Defending Human Rights in Oaxaca, Mexico

October 18 2017 | 13:00

UCL Institute of the Americas and Peace Brigades International UK (PBI UK) co-organise this discussion with two prominent human rights defenders from the state of Oaxaca (Mexico).

Rosalinda Dionicio is a Mexican human rights defender from the state of Oaxaca. Rosalinda is a spokeswoman for COPUVO, United Peoples of Valle de Ocotlán, a group that brings together local communities that oppose the Minera Cuzcatlán mine. Members of COPUVO have faced attacks and threats against them due to their participation in the peaceful resistance. In 2012 Rosalinda Dionisio, was shot in the shoulder and leg in an attack that killed another member of COPUVO, Bernardo Vázquez Sánchez. Rosalinda Dionicio is a beneficiary of precautionary measures, which are preventive measures for her personal safety and although these are not fully complied with, she continues to defend the rights of her community.

Marcos Leyva is a Mexican human rights defender from the state of Oaxaca. He is Director of the NGO EDUCA. EDUCA advises organizations and indigenous communities defending their rights as citizens, promotes civic education, empowers indigenous authorities and pushes for local development projects. EDUCA has a strong focus on supporting communities to claim their rights in the context of natural resource exploitation projects (mainly mining, hydroelectric and wind power). They carry out human rights training, advocate for legislative change and favourable government policy, and raise awareness of the human rights situation in Oaxaca through the publication of reports and the organisation of events and forums.

Adam Lunn, Advocacy Officer, Peace Brigades International UK.

This event is chaired by Maria de Vecchi Gerli, PhD researcher at UCL Institute of the Americas. It will be in Spanish with an interpreter present.