Tim May writes in New Socialist about the recent demonstrations in Guatemala, including the recent Paro nacional and places the moment within a period of increasing grass-roots mobilisation. Indigenous authorities are increasingly finding their voice within national politics but still… Read More ›
Environment
“Fear has made me braver and that’s why I want to keep fighting”
ACOGUATE has published a piece about the struggle of the people of Ixquisis Microregion against the imposition of large megaprojects, through the words of María Hernández, a human rights defender. For the past three years, María Hernández has represented women… Read More ›
UN Human Rights – Stop treating indigenous human rights defenders like criminals
United Nations human rights experts have expressed concerns over the criminalisation, violations of due process, and health rights of Bernardo Caal Xól, a Q’eqchi’ Maya Indigenous leader and Guatemalan human rights defender. “Mr. Bernardo Caal Xól has been criminalised because… Read More ›
The community of Chicoyogüito and their struggle for justice
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 ›
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 ›