Human Rights & Community-based organizations call for public investigations & inquiries regarding U.S. and Canadian support for Juan Orlando Hernández & the coup as the former president goes to trial on February 5, 2024.
Click here to watch the press conference: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1716997388822153
Xinka Indigenous communities in Jutiapa, Santa Rosa and Jalapa face threats and heightened security risks because of their ongoing struggle to defend their health, water, forests, lands, and territory against the threat of megaprojects like energy generation and mining. In a letter to the US State Department in September 2023, 13 members of the US House of Representatives expressed concern for the security of the Xinka people. A month later, Noé Gómez Barrera, a well-respected Xinka Indigenous community leader was assassinated in Jutiapa on October 28, 2023. The 69-year old leader was a member of the ancestral authorities of the Xinka Parliament of Guatemala. Since 2002 he fought for Xinka rights in Jutiapa against the company Renewable Energy Alternative (Alternativa de Energía Renovable).
President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, set to take office on January 14, plans to bring structural change to Guatemala, focusing on anti-corruption measures, democratic security, and equal law application. His opportunities include strong support from indigenous groups, engagement with the private sector, and backing from the international community. However, challenges lie in addressing organized crime and drug trafficking, navigating a divided Congress, and countering continued attacks from the Attorney General's office. The text suggests collaboration with civil society, international support, and a comprehensive approach to corruption and crime are crucial. The international community is urged to support Arévalo's administration in promoting human rights and combating corruption.
The implications of the Monroe Doctrine in Mexico, Central America, and Honduras, highlighting the failures of US policies like the Merida Initiative and drug war strategies. It emphasizes the devastating impact on these regions, resulting in violence, human rights abuses, and corruption. The focus is on adopting new paradigms, shifting away from punitive drug policies to prioritize human well-being, domestically and internationally. It also sheds light on the US influence in Honduras, pointing out interventions, support for corrupt regimes, and obstructing reforms. Furthermore, it addresses immigration, stressing the need for a humane approach rather than militarization. Recommendations include investigating DEA activities, reforming drug policies, anti-militarism measures, non-interference in Honduran affairs, and prioritizing human rights in immigration reforms.
Beatriz's case, before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, reflects El Salvador's stringent anti-abortion laws. Denied the termination of her pregnancy despite grave health risks, Beatriz's plea was rejected by the Salvadoran Supreme Court, citing the child's rights over the mother's. Eventually, after intervention from the IACHR, a delayed cesarean section led to the baby's death and worsened Beatriz's health. This case symbolizes the repercussions of El Salvador's severe abortion restrictions, especially affecting marginalized women. Despite hope for justice, the country's political landscape remains staunchly against abortion rights. Similar challenges have been seen in Manuela's case, where the IACHR ruled in her favor posthumously. The government's resistance to acknowledging these violations showcases its alignment with conservative factions. This stance, influenced by international right-wing groups, reflects a growing regression on abortion rights in El Salvador.
Border security continues to be a hot button issue in Congress. And some congressional leaders are holding hostage other non-border issues because of their tough stance on immigration and desire to gut US asylum law.
In last month’s newsletter, we shared an article about a one-page document that three Republican senators submitted to President Biden on November 6, summarizing the border and migration proposals they demand to include in the supplemental budget request that the president is submitting for the war in Ukraine, Israel/Gaza, and the US-Mexico border. The draconian measures include: ban asylum access for people who did not cross the border at ports of entry; ban asylum access for people who pass through other countries without seeking asylum there; heighten eligibility standards to pass a credible fear interview; expand migrant detention (including families and children); restrict temporary humanitarian parole.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) responded in a combined letter on December 14, denouncing that: “Republicans continue to hold funding for America’s allies hostage at the expense of migrants and to pass Trump-era border policies.”
Articles in this monthly newsletter: 1) ICE Air: update on removal flight trends. 2) How US Policy Toward Latin America Has Fueled Historic Numbers of Asylum Seekers. 3) WOLA Urges Congress to Protect Asylum and Update Obsolete Border Policies. 4) At the Border: Recent Incidents. 5) Governor Abbott Signs Law to Arrest Anyone in Texas without Immigration Papers.
See the Take Action items listed at the bottom of this newsletter. Our advocacy is needed to maintain some modicum of humanity in the nation’s immigration system and to address root causes of migration. 1) Stop Border Militarization. 2) Take Action Now Against Extreme Asylum Restrictions. 3) Help Migrants and Refugees in Cleveland.
Read the full IRTF Migrant Justice Newsletter each month at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog .
Colombian President Gustavo Petro challenges traditional diplomatic norms in a beachside Dubai interview, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. He advocates for a global shift away from fossil fuels, positioning Colombia as a model for decarbonization. Petro, known for his unconventional style and leftist views, proposes using financial institutions to reduce debt in exchange for environmental protection. Internationally, he plays a crucial role in COP28, supporting a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Despite ideological differences, Petro's approach aligns with a growing global consensus to phase out fossil fuels amid escalating climate concerns
Panama's Supreme Court declared a new mining contract with a Canadian firm unconstitutional, concluding over a month of widespread protests. The contract, fast-tracked by Congress, aimed to boost profits but faced opposition from unions, teachers, students, and Indigenous groups. The mine, operated by First Quantum, contributed 5% to Panama's GDP. The court ruling sets a precedent against foreign companies exploiting lax rules, reflecting a broader resistance to short-term gains at the expense of environmental damage and national identity. Central America Studies scholar Jorge Cuéllar sees the ruling as curbing extreme extractive industry practices and protecting Panama's natural patrimony.
Yuly Velásquez, an environmental activist in Barrancabermeja, Colombia, has survived three assassination attempts in two years for her efforts to expose water pollution in the industrial city. Colombia is deemed the most perilous country for environmental defenders, with 60 activists murdered in 2022. Latin America faces the highest number of killings, attributed to the region's active civil society and Indigenous groups. Despite Colombia's biodiversity and improved security post a 2016 peace treaty, criminal groups, drug traffickers, and corrupt officials persistently target activists. Velásquez, facing threats since denouncing irregularities in a city contract, emphasizes the environmental fight's importance despite risks. The government's response includes a protection program and the Escazú Agreement, yet killings rose in 2022, highlighting ongoing challenges. Velásquez remains determined, stating the fight must continue for the environment.
Guatemala Election Watch #44
An important summary of the Indigenous reality of what "Guatemala" is, for more than 500 years, now leading the struggle in defense of the August 20, 2023 election results, and the construction of a different Guatemala for the future.
