Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López Vistit Chicago

From October 20th to 24th, 2024, Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López, two prominent Human Rights Defenders from Guatemala, visited Chicago as part of a larger speaking tour. This visit was organized in partnership with local collectives Ceiba and Alma de Izote, along with support from Mijente, CODECA USA Youth, the CCG (Coalición Cordinadora de Guatemala en Chicago), and leaders of the Guatemala community. This marked the first collaboration with Mijente, whose logistical and promotional support contributed to the success of the events. The visit allowed for valuable connections between the guests, local leaders, and various organizations dedicated to social justice and human rights.

On October 21st, a meeting with Mijente’s leadership team in Chicago, along with staff from the national office, and other local activists, provided an opportunity to build deeper connections and discuss common goals in the fight for human rights. The following day, CRLN organized a meeting with its staff, Board of Directors, and the broader network, inviting members of University Church and other groups to discuss the intersection of Indigenous rights, farm worker rights, and the work of CODECA. The meeting also highlighted CRLN’s decades-long commitment to Central America, its roots in liberation theology, and its ongoing solidarity work.

On October 22nd, a youth-focused event was held at the 18th Street Casa de Cultura, attracting over 40 young people. This event allowed Cabrera and López to speak directly with young people about Indigenous justice and the farmworker struggles in Guatemala. It was an opportunity for CRLN to continue its outreach to a new, younger generation on Chicago’s South Side. That same evening, a dinner with over 20 elders and leaders from the Guatemalan community took place at the home of Benjamín Villagrán, strengthening ties with the local community.

On October 23rd, Cabrera and López visited Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, where they met with a collective of Maya Indigenous youth working on immigrant rights and cultural projects at a local Catholic church. The final evening event, held at the Latin Patio restaurant, brought together over 40 attendees from both the Guatemalan community and the broader Chicago community to discuss shared concerns about human rights conditions in Guatemala. The visit culminated in a meaningful meeting with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, where human rights issues in Guatemala were discussed, particularly the ongoing threats to human rights defenders. Both public events were supported by CRLN’s contribution of professional translation equipment and simultaneous interpretation to ensure effective communication with attendees. This visit and its events were a direct outcome of the relationship-building efforts of the July delegation to Guatemala and represented a collaborative effort among several groups committed to human rights, justice, and solidarity in Chicago. Additionally, many of the young adults such as Evelyn Zepeda took the lead in the work of these events.

Friends of CRLN,

Our solidarity work with the people of Guatemala has evolved over the decades, but one thing remains constant: our belief that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of social change, justice, and liberation. This truth holds across the Americas.

We are honored to partner with Colectiva Ceiba, Alma de Izote, Mijente and Comité de Desarrollo Campesino (CODECA) to welcome renowned human rights defenders Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López to Chicago. We hope to see you at one or both events.

🗓 Date: Tuesday, October 22

⏰ Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM

📍 Location: 8th Street Casa De Cultura
  (2057 W 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608)

  Free to everyone. Masks required.


🗓 Date: Thursday, October 24

⏰ Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM

📍 Location: Latin Patio Restaurant
  (3115 N Central Ave. Chicago, IL 60634)

  Free to everyone. Masks required.

Many of you may remember Thelma Cabrera from her 2019 presidential run. Although she placed fourth, her candidacy inspired rural and Indigenous communities, solidifying her position as a significant political figure in Guatemala.

A renowned Indigenous leader and human rights defender from Guatemala, Thelma is recognized for her tireless work with CODECA, which advocates for land rights, social justice, and the defense of Indigenous and rural communities. A member of the Maya Mam people, Cabrera has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight against corruption, exploitation, and systemic exclusion. In 2019, she ran as a presidential candidate with the Movimiento para la Liberaciónde los Pueblos (Movement for the Liberation of the People, MLP), following in the footsteps of Rigoberta Menchú. Her leadership has made her one of Guatemala’s most prominent voices in the fight for Indigenous self-determination and against the deep-rooted inequalities in the country.

Her presidential candidacy galvanized support from rural areas and indigenous groups, positioning her as a key political figure. Her platform advocated for structural changes, including the convening of a Constitutional Assembly to transform Guatemala into a plurinational state that recognizes Indigenous rights and autonomy. Despite her exclusion from the 2023 election, by the manipulation of the system by corrupt structures, Cabrera’s impact remains significant, continuing to push for systemic change through grassroots mobilization.

Neftalí López is a prominent leader within CODECA, scholar and political consultant, expert on Indigenous Maya customary law and on contexts of juridical pluralism. He was Thelma Cabrera’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election. López is known for his long-standing work in defending the rights of farmworkers and Indigenous peoples, particularly in the areas of land reform and the nationalization of key public services such as energy. His work with CODECA has made him a central figure in mobilizing rural communities against neoliberal policies and corruption that have long marginalized Guatemala’s most vulnerable populations.

During the 2019 campaign, López emphasized the MLP’s goal of convening a Constitutional Assembly to create a plurinational state, ensuring representation and rights for Guatemala’s Indigenous communities. Under his leadership, CODECA has grown into a powerful social and political movement, despite the dangers its members face—38 activists have been killed since the organization’s inception. López remains a dedicated advocate for justice, working to transform Guatemala’s political landscape and build a more equitable society for all.



In permanent resistance and solidarity,

Jhonathan
 

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Join us on Saturday, October 19 for a Webinar to learn about the Ongoing Maya Ixil Case in Guatemala

CRLN Community,

Following the delegation to Guatemala in July, we held an in-person report-back event with participants to reflect on the experiences and insights gained. We are glad to continue this important conversation with an upcoming webinar that invites us all to learn more and listen to the survivors who continue to fight for justice as the trial continues today.

We sincerely thank you for your solidarity, your continued collaboration and dedication to the work in defense of Human Rights in Latin América and Guatemala.

We invite you to attend this informative webinar focused on the Maya Ixil Genocide Trial for the Lucas García period (1978-1982). This case, supported by survivors of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), sheds light on the systematic violence inflicted upon the Maya Ixil population during Guatemala’s military dictatorship.

🗓 Date: Saturday, October 19

⏰ Time: 3 PM Guatemala / 4 PM Chicago

📍 REGISTER HERE

We are honored to feature José Silvio Tay Cusanero, legal advisor to the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) —an association of survivors and family members who are working for justice and for the crimes commited duirng the war and genocides in Guatemala. He is also plaintiffs in the Ixil Genocide case against Benedicto Lucas García, and served as a witness in the first genocide case against Efraín Ríos Montt.

We will also hear from Evelyn Zepeda and Josue Sicán, community organizers and activists from Guatemala born in Chicago, who participated in the July human rights delegation. Additionally, Michelle Lian, a current accompanier with NISGUA in Guatemala will speak about their work in solidarity with the Maya Ixil communities. The event will be moderated by Jhonathan F. Gómez from CRLN. We are glad to collaborate on this event with NISGUA and Colectiva Ceiba.

This is a critical opportunity to learn about Guatemala’s ongoing fight for justice and historical memory, especially concerning the war crimes against Indigenous communities. The trial represents a significant step in addressing the atrocities that have shaped the country’s history.

About the Maya Ixil Genocide Case
The Maya Ixil genocide case during the Lucas García period focuses on the systematic violence perpetrated by Guatemala’s army under the regime of General Romeo Lucas García (1978-1982). Military forces targeted the Maya Ixil population through massacres, torture, sexual violence, forced displacement, and scorched earth tactics as part of a broader state campaign against Indigenous communities. This case seeks justice for these war crimes, internationally recognized as acts of genocide, and represents an important step in the efforts for justice and historical memory in Guatemala.

Delegation Context
The primary goal of our recent delegation was to provide in-person accompaniment to the Maya Ixil community, whose witnesses and survivors of genocide testified during the hearings of this historic trial. The trial, marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for justice and accountability. As International Human Rights Accompaniers, the delegation documented their experiences and engaged with human rights defenders, community leaders, and organizations throughout Guatemala.

Join us in this important dialogue as we work together for justice and memory.

(Texto en el idioma español después del texto en ingles.)

Urgent Call to End the Criminalization of Rigoberto Juárez and Ermitaño López, Indigenous Ancestral Authorities and Human Rights Defenders of Guatemala

October, 2024

Human rights organizations and advocates, urgently call for an immediate end to the unjust criminalization of Rigoberto Juárez Mateo and Bernardo Ermitaño López, human rights defenders and respected ancestral authorities of the Maya Q’anjob’al, Chuj, Akateko, Poptí and Mestizo people of Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

Juárez and López have dedicated their lives to the protection of Indigenous lands and the rights of their people, standing in opposition to harmful foreign-funded hydroelectric projects that threaten their environment and well-being. Despite their long-standing commitment to justice, these leaders now face renewed criminal charges that represent a grave abuse of the legal system. These charges come as a result of their legitimate efforts to mediate conflicts and advocate for their communities. The two leaders have become emblematic of the larger struggle faced by Indigenous communities in their fight to protect their land, culture, and rights in the face of powerful extractive industries.

However, despite their peaceful resistance and their commitment to dialogue and justice, both Juárez and López have become targets of legal persecution by powerful interests seeking to suppress opposition. Their criminalization is not only a deliberate misuse of the legal system but also an attempt to silence Indigenous voices and movements that challenge the government of Guatemalan’s alignment with corporate and financial interests.

The roots of this injustice can be traced back to 2009 when tensions in the region began to escalate due to the imposition of large-scale development projects without the consent of the local Indigenous communities. In response, Juárez and López stepped in to mediate between the communities and external forces, advocating for the rights of their people and calling for a halt to these destructive projects. Instead of being recognized for their legitimate efforts to protect their ancestral lands, they were met with retaliation, and eventually, fabricated charges were brought against them.

In 2016, after enduring 486 days of unjust imprisonment, both leaders were acquitted by Judge Yassmín Barrios, whose ruling highlighted the lack of evidence and the political motivations behind their detention. However, despite this victory, the Public Ministry’s relentless pursuit of an appeal has led to renewed accusations and devastating prison sentences—7 years for Juárez and a staggering 23 years for López. These sentences represent a gross miscarriage of justice, deeply rooted in racial discrimination and the Guatemalan state’s long history of criminalizing Indigenous leaders who dare to resist corporate exploitation.

The case of Rigoberto Juárez Mateo and Bernardo Ermitaño López is part of a broader, deeply troubling pattern of systemic abuses against Indigenous leaders in Guatemala. Across the country, defenders of land and human rights are facing increasing levels of intimidation, violence, and judicial harassment. The weaponization of the legal system against Indigenous leaders like Juárez and López is a clear violation of their fundamental rights and an alarming sign of the shrinking space for civil society and Indigenous resistance. We stand in solidarity with these courageous leaders and call upon the international community, human rights organizations, and all those who believe in justice and Indigenous rights to join us in demanding an end to this wrongful criminalization and to support Rigoberto Juárez Mateo and Bernardo Ermitaño López in their struggle for justice.

Call to Action

• Immediate Reversal of the Sentences: We urge the Constitutional Court of Guatemala to promptly grant the amparo filed by Rigoberto Juárez Mateo and Bernardo Ermitaño López and to overturn the unjust sentences that threaten their freedom and safety.
  
  
• End to Criminalization of Indigenous Defenders: We call for an immediate end of the systematic criminalization of Indigenous leaders exercising their right to defend their lands and cultures. The government of Guatemala must uphold its obligations under international human rights law, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
  
  
• International Pressure on the Guatemalan Government: We urge international human rights organizations, governments, and multilateral institutions to increase pressure on Guatemala to halt its persecution of Indigenous leaders. These defenders must be protected and supported, not punished, for their critical role in safeguarding human rights and the environment.
  
  
• Accountability for Corporations and Financiers: We demand accountability from corporations and financial institutions, including the Inter-American Development Bank, that have financed projects leading to the displacement and criminalization of Indigenous communities. These entities must be held responsible for their involvement in human rights violations and should withdraw support from projects that violate Indigenous rights.
  
  
• Protection for Human Rights Defenders: We call on the Guatemalan government to enhance protections for human rights defenders, ensuring that leaders like Rigoberto Juárez Mateo can continue their vital work without fear of persecution. The state must implement effective measures to prevent further criminalization and violence against defenders, in line with its international legal obligations.
  
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Llamado Urgente para Poner Fin a la Criminalización de Rigoberto Juárez y Ermitaño López, Autoridades Ancestrales Indígenas y Defensores de los Derechos Humanos de Guatemala

Octubre, 2024


Organizaciones de derechos humanos y persona defensoras de derechos humanos urgimos el fin inmediato de la injusta criminalización de Rigoberto Juárez Mateo y Bernardo Ermitaño López, defensores de los derechos humanos y respetadas autoridades ancestrales de los pueblos Maya Q’anjob’al, Chuj, Akateko, Poptí y Mestizo de Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

Juárez y López han dedicado sus vidas a la protección de las tierras indígenas y la defensa de los derechos de sus pueblos, oponiéndose a proyectos hidroeléctricos financiados por inversiones extranjeras que amenazan su entorno y bienestar. A pesar de su compromiso con la justicia, estos líderes enfrentan ahora nuevos cargos criminales que representan un grave abuso del sistema legal. Estas acusaciones son el resultado de sus esfuerzos legítimos por mediar en los conflictos y abogar por sus comunidades. Ambos se han convertido en símbolos de la lucha más amplia de las comunidades indígenas por proteger su tierra, cultura y derechos frente a las poderosas industrias extractivas.

Sin embargo, a pesar de su resistencia pacífica y su compromiso con el diálogo y la justicia, tanto Juárez como López se han convertido en blancos de la persecución legal por parte de intereses poderosos que buscan reprimir la oposición. Su criminalización no solo es un uso indebido deliberado del sistema legal, sino también un intento de silenciar a las voces y movimientos indígenas que desafían la alineación del gobierno de Guatemala con los intereses corporativos y financieros.

Las raíces de esta injusticia se dan en el año 2009, cuando las tensiones en la región comenzaron a aumentar debido a la imposición de proyectos de desarrollo a gran escala sin el consentimiento de las comunidades indígenas locales. En respuesta, Juárez y López intervinieron para mediar entre las comunidades y las fuerzas externas, abogando por los derechos de su pueblo y llamando a detener estos proyectos destructivos. En lugar de ser reconocidos por sus esfuerzos legítimos para proteger sus tierras ancestrales, fueron objeto de represalias y finalmente se les imputaron cargos falsos.

En 2016, tras soportar 486 días de prisión injusta, ambos líderes fueron absueltos por la jueza Yassmín Barrios, cuya sentencia destacó la falta de pruebas y las motivaciones políticas detrás de su detención. Sin embargo, a pesar de esta victoria, la implacable persecución de la Fiscalía ha resultado en nuevas acusaciones y sentencias devastadoras de prisión: 7 años para Juárez y de manera asombrosa, 23 años para López. Estas sentencias representan una grave injusticia, profundamente enraizada en la discriminación racial y la larga historia del Estado de Guatemala para criminalizar a líderes indígenas que se atreven a resistir la explotación corporativa.

El caso de Rigoberto Juárez Mateo y Bernardo Ermitaño López forma parte de un patrón más amplio y profundamente preocupante de abusos sistemáticos contra líderes indígenas en Guatemala. En todo el país, los defensores de la tierra y los derechos humanos enfrentan niveles crecientes de intimidación, violencia y acoso judicial. La instrumentalización del sistema legal contra líderes indígenas como Juárez y López es una violación clara de sus derechos fundamentales y una señal alarmante del reducido espacio para la sociedad civil y la resistencia indígena.

Nos solidarizamos con estos valientes líderes y hacemos un llamado a la comunidad internacional, a las organizaciones de derechos humanos y a todos aquellos que creen en la justicia y los derechos de los pueblos indígenas para que se unan a exigir el fin a esta criminalización injusta y que apoyen a Rigoberto Juárez Mateo y Bernardo Ermitaño López en su lucha por la justicia.

Llamado a la Acción

• Revocación Inmediata de las Sentencias: Instamos a la Corte Constitucional de Guatemala a conceder prontamente el amparo presentado por Rigoberto Juárez Mateo y Bernardo Ermitaño López, y a revocar las sentencias injustas que amenazan su libertad y seguridad.
  
  
• Fin a la Criminalización de Defensores Indígenas: Exigimos el fin inmediato de la criminalización sistemática de los líderes indígenas que ejercen su derecho a defender sus tierras y culturas. El gobierno de Guatemala debe cumplir con sus obligaciones bajo el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, incluida la Declaración de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas (DNUDPI).
  
  
• Presión Internacional sobre el Gobierno de Guatemala: Instamos a las organizaciones internacionales de derechos humanos, a los gobiernos y a las instituciones multilaterales a aumentar la presión sobre Guatemala para que detenga la persecución de líderes indígenas. Estos defensores deben ser protegidos y apoyados, no castigados, por su papel crucial en la protección de los derechos humanos y el medio ambiente.
  
  
• Rendición de Cuentas para Corporaciones y Financieros: Exigimos responsabilidad por parte de las corporaciones e instituciones financieras, incluido el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo, que han financiado proyectos que han llevado al desplazamiento y criminalización de las comunidades indígenas. Estas entidades deben ser responsables de su participación en violaciones de derechos humanos y deben retirar su apoyo a proyectos que violen los derechos indígenas.
  
  
• Protección para los Defensores de Derechos Humanos: Hacemos un llamado al gobierno de Guatemala para que fortalezca la protección de los defensores de derechos humanos, asegurando que líderes como Rigoberto Juárez Mateo y Bernardo Ermitaño López puedan continuar su labor vital sin temor a la persecución. El Estado debe implementar medidas efectivas para prevenir la criminalización y la violencia contra los defensores, de conformidad con sus obligaciones legales internacionales.

July 2024, Guatemala Diaspora Delegation from Chicago

The delegation to Guatemala, which took place from July 3rd to the 13th, included five leaders from the Guatemalan community. This delegation was a collaboration between CRLN, the Maya Ixil Accompaniment Project, NISGUA, and AJR (Association for Justice and Reconciliation). The delegation was an independent initiative from Guatemalan leaders in Chicago seeking to reconnect with their roots and the desire to understand a border context of human rights in Guatemala. Jhonathan, with the support of Evelyn Zepeda, led the group with a larger aim of mentoring and strengthening a new generation of young leaders in Chicago, emphasizing the importance of human rights work and its connections to Latin America and the United States.

One of the main objectives of the delegation was to accompany members of the AJR , survivors of the Guatemala genocide during the trial happening in the country at the time. The AJR has played key roles in major legal cases, such as the case against former General Rios Montt. The delegation attended court hearings, met with local human rights organizations, including CODECA, and visited the Historic Memory Museum (Casa de la Memoria). The group also traveled to Nebaj and visited a community that survived a massacre, where the delegation heard powerful testimonies from survivors. The partnership with NISGA provided both logistical and programming support, making the trip a significant collaboration among the three organizations.

CRLN provided guidance, expertise, logistics support, and financial support for the delegation.

Click here to see more photos of the delegation.

Historical Memory Project: Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón

The Historical Memory Project: Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón was a transformative educational initiative that emerged from a partnership between CRLN and DePaul University’s HumanitiesX fellowship. Launched in the Spring of 2024, the project connected students to critical human rights contexts in Central America, particularly Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Under the guidance of Professors Dr. Susana Martínez and Dr. Lydia Saravia from DePaul University, along with CRLN’s Co-Director Jhonathan Gómez, the project integrated interdisciplinary study, community engagement, and collaborative art. Students explored historical memory and social justice by researching human rights challenges, particularly issues related to political violence, environmental justice, and Indigenous rights. This collaboration resulted in students producing impactful art and advocacy materials that reflect the region’s struggles for justice, further deepening community awareness of these important issues.

The course was designed as an innovative model, merging academic study with real-world activism. Students participated in archival research using CRLN’s resources and DePaul’s Special Collections, gaining insights into the history of social movements in Central America. They also worked directly with CRLN staff and local activists to research the intersections of climate change, land rights, and transgender issues in Central America. The culmination of the course was an interactive public art exhibit in Chicago, which invited community members to engage with themes of human rights and historical memory through various art forms, such as screen printing and weaving. This event not only educated the public but also provided students with practical skills in using art as a tool for social change and political education.

Faculty contributions were key to the success of the project. Dr. Martínez and Dr. Saravia provided expertise in historical and cultural contexts, helping students analyze migration narratives and the role of rhetoric in social justice movements. Student fellows, including Angelina Álvarez and Safiyah Simkins, played an essential role in organizing the course’s activities and supporting peers in collaborative research. The active involvement of CRLN connected academic exploration to lived experiences, enhancing the course’s real-world relevance. Together, these contributions helped bridge academic learning with community activism, demonstrating the potential of universities to serve as hubs for social transformation and public humanities.

The Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón project is poised for future expansion. Building on the success of the Spring 2024 course, participants plan to extend this model, incorporating student-created materials into public events and communications. Further curricular developments are also underway, with plans for a study-abroad course in Guatemala that will deepen students’ engagement with local human rights movements. The project’s innovative approach to combining art, education, and activism serves as a blueprint for future collaborations, offering a scalable model for institutions seeking to integrate creative expression into social justice education and public advocacy. This ongoing collaboration exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary partnerships in advancing human rights education and fostering global solidarity.

Click here to read about the fellowship here.

Click here to read about the student’s interactive public art exhibit.

Join us on Wednesday, June 12 for a unique In-Person Student Public Art Event

WHAT: In-person Student Public Art-Making Event
by DePaul University Students
WHEN: Thursday, June 12, from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM
WHERE: Latinx Cultural Center – O’Connell Room 360
at 1036 W. Belden Ave, Lincoln Park

We are very glad to invite you to a special in-person Collaborative Public Art-Making event at the Latinx Cultural Center at DePaul University. Join us from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM and experience remarkable art projects by students from the “Historical Memory Project: Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón” class. Students will also invite people who attend to join in the art making. This unique event will feature projects that can provide insights into:

• El Salvador: Sin Tierra, Sin Frutos. Exploring the fight of Trans people.
• Guatemala: Culture is not for sale. The role of Guatemala’s textiles as a centuries-old form of Indigenous cultural resistance.
• El Salvador: Rompe La Carcel. Mega prisons, their connection to gang culture, and societal consequences.
• Guatemala: The Destructive Fruit Company. A look at the infamous Unite Fruit Company’s legacy of colonialism and imperialisms.
• Honduras: Climate Activists: de la tierra somos, a la tierra regresamos. Exploring land rights through the work of human rights defenders like Berta Cáceres.

This event is the culmination of a collaboration between CRLN and HumanitiesX at DePaul University. In 2023, CRLN was honored with a fellowship by DePaul University, allowing us to work closely with the exceptional professors Susana Martínez and Lydia Saravia. You can read more about this unique and inspiring project HERE.

We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at jgomez@clrn.org, or mmckenna@crln.org.


En resistencia y solidaridad permanente

Jhonathan F. Gómez