indigenous groups
Thursday 2.12.2021 Peru - Latest Developments -
Communities impacted by mining and oil extraction lead wave of protests in Peru
The first months of Pedro Castillo’s presidency were marked by governability challenges, with the government often at odds with an opposition-led Congress. Read more
Thursday 25.11.2021 Costa Rica - Latest Developments -
Costa Rica: suspect in killing of Indigenous leader Jehry Rivera Rivera faces trial
On 19th October 2021, the criminal court of Buenos Aires ordered the opening of a trial against a suspect in the murder of Brorán Indigenous leader Jehry Rivera Rivera on 24th February 2020. The Prosecutor’s Office charged the suspect with the crimes of homicide, aggravated threats and illegal carrying of a firearm. Read more
Thursday 25.11.2021 United States of America - Latest Developments -
USA: Frustration over power outages drives thousands to protest in Puerto Rico
On 15th October 2021, about 4,000 people marched in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to protest the island’s recurrent power blackouts. Many criticised power company Luma for failing to provide adequate electricity to residents and demanded its ouster. Read more
Monday 22.11.2021 Mexico - Latest Developments -
New tax rules impact civil society in Mexico
On 27th October 2021, Indigenous forest defender Irma Galindo Barrios went missing, reportedly after attending a protest in Mexico City. According to IM-Defensoras, she was meant to attend a conference of the Mechanism to Protect Human Rights Defenders and Journalists in the capital, but never arrived. Read more
Thursday 18.11.2021 Guatemala - Latest Developments -
Guatemala: Siege in municipality to prevent anti-mining protests by Indigenous groups
On 12th October 2021, hundreds of people marched in Guatemala City to denounce racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples, as part of a Day of Indigenous People’s Dignity and Resistance. Several countries in the Americas hold commemorative holidays on the date, marking Christopher Columbus’ arrival on the continent in the 15th century. Read more | Read in Spanish
Thursday 4.11.2021 Bolivia - Latest Developments -
Social and political divisions lead to tension in Bolivia
In early September 2021, human rights defender Franco Albarracin was threatened with prosecution by ruling party militants speaking on a radio programme. Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) supporters have accused Albarracin of participating in the political crisis which led to former president Evo Morales’ resignation after contested elections in 2019. Read more | Read in Spanish
Monday 1.11.2021 Laos - Latest Developments -
Reprisals against Hmong, religious freedom violations and search for Sombath continues
In recent months, the UN Secretary General reported on the issue of reprisals faced by individuals communicating with the UN, particularly in relation to the disappeared members of the Hmong community. A new report highlighted the implications of the country’s Decree 315 on the situation of freedom of religion and belief and supported the development of an updated decree compliant with international standards. The wife of human rights defender Sombath Somphone marked almost nine years of his disappearance on the International Day of the Disappeared. Migrant Myanmar workers protested in Laos over the lack of support during the lockdown.
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Sunday 31.10.2021 Ecuador - Latest Developments -
Ecuador: state of emergency amid rising crime
On 18th October 2021, President Guillermo Lasso decreed a state of emergency for 60 days to confront rising crime and violence in Ecuador, saying the military and police would take to the streets to provide security. Read more | Read in Spanish
Monday 18.10.2021 Chile - Latest Developments -
Chile: HRD killed during protest, anti-migrant demonstrations and concerning internet bill
Opposition politicians launched impeachment proceedings against Chile’s president, Sebastián Piñera, over possible irregularities in the sale of a mining company, after new details about the deal were revealed in leaked documents. People took to the streets in protests by Mapuche communities, anti and pro-immigration groups and reproductive rights activists. In addition, a new bill on digital platforms could have important negative impacts on freedom of expression. Read more | Read in Spanish
Monday 4.10.2021 Honduras - Latest Developments -
Honduras among the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental defenders
1st September 2021 marked exactly two years since eight members of the Comité Municipal de Defensa de los Bienes Comunes y Públicos (Committee for the Defence of Common and Public Assets - CMDBCP) were detained for defending protected water sources and natural resources in danger of mining-related contamination. Read more | Read in Spanish
