To view a copy of the letter in Spanish, see here.

April 27, 2017

Compañeros in this struggle,

Today we commemorate four years since the attack against you by Alberto Rotondo and the security of the Escobal mine, owned by Tahoe Resources. Today we recognize that to date, there still is no justice. Also, as Canadian and US organizations, we want to recognize you, the survivors, your families and follow compañeros y compañeras in the struggle for never surrendering in confronting this great monster which is the mining company.

We know this struggle has not been easy, and it feels like a weight you must carry daily. After the attack, a number of you were injured, and are suffering from long-term injuries. You suffered economic losses from your time in the hospital or at home recovering, and also for the need to travel to attend hearings in Guatemala City or share your story abroad.

But don’t doubt that your message has been heard. From North America, we continue to loudly denounce all the human rights violations which have occurred around the Escobal mine, and those which continue to occur. We want the whole world to know that these companies who come to Guatemala to steal the environmental riches, oppress local resistance, and leave the country contaminated are not welcomed by the majority of the Guatemalan people.

We would like to remind you today that you are not alone in this struggle. This path to justice is long, but we know you are on the side of what is correct and just, and we will continue to walk with you.

In solidarity,

BC-CASA

Center for International and Environmental Law (CIEL)

Guatemala Human Rights Commission (GHRC)

Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence (Rompiendo el Silencio)

Mining Injustice Solidarity Network

MJA (Mining Justice Alliance) Vancouver

Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA)

Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN)

Rights Action Canada (Derechos en Acción Canadá)

Rights Action USA (Derechos en Acción EEUU)

United for Mining Justice (UFMJ)