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 of the Xinka People of Guatemala, with the firm commitment to protect the environment, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and life in all its forms, presented the campaign “Escazú: Sign for Life,” a collective effort to demand that the state of Guatemala sign, ratify, and implement the Escazú Agreement.

The campaign, promoted from the Xinka Territory, seeks to raise awareness about the urgency of having legal frameworks that guarantee access to environmental information, public participation, and protection for environmental defenders–all fundamental pillars of the Escazú Agreement.

“This is not just a campaign. It is a political action lead by Indigenous youth in defense of life, rivers, forests and our communities. Escazú is a tool that can save lives, strengthen rights, and ensure a fair future for us all,” Xinka youth activists explained during the public launch ceremony.

The initiative includes community activities, forums, educational content on social media, and alliances with social and environmental organizations, with the aim of building a nation-wide movement of support that will pressure the Guatemalan State to join the agreement.

Guatemala is one of the most dangerous countries for environmental defenders, especially for Indigenous communities who are facing mega-projects without prior consultation. The Escazú Agreement represents a concrete response to this reality.

“We call on the Congress of the Republic, the Government, and the general public to say ‘yes’ to this commitment to life. Escazú cannot be postponed anymore. Guatemala must sign and ratify the Agreement now!” the young people added.

The campaign is being shared under the hashtag #FirmaPorLaVida (#SignForLife), with a clear message: Escazú is our voice, it is life, it is territory.

Guatemala, July 11, 2025

Image of a campaign poster titled “Escazú: Sign for Life,” launched by the Youth Commission of the Parliament of the Xinka People of Guatemala. The poster is divided into two columns of text. It explains that the campaign demands the Guatemalan State to sign, ratify, and implement the Escazú Agreement, highlighting its importance in protecting environmental defenders, ensuring public participation, and guaranteeing access to information. At the bottom, the date “July 11, 2025” is shown. On the right side, there is an illustration of a young woman in profile speaking into a microphone. She has long loose hair, wears earrings, and carries a shoulder bag, set against a circular yellow and green background. The campaign’s slogan is #SignForLife. / Imagen del cartel de lanzamiento de la campaña “Escazú Firma por la Vida”, impulsada por la Comisión de la Juventud del Parlamento del Pueblo Xinka de Guatemala. El cartel está dividido en dos columnas con texto. Explica que la campaña exige al Estado de Guatemala la firma, ratificación e implementación del Acuerdo de Escazú, y resalta su importancia para proteger a defensores ambientales, garantizar la participación ciudadana y el acceso a la información. Al pie del cartel aparece la fecha: 11 de julio de 2025. A la derecha, hay una ilustración de una mujer joven de perfil hablando por un micrófono, con el cabello suelto, aretes y una mochila al hombro, sobre un fondo circular amarillo y verde. El lema de la campaña es: #FirmaPorLaVida.