Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International’s section in Canada, is in Trinidad
Deserted barricaded Wrightson Road in the centre of the Port of Spain exclusion zone at mid-day on Saturday of the Summit of the Americas ©Amnesty International
It was quite something to see how quickly the people of Port of Spain reclaimed their city as the Summit came to an end on Sunday afternoon. As leaders headed off to the airport, barricades came down and city streets that had been off limit for several days were once again accessible.
You could almost hear a collective sense of relief in neighbourhoods that had been no-go zones throughout the Summit.
Clearly the big stories coming out of the Trinidad Summit revolve around what is being called a “new beginning” for US relations with the hemisphere, particularly with Latin American states. President Obama’s overtures towards Cuba and the several friendly encounters between him and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have received considerable play. All of the leaders are talking of the spirit of compromise and dialogue sparked by that “new beginning.”
Continue reading ‘Port of Spain reclaimed after Summit of the Americas’
Alex Neve, Secretary General of Amnesty International’s section Canada, is in Port of Spain
By any measure, one of the most pressing human rights concerns throughout the Americas – in every corner of the hemisphere – is the widespread violation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous communities and leaders in the Americas are themselves well organized and connected with each other; and have been very clear over the years in setting out their vision for strengthened protection of Indigenous rights in the Americas. But the injustice and inaction has continued.
One would expect therefore that the situation of Indigenous Peoples would have prominence at a gathering such as the Summit of the Americas and that Presidents and Prime Ministers would make a special effort to dialogue with and show their respect to Indigenous leaders who attend. Far from it.
Continue reading ‘Indigenous peoples excluded from Summit of the Americas’
Our report We’re only asking for what is ours was launched this morning in a press conference. The Yakye Axa and Sawhoyamaxa Indigenous communities each designated three people to speak to the press – as part of a panel and in subsequent interviews.
Even without knowing any Guaraní we could understand the power of their words and the passion with which they voiced their demands to the public. We did our best to make sure that the community representatives were the protagonists of the day, although sadly it was difficult to convince many local journalists that they should interview them directly.
Continue reading ‘Still asking for what is theirs…’
People from the Sawhoyamaxa community taking part in a workshop with Amnesty International, Kilómetro 16, Paraguay, 27 November 2008. ©Amnesty International
Last night, we met with over 30 members of the communities who had just arrived in Asunción for the launch of our campaign.
It was motivating to remind ourselves why we were here – to support their campaign for the realisation of their rights – yet frustrating that our presence is even necessary. These communities have been demanding the return of their land through all available legal means for over 15 years, and despite all of their efforts and the support of other organizations, remain living in precarious conditions at the side of the road.
Throughout this campaign, we have sought to reflect the communities’ demands truthfully. During a meeting last night, we first presented our short report to the communities, translated into Guarani. We are also producing a radio version of the report to help them, and other Indigenous communities, to raise awareness about their situation.
Continue reading ‘Making sure the Paraguayan authorities feel the full force of support’
Below, some of the reactions of two representatives of the Indigenous Community of Yakye Axa and Sawhoyamaxa. They participated in a workshop organized by Amnesty International and Civicus and told their story to participants.
Albino Gomez, Yakye Axa:
“What I liked most today was the participation of many people in the workshops and I am really happy with their interest in our case. They have also signed a petition to the Government of Paraguay requesting our ancestral lands back.
Continue reading ‘WSF2009: “The solidarity will help us a lot”’
