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We Are Subjects of History: Indigenous Communities Fight for Autonomy and Human Rights

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Thursday, September 24th 2015

7:30 pm

Red Emma's

 Guadalupe Moshan Álvarez is a human rights defender that works as the principal attorney that gives legal advice at the front desk of the Fray Bartolomé Human Rights Center (FrayBa) in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. As an indigenous, Tzotzil woman from the highlands of Huixtan, Chiapas, Guadalupe knows well the context of socio-political struggle against the political class' development plans that threaten communities in her state. For this reason, since she has been accompanying indigenous communities in their pursuit of justice for over 10 years. In the past year alone, Guadalupe attended to more than 1,300 denouncements of human rights violations. The work she and her coworkers do is powerful, unique, and inspiring. This 7-minute documentary gives a brief explanation of their work with indigenous communities and international solidarity activists.

During her talk, Guadalupe will discuss the current human rights situation in Chiapas, its relation to the national context, and the role of international solidarity. The FrayBa Human Rights Center was founded in 1989 by the renowned liberation theologian, peace activist, and Catholic Bishop Samuel Ruiz. Independent of any political party, ideology or religious creed, FrayBa's mission is to be “at the service of the poor, the marginalized, and the organized peoples who transform their socio-economic and political situation.“ Come hear Guadalupe Moshan Álvarez speak of this complex situation and the role of FrayBa in promoting the right of autonomous self-determination, integral justice as a prerequisite for peace, and the development of a culture of dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. Liberation knows no borders, and the struggle of Chiapas' indigenous communities for justice provides lessons for us all.

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