Afro-Descendant & Indigenous: News & Updates

unjust criminalization of María Magdalena Cuc Choc, environmental and indigenous land rights defender in Izabal Dept., involved in a land dispute between her Chabil’ Ch’och’ indigenous community and an investment company held by a former president and former government officials

continued unjust criminalization of Juan Eduardo Caal Suram, a member of the Artisanal Fishermen’s Guild (GPA), which has been calling for government action to resolve the contamination of Lake Izabal in El Estor, Izabal Department, polluted by the Guatemalan Nickel Company.

assassinations of two land rights defenders in Afro-descendant territories in Chocó Department: Mario Castaño Bravo (November 26) and Hernán Bedoya (December 9).

assassinations of two Embera indigenous elected leaders in Chocó Department: Aulio Isarama Forastero, governor of the Embera indigenous reservation Katru Dubaza Ancoso in Alto Baudó, killed by ELN rebels, and Ezquivel Manyoma, leader of Medio Baudó municipality, killed by Gaitanista paramilitaries; disappearance of Jhon Eriberto Isarama Forastero, a teacher also from the Katru Dubaza Ancoso reservation and brother of Aulio Isarama Forastero

killing of Efgenia Vásquez Astudilo, reporter for an indigenous community radio station, while covering a Mobile Anti-Riot Squad (ESMAD) operation to evict members of an indigenous Kokonuko community occupying disputed land in Puracé, Cauca Department

unjust and arbitrary detention of indigenous and environmental rights defender Juan Eduardo Caal Suram, a member of the Artisanal Fishermen’s Guild (GPA), which has been calling for government action to resolve the contamination of Lake Izabal in El Estor, Izabal Department, polluted by nickel mining.

assassination of community judge and defender of indigenous territories Celedonia Zalazar Point and her husband, Tito José González Bendles, at their home in the Tungla community in the Prinzu Awala territory of Prinzapolka municipality of the Autonomous Region of the Northern Atlantic (RAAN) on the Caribbean Coast

criminalization and harassment by authorities of Miriam Miranda, General Coordinator of the Black Fraternal Organization of Honduras (OFRANEH), at the behest of foreign investors building tourist resorts on Garífuna communal lands

killing of Ana María Mepaquito, a 22-year-old indigenous woman and mother of three young children, caught in crossfire during clashes between paramilitary groups, the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group, and state security forces that are threatening Wounaan and Embera indigenous communities in Riosucio, Chocó Department