from Los Copones since 2006, as they have spoken out against the construction of the Xalalá hydroelectric [...]
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 – one for over three – on charges related to community protests opposing hydroelectric dams imposed without community consent. Read more about the trial and charges. [...]
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 present, together with our 2016 fall tour speaker, Maudí Tzay. Click here for more information on our upcoming tour! For immediate release, August 23, 2016 [...]
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 writer at El Observador, to get his insights into the plan, its goals, and who will be most affected. As a political economy journal, El [...]
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. The Departmental Assembly of the Peoples of Huehuetenango (ADH) August 12, 2016 To mark the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, the Maya and Mestizo peoples [...]