a call to action

this is the site where the community stands guard in 24 hour shifts to prevent the mining company from entering.

last month I went to Guatemala as part of an Alternative Break Immersion at my school. while there, we learned of many of the problems the counrty currently faces.  one of the big ones is extractive industries, and we were lucky enough to meet with a community who is actively resisting the mining companies.  we heard many community members speak, and their words were striking. all they are asking for is for their legal rights to the land to be recognized, and trying to make sure that their children have a place to live in the future.  once I got back from Tunisia, I heard some troubling news that one community activist, Yolanda "Yoli" Oqueli, was ambushed by two men on her way home and shot repeatedly.  she is currently alive, but had to undergo emergency surgery. 

the guatemala human rights commission has set up a petition on her behalf to denounce the violence taken against her and to call on the guatemalan government to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible. please take the time to read about her story, and to sign the petition.

here's the link:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2690/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=10817