On April 27, 2013, private security forces employed by Tahoe Resources began shooting at land defenders opposed to the Escobal silver mine, located about 75 kilometres southeast of Guatemala City. Misael Martinez told Al Jazeera, “We were peacefully protesting at the site, in front of the entrance to the mine.” Read more…
Greta Thunberg’s upcoming visit to Mexico this fall could draw attention to the crucial role at-risk human rights defenders play in upholding our shared right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Thunberg will be sailing across the Atlantic Ocean this August to attend the United Nations Climate Action Read more…
This coming November 27th will mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Mexican human rights defender Mariano Abarca Roblero. Abarca opposed Calgary-based Blackfire Exploration’s open-pit La Revancha barite mine in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. The Toronto Star has reported, “Opposition to the mine was led by two Read more…
On July 26, the Peace Brigades International-Colombia Project was present for the “march for life and the defence of social leaders” in Bogota, Barrancabermeja and Apartado, the three cities where PBI-Colombia volunteers are based. An Al Jazeera article reports, “Thousands have marched in cities across Colombia to protest against the Read more…
On July 25, the Peace Brigades International-Mexico Project posted (in Spanish) on Twitter, “We express our concern about the recent acts of harassment [the Saltillo Migrant Shelter] has suffered.” On July 24, AJ+ Espanol tweeted (in Spanish), “’What they are doing is in violation of the law!’ This said the Read more…
On July 23, the Peace Brigades International-Guatemala Project posted that it had accompanied the Peaceful Resistance of La Puya and the Human Rights Law Firm at the presentation of the report Extraction Casino: Mining Companies Gambling with Latin American Lives and Sovereignty Through International Arbitration. The 44-page report written by Read more…
On July 24, the Peace Brigades International-Honduras Project posted, “Last month we went to El Cacao, where our accompanied organization ASODEBICOQ works in the preservation of common and natural goods.” PBI-Honduras adds, “We were updated on the latest developments with a hydroelectric project and how the community is affected by Read more…
The Peace Brigades International-Honduras Project is seeking field volunteers. Key qualifications include a fluency in Spanish, a commitment to at least 12 months of field work, and an ability to work in a horizontal structure where decisions are made through consensus. PBI-Honduras will cover the following costs: a round trip Read more…
On July 24, the Peace Brigades International-Guatemala Project posted, “This week we accompanied the Peaceful Resistance of Cahabón, visiting the members of the communities of Sacta, Sesaltul, Tuila, San Martín Chichaj, Secatalcab, Salac I and Tres Cruces.” PBI-Guatemala adds, “Many of these communities are suffering intensely the environmental impacts caused Read more…
On July 23, Contagio Radio reported (in Spanish), “50 days have elapsed since 417 [Indigenous Wounaan] people were displaced from the Pichimá Quebrada indigenous reserve in Litoral del San Juan (South Chocó). This second displacement suffered by the Wounaan was the result of clashes between armed groups in the area…” Read more…