Communities in Peaceful Resistance of “La Puya” meet with the President of the Republic

Jun 12, 2013

Today, representatives of the communities of San José del Golfo and San Pedro Ayampuc participated in a reunion called by the President of the Republic, Otto Pérez Molina. The meeting was scheduled for 10:30 in the Presidential House. The Minister of Energy and Mines, Erick Archila, the Interior Minister, Mauricio López Bonilla and representatives of the American company, Kappes, Cassiday and Associates also participated. Community members asked that the mining representatives leave, as the conversation was with the government, not the company.

The meeting with successful in the sense that the communities were able to share with the President their reasons for firmly maintaining their resistance to the mine.

 

Some of the communities’ concerns include:

1. In their municipalities, the presence of naturally occurring arsenic is eight times higher than international standards, and any mining will raise those levels further still.

2. The Environmental Impact Study presented by the mine had many problems. It even mentioned the possible displacement of communities, which is unacceptable. In addition, it doesn’t cover all of the risks that the mining activity could present to the health of the communities.

3. Currently, the municipalities are facing water shortages. They are on the edge of the dry corridor, and as an agricultural region, they depend on this resource.

4. There was no prior information or consultation with the communities, even though Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization requires the consultation of indigenous peoples about projects which will affect them.

5. The actions of the company toward the population have been disrespectful and illegal: verbal and written threats, flyers with slanderous messages, provocations, and aggression, etc. The subsidiary, Servicios Mineros de Centroamérica is facing judicial processes for threats made against journalists.

For his part, the President took into consideration the concerns put forth by the communities and proposed that a new environmental impact study be carried out. The topic has not been exhausted, and  meetings between the government and the communities will continue.

Even though this is a positive step, the communities are clear that they still say NO to the mine. As one leader, Yolanda Oquelí said “You don’t negotiate with life, you defend it.” The resistance in La Puya continues.

La resistencia pacífica de La Puya en reunión con el Presidente de la República

12 de junio de 2013

El día de hoy, representantes de las comunidades de San José del Golfo y San Pedro Ayampuc, participaron en una reunión convocada por el Presidente de la República Otto Pérez Molina. La cita fue a las 10:30, en Casa Presidencial, participaron también el ministro de energía y minas Erick Archila, el ministro de Gobernación Mauricio López Bonilla, así como representantes del la empresa estadounidense Kappes, Cassiday & Associates. Los comunitarios pidieron el retiro de los representantes de la mina, debido a que la conversación era con el gobierno de Guatemala y no con la empresa.

La reunión fue exitosa en el sentido de que las comunidades pudieron compartir con el Presidente sus razones por mantenerse firmes en su resistencia a la mina.

 Algunas de las preocupaciones de las comunidades incluyen:

1. Que en sus municipios la presencia del arsénico de forma natural está 8 veces por encima de los estándares internacionales, ante lo cual cualquier trabajo minero incrementaría esos niveles.
2. El Estudio de Impacto Ambiental, presentando por la minera presenta muchas deficiencias. Se menciona incluso de un posible desplazamiento de las comunidades, lo que consideran como algo inaceptable. Por aparte, no advierte acerca de todos los riesgos que la actividad minera representaría para la salud de las comunidades.
3. Actualmente sus municipios ya presentan niveles de escases de agua, están al borde del corredor seco y siendo una región agrícola dependen de este recurso.
4. No hubo información ni consulta previa a las comunidades y en el Convenio 169 de la OIT se establece que la consulta a los pueblos indígenas sobre proyectos que les afecten deben ser previamente consultados con ellos.
5. El actuar de la empresa hacia la población ha sido irrespetuosa e ilegal: amenazas verbales, escritas, volantes con mensajes difamatorios, provocaciones y agresiones, etc. Incluso su subsidiaria, Servicios Mineros de Centroamérica, enfrenta un proceso jurídico por amenazas en contra de periodistas.

Por su parte, el Presidente tomó en consideración las preocupaciones planteadas por las comunidades y propuso la realización de un nuevo estudio de impacto ambiental. El tema no está agotado y se continuará con las reuniones entre gobierno y las comunidades.

Aunque este sea un paso positivo, las comunidades están claras en decir NO a la minería. Como dice la lideresa Yolanda Oqueli: “la vida no se negocia, se defiende”. La resistencia en La Puya continúa.

Vigil Against Impunity, Antigua Guatemala, Jun 4, 2013

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The City of Antigua Guatemala, was recently host to the 43^rd General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS). In attendance were 28 Foreign Ministers and Secretaries of State, as well as other diplomats and representatives of the Guatemalan government.

At the same time that the General Assembly was being inaugurated, the VigilAgainst Impunity was taking place in Antigua’s Central Park. Human rights activists from Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, Brasil, Canada, and Guatemala gathered to remember the victims of Guatemala’s internal armed conflict. The participants made clear their disapproval of the Constitutional Court’s annulment of the sentence in the genocide case against General Efrain Rios Montt, an act which denies justice to the Maya Ixil victims and survivors.

The activists voiced their solidarity with the men and women who survived the genocide, and who valiantly testified in the courtroom during the trial. “Your struggle is our struggle. The judgment against the dictator Rios Montt was also a triumph for justice in all of Latin America,” stated one of the participants.

Women’s organizations highlighted the strength and courage of the Ixil women who were victims of sexual violence during the conflict, and who gave their powerful and heartbreaking testimonies during the trial. They are an example for all the women who suffered under the dictatorships that devastated Latin America.

The vigil was illuminated by the memory of each one of the disappeared. The music of young artists, poems, and words of solidarity filled the park by Antigua’s cathedral.

Vigilia contra la Impunidad

Antigua Guatemala, 4 de Junio de 2013

En Antigua Guatemala se desarrolló en días pasados la 43 Asamblea General de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Asistieron los cancilleres de los países miembros, cuerpo diplomático acreditado en el país y ministros del Estado guatemalteco.

Mientras esta Asamblea se inauguraba, se desarrollaba la Vigilia contra la Impunidad en la plaza central de Antigua Guatemala, en ella se congregaron activistas de derechos humanos de México, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panamá, Costa Rica, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia,  Brasil, Canadá y Guatemala, para recordar a las víctimas del conflicto armado interno en el país; para manifestar su rechazo a la resolución hecha por la Corte de Constitucionalidad (CC), que anula la sentencia por genocidio y deberes contra la humanidad, dictada en contra del general José Efraín Ríos Montt, con esta anulación se niega el derecho a Justicia a las víctimas del genocidio Ixil.

Cada uno de los activistas tomó la palabra, manifestando su solidaridad y haciendo un reconocimiento para todas las mujeres y hombres sobrevivientes, que valientemente presentaron sus testimonios ante el tribunal que conocio el caso. Un activista latinoamericano expresó: “Su lucha fue nuestra, la sentencia dictada contra el dictador Ríos Montt, fue también un triunfo para la Justicia en América Latina…”.

Así también, organizaciones de mujeres manifestaron que la  fuerza, la valentía de las mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual al dar sus desgarradores testimonios durante el juicio, son un ejemplo para muchas que también fueron víctimas durante las dictaduras que azotaron en Latinoamérica.

La vigilia estuvo iluminada con el recuerdo de cada uno de los desaparecidos. La música de jóvenes artistas, poemas y palabras de solidaridad se escucharon esa noche a un costado de la catedral de esa ciudad guatemalteca.

Carta firmada por 50 organizaciones para verdad, justicia y reparación en el caso de genocidio

La verdad, la justicia y la reparación deben prevalecer en el juicio por genocidio en Guatemala

Organizaciones del continente instan a un adecuado proceso, con las debidas garantías.

18 de marzo de 2013- El próximo 19 de marzo dará inicio en Guatemala la audiencia pública en el juicio que se sigue en contra del General en retiro Efraín Ríos Montt y de su ex director de los servicios de inteligencia militar, también General en retiro José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez, como presuntos autores intelectuales de genocidio y crímenes de lesa humanidad (asesinatos, desapariciones forzadas, violaciones sexuales, tortura) en contra de casi dos mil personas, la mayoría de ellas mayas Ixil. Los hechos ocurrieron desde marzo de 1982 hasta agosto de 1983, cuando Ríos Montt ocupó el poder en su país.

En el proceso judicial, impulsado por el Ministerio Público, figuran como abogados directores de la parte querellante, la Asociación para la Justicia y la Reconciliación (AJR), los abogados del Bufete Jurídico de Derechos Humanos y del Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos (CALDH). Quienes además están siendo apoyados por Abogados sin fronteras Canadá, todos en condición de representantes de las víctimas. La trascendencia de este proceso –inédito en Guatemala- implica el desahogo de aproximadamente 140 testimonios de víctimas y de la comparecencia de unos 70 peritos expertos.

Fotos: Consulta Comunitaria de Buena Fe, en aldea San Juan Bosco, San Rafael Las Flores, Santa Rosa.

This gallery contains 26 photos.

Weekly News Round Up

Updates on the Genocide Trial:
The trial of Efraín Ríos Mont and José Rodríguez Sánchez for genocide and crimes against humanity on August 14th of this year. Rodríguez Sánchez’s defense filed an injunction against the decision by Judge Miguel Ángel Gálvez to send the former military leader to trial. According to Rodríguez Sánchez’s lawyer, Gálvez did not explain the reasons for open debate against his client. Ríos Montt’s defense has now filed a similar legal action in which he claims that the crime he is being charged with does not exist in the legal code. Ríos Montt has also objected to the fact that Judge Patricia Flores is presiding over his appeal to the Court of Constitutionality. His lawyers claim that Flores is unfit to hear his case because she was recused from the proceedings against Héctor Mario López Fuentes, also accused of genocide.

International Crisis Group warns against use of military in maintaining public order
In a recent report featuring the October incident in Totonicapán, the ICG warned about the dangers of using the military to maintain public order in the country, especially where marches and social protests are concerned. Mary Speck, an analyst from ICG, observed that tensions are higher in indigenous areas where issues of mining, access to land, electricity and education have been prominent. She pointed out that these conditions have made the creation of trained civil security forces all the more urgent. The civil security forces should be used to confront protests without the use of violence.

Xincas oppose mining activity
Xinca communities and organizations demanded an end to the licensing of mining projects  in their territory in Santa Rosa, Jutiapa because of environmental damage. Juan Pablo López, director of the Coordinating Council of the Xinka People asked that the Environmenal Ministry consult with the indigenous communities before releasing a decision on environmental impact studies. López says that the San Rafael Las Flores mining company contaminates more than 6 million liters of water in the area daily.

Mayor of San Juan Sacatepéquez denounces opposition to well
Oscar Fernando Bracamonte, mayor of San Juan Sacatepéquez, denounced what he called “illegal groups” that he claims have held the people of San Antonio Las Trojes hostage in their opposition to the installation of a mechanical well. He placed the blame on Daniel Pascual and the Committee for Campesino Unity (CUC) for fomenting violence and dividing the people of San Juan. Pascual countered by saying that Bracamontes’ comments were irresponsible and added that the CUC does not have any bases in that municipality.

Human Rights Ombudsman investigating 28 cases of forced disappearance
The cases involve 70 people who disappeared during the internal armed conflict.The investigation has been ordered by the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ). According to Jorge de León Duque, Human Rights Ombudsman, the cases are expected to move forward slowly because the courts are backlogged.

Fellowship of Reconciliation analyzes DOD contracts in Latin America with a focus on Guatemala
According to the report, Department of Defense contracts in Guatemala have more than doubled since 2010. The ban on most State Department-channeled military aid to the army is still in effect but this ban does not apply to Defense Department assistance. The $14 million in contracts in 2012 amounts to more than seven times the total in 2009.

Suspension of construction in Santa Cruz Barillas requested
A group from of about 100 people from the town of Barillas took to the local government offices on February 7th to demand an answer to a request sent last month to local leaders. The petition was read aloud from the balcony of city hall. The municipal leader assured the people that he had never signed any construction permits for the Hidro Santa Cruz company. The crowd then read out an act signed by the municipal leader and city clerk in December authorizing construction. The leader then assured the crowd that that document had been suspended and had no effect. A discussion between the local leaders and community resulted in the signing of an agreement wherein the civil society and the local council requested that the hydroelectric company suspend construction. The signing of this document is being hailed as a victory for the town of Barillas.

Intermediate phase hearing for massacre at Totonicapán begins
The intermediate phase hearing in the case of the massacre at Totonicapán began on Friday, February 8th. The purpose of the hearing is to try the nine soldiers accused of crimes of extrajudicial execution so that a formal indictment may be made by the public prosecutor and a public debate can begin. One of the accused soldiers, Colonel Juan Chiroy, argues that the villagers he fired on were armed and had injured the soldiers. The prosecutors objected to this testimony, showing evidence that the injuries received by the military were mild. The defense is claiming that the soldiers were provoked and that the demonstrations were not peaceful. The prosecution claimed that Chiroy did not heed the warning by his subordinates that the situation was under control and instead ordered them to exit the vehicles they were traveling in.

Weekly News Roundup Oct 5th-11th

9 arrested for extrajudicial execution in Totonicapán
Coronel Juan Chiroy Sal and 8 soldiers were apprehended on Thursday October 11^th, accused of extrajudicial execution. Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz stated to the press that following preliminary investigations, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has concluded the Coronel brought his troops to the blockade without informing the authorities of the National Civil Police, who were in charge of dissolving the protests, and then abandoned them without a planned escape route. She also noted that this is the first time since the signing of the Peace Accords in 1996 that soldiers have been arrested for participation in events such as those of October 4^th.

Pérez Molina states the Army will not intervene in protests
The President stated the government will no longer use the army to break up public protests or mobilizations following the death of 8 indigenous protesters in Totonicapán last week. This weekend the Minister of Defense, the Minister of the Interior, the Secretary of the Security Council, and the Coordinator of National Dialogue came together to analyze Guatemala’s security protocols. Together they decided that moving forward, the army will only be used in cases of organized crime and drug trafficking. Pérez Molina also stated that future protests will be regulated by the anti-riot forces of the National Civil Police, and if necessary they will modify a government agreement that regulates the participation of troops in the security of citizens. Campesinos and indigenous community members still worry that this promise will only exchange one aggressive security force for another.

Details of the confrontation in Totonicapán begin to immerge
The indigenous community continues to mourn the eight victims of last week’s fatal clash between Guatemalan security forces and protesters. The protesters were blockading the Inter-American highway when two vehicles carrying soldiers arrived to help police, who had been ordered to evict the demonstrators; gunfire erupted after the troops came. . Many protesters have stated that despite their peaceful protest, the soldiers arrived with rifles, helmets and tear gas. There has been a call for all indigenous and campesino organizations to participate in a national march on Oct. 12 in response to the deadly incident.

Two groups from the UN to investigate what happened in the clash
Two groups of human rights experts from the UN began investigations on Friday. The office of the UN’s High Commission for Human Rights is sending one group to Sololá and one to Totonicapán after receiving “contradictory reports” regarding the incident. On Thursday President Pérez Molina stated that two army vehicles arrived with troops to support the police, and that the soldiers were unarmed and only carried anti-disturbance equipment. He also stated the clash was motivated by civilians who arrived in a truck and shot at the protesters. Later the President acknowledged that government forces opened fire during the protest Thursday. Bullets from the scene have been identified as 5.56 caliber, used in Galil rifles, a weapon used exclusively by the Army.

USAC students blockade Avenida Petapa in response to acts in Toto
Students from the University of San Carlos (USAC) decided on Monday to block roads and impede transportation on Avenida Petapa, zone 12, over the incident last week in Totonicapán. The Coordinator of Mayan Organizations for the Reform of the State has requested the resignation of the Minister of the Interior, Mauricio Lopez, and the Minister of Defense, Ulises Anzueto, as well as the dismissal of Human Rights Ombudsman Jorge de Leon,  who they charge has had a passive attitude towards “flagrant violations” of the human rights of the victims of the events last Thursday. In addition, the group has solicited the dismissal of Coordinator of National Dialogue, Migueal  Ángel Barlcárcel, for “his inefficiency” in the negotiation processes with community leaders in Totonicapán.

Menchu states that militarization would be a huge setback
Winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Price, Guatemalan Rigoberta Menchu, stated in El Salvador that the “If the solution to problems of violence is a return to militarization and a return to repression, it would be a huge setback … for the achievements of the civil national police forces, or for the new doctrine of these countries’ militaries in armed conflict, or for a democratic society,” says Menchu. In the same interview, Menchu warns against the “criminalization” of the poor and of the social fight in these countries of Central America.

Guatemalan journalist receives death threats
The Center for Journalists Observatory Reports on Guatemala (CERIGUA) and Reporters without Borders have condemned the death threats against Carolina Vasquez Araya, columnist and editor of the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre. Vasquez Araya, who had recently written a column exposing the criminal activities of a plantation owner, explained that threats now usually come from public officials, politicians, drug lords, big agribusiness, mining companies, and hydroelectric companies. When trying to make a legal complaint against the threats, Vasquez Araya was told by a Public Ministry official, “These cases never go anywhere and are not worth denouncing.”

Prosecutor accuses former police chief of assault on the Spanish Embassy in 1980
On October 4^th, Guatemala’s Prosecution Office formally accused the former Chief of Command Six of the now defunct National Police, Pedro Garcia Arredondo, for the assault on the Embassy of Spain in Guatemala by security forces in 1980, which left 37 dead. Garcia Arredondo is also being accused of the deaths of two university students who attended the funeral of the victims, two days after the embassy attack.

Weekly News Roundup

August 31-Sept 13

• President Otto Pérez to attend dinner hosted by the Obamas During his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, President Otto Pérez will attend a gala dinner put on by President Obama and the First Lady on September 24th. He is also scheduled to meet with former President Bill Clinton on the 24th about the program Habre Cero. The following day he will speak at the UN General Assembly.

• Guatemalan court rules to extradite former President Portillo to the US Guatemala has announced that former President Alfonso Portillo will be extradited to the US, removing any possibility of him using the country’s notorious injunction, the “amparo”, to halt future proceedings.

• Military march in favor of Rios Montt  According to the General’s defense lawyer the purpose of the march is to demand an independent judiciary, that judges do not interfere with the proceedings and that the Law of National Reconciliation be applied and forgiveness be given. Rios Montt’s defense attorney has filed a claim of unconsitutionality  before the Constitutional Court to prevent his prosecution for the Dos Erres massacres.

• US military aid: yesterday and today Plaza Publica studies the training, military aid, and arms sales between the US and Guatemala and the legal conflicts and barriers established by both countries since 1976.

• Court authorizes Prosecutor’s Office to investigate military members for fire at Spanish Embassy The Court B of High Risk authorized the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate ten members of the military who have been accused of impeding the access of firemen to the Spanish embassy during the fire in 1980 in which 36 people, mostly indigenous Guatemalans protesting attrocities in their communities, died.

• Human rights violations in development projects The authors of the book “Public Policies, Human Rights and Popular Resistance Processes between 2003-2011″ stated that since 2003 more than 1 million people have participated in community consultations, every time rejecting the installment of mining and development projects in their area.

• Guatemala aproves first US-bound adoption in 5 years Guatemala has authorized the first adoption of a Guatemalan child by a US family after a five-year moratorium to investigate alleged corruption and irregularities in the process.

• Guatemala denied jurisdiction of the IACHR to rule on human right violations which occurred before 1987 With two sentences pending that could result in the payment of a Q150 million, the Government has denied the IAHRC’s jurisdiction to rule on human rights violations that occurred before 1987.

30 Ways to Support GHRC

In celebration of 30 years in solidarity with the people of Guatemala, GHRC presents 30 ways that that you can support our work.

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1.) Buy tickets to our 30th Anniversary Dinner. Tickets are $50.00, which includes all food and beverages.

2.) Buy a raffle ticket for $25.00. You could win a $500 gift certificate on a participating airline, a case of Guatemalan coffee, or a beautifully embroidered Guatemalan table runner. We will have more prizes, which we’ll list on our website.

3.) Donate money to help low income participants attend our 30th Anniversary Dinner.

4.) Donate wine to the 30th Anniversary Dinner.

5.) Volunteer at the 30th Anniversary Dinner.

6.) Make a financial contribution to support our programs.

7.) Become a monthly donor to GHRC, whether it’s $10, $25, $50 or more!

8.) Attend GHRC events throughout the year such as presentations, benefit concerts and movie screenings.

9.) Volunteer at events sponsored by GHRC.

10.) Volunteer your time at the GHRC office, particularly during our mailings held throughout the year.

11.) Intern with GHRC during the Summer, Fall, or Spring.

12.) Provide professional services to GHRC, such as translations, web design, graphic design, etc.

13.) Join one of our delegations to Guatemala.

14.) Advertise our delegations, events, or Voiceless Speak funds within your social networks.

15.) Raise awareness about human rights – tell your friends, family, or coworkers.

16.) Hold a talk about human rights in Guatemala.

17.) Hold a fundraiser or start a giving circle to help support GHRC programs.

18.) Join our listserv.

19.) Like us on Facebook.

20.) Follow our blog.

21.) Link to our website.

22.) Forward our “Urgent Actions” to everyone you know.

23.) Follow us on Twitter.

24.) Buy Guatemalan Fair Trade coffee through GHRC

25.) Buy books through GHRC.

26.) Ask your company to donate to GHRC.

27.) Donate airline miles to GHRC.

28.) Donate a life insurance policy to GHRC.

29.) Bequeath money to GHRC.

30.) If you are federal employee, contribute to GHRC through the Combined Federal Campaign. GHRC’s CFC # is 52672.

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For more information on how to take any of these steps, email us at ghrc-usa@ghrc-usa.org. Thank you for all of your support!

Weekly News Roundup

July 13 – July 20

• The Coordinación y Convergencia Nacional Maya Waqib´kej denounced the attack against Domingo Hernández Ixcoy The organization denounced the attack against the community leader and expressed its concerns regarding the safety of indigenous communities, including children and women. They demanded the Guatemalan government take action to defend the lives of human rights defenders and indigenous communities.

• Byron Estrada released from prison On Friday July 13th a judge determined that Byron Estrada, convicted of the assassination of Bishop Juan José Gerardi in 1998, had fulfilled half his sentence and had shown good conduct as well as studied and worked during his time in prison. As a result he was released from prison. The Public Prosecutor’s Office renounced its right to appeal the decision.

• Experts issue report on violence in Guatemala Experts from the Resource Center for the Analysis of the Conflict (CERAC) said Friday that while the militarization of Guatemala to enforce the so called “mano dura” (iron fist policy) to fight cartels and violence is valid, the measure has to be temporary in order to guarantee human rights in the country. Jorge Restrepo, one of the analysts from CERAC, said that a prolonged militarization can damage both the image of the institution and society itself.

• Goldcorp declared guilty by The People’s International Health Tribunal The People’s International Health Tribunal was established by community members in San Miguel to analyze the impact of the Marlin Mine in Guatemala, the Filos Mine in Mexico and the Siria Valley Mine in Honduras. Goldcorp, the Canadian mining company that operates the mines, was declared responsible for affecting communities in all three countries with its excavations. The judges unanimously decided that Goldcorp was violating human rights in the community where it is operating.

• The continuous presence of members of the Guatemalan Army worries communities in Cuarto Pueblo in the Ixcan Province The brigade was established on Wednesday June 11th. Since then the army has barged into the public school, paralyzing academic activities and has interrogated members of the community on the activity of community leaders and organizations. In March1982, the army carried out one of the single most violent massacres of the internal armed conflict in Cuarto Pueblo. Since then community members have opposed militarization. Roni Urizar, army spokesperson, stated that the army is only undertaking socialization activities in cooperation with local authorities.

• San Miguel Ixtahuacán receives compensation from Goldcorp The community received Q33.5 million in voluntary pay from the mining company, in addition to an obligatory Q11.1 million already paid to the state, as part of the revenues of the Marlin Mine. Joel Domingo Bámaca, the mayor of San Miguel Ixtahuacán, said that the money will be used to invest in health, education, and infrastructure.

• López Fuentes’ defense presents counter-suit against Claudia Paz y Paz Moisés Galindo, the defense lawyer for the retired general López Fuentes, accused of genocide and crimes against humanity, presented a counter-suit against Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz. The defense asked Paz y Paz to remove herself from the case against López Fuentes, after her statement affirming that genocide was committed in the country.

• Report on mining injustices across Guatemala Rights Action recently led a group of Canadian and American citizens on a trip throughout the country, in which they visited a number of communities currently involved in resistance to mining projects. The visits included communities fighting against Goldcorp, Radius Gold, and Hudbay Minerals where community members testified to the protests, attacks and the threats the mining projects pose.

• Two reports released on Violence Against Women in Guatemala The Guatemalan Women’s Group (GGM) presented the report  on the status of violence against women in the country. The report focuses on the attacks on women, the support groups and the aid provided to victims of violence. Additionally The Mutual Support Group (GAM) released a report which estimates that almost 86% of the victims of domestic violence are women. The report stated that 3,167 women have been killed in the past four years as a result of violent attacks. Mario Polanco, GAM’s director, said that only 2% of the cases have been investigated. The report also points out that the government of Guatemala only spends .07% of it’s budget on projects designed to prevent domestic violence.