On the 28th July, 1968, the community of Chicoyogüito, in Alta Verapaz, was evicted from its lands in order to instal the former Military Zone 21 (ZM 21), which became a detention centre, as well as a site for massacres… Read More ›
Environment
Historical Memory in the Digital Age
In Guatemala, truthtellers and preservers of the past face renewed hostility. Digitization projects help safeguard the archives of state violence. Daniel Alvarado, Carlos Juárez, and Brie Gettleson write in NACLA about the importance of technology in the preservation of historical… Read More ›
“Rootedness and the Decision to Migrate” – In Guatemala, Most People Wouldn’t Choose to Migrate, New Study Says
Nikki Gamer has penned a piece in Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on a report for a study carried out on what helps to keep Guatemalans rooted to their communities. The timing coincides with the visit to Guatemala of the U.S…. Read More ›
To the General Public, The Peaceful Resistance of La Puya states..
The Peaceful Resistance of La Puya (La Resistencia Pacifica La Puya) published the above announcement regarding the encroachment of members of the National Police into their camp. To the General Public, The Peaceful Resistance of La Puya states: 1. The… Read More ›
“We Are Here by Force”: Maya Ixil Activists Fight for Asylum and Justice
The stories of two Guatemalan asylum seekers highlight the deep roots of forced migration from Central America and the U.S. role in the ongoing displacement. María Inés Taracena writes in NACLA about colonialism, resistance, violence, displacement, and migration affecting the… Read More ›
Reactivation of Cerro Blanco Mining Project
In a series of tweets, in Spanish, The Extractive Industries Observatory (El Observatorio de Industrias Extractivas – OIE) has introduced a thread about the Cerro Blanco mining project in Jutiapa, and its re-opening by Bluestone Resources. The OIE was created… Read More ›
U.S. Policy Toward Central America Continues Legacy of Displacement
U.S.-sponsored militarization and neoliberal policies will not lead to structural changes in Guatemala and instead preserve the status quo that forces many to migrate. Gio B’atz’ (Giovanni Batz) writes in the NACLA website about poverty, oppression, and displacement as everyday… Read More ›
Washington Cracks Down on Guatemala Corruption
US sanctions on two Guatemalan politicians — one a political operator and the other an influential legislator — are the latest salvo by Washington to show it is serious about taking on corruption in Central America. Alex Papadovassilakis writes in… Read More ›
Guatemala, a high-risk country for environmental defenders, has not ratified the Escazú Agreement
Regina Pérez writes in Prensa Comunitaria about the Escazú Agreement and what it means for environment and land defenders, who continue to face serious threats in their daly lives. In Guatemala, according to Front Line Defenders (FLD), 15 human rights… Read More ›
Traditional Guatemalan elites must change now. Here is where to start.
“Let’s suppose we were willing to meet with them [indigenous leaders and communities],” he said, “how would we even know where to find them?” Anita Isaacs writes a thoughtful and interesting piece in Plaza Pública about five traits of the… Read More ›
