Advocacy
BTS undertakes advocacy efforts in solidarity with our partners in Guatemala. We recognize that injustice in the north and south are linked, and these struggles are inextricably connected. As a network based in Canada, a key focus of our work is geared towards holding the Canadian government and corporations accountable.
BTS advocacy work includes activities such as:
- urgent actions, sign-on letters, MP meetings
- meeting with the Canadian Embassy, keeping them abreast of human rights issues in Guatemala and expressing our concerns
- working collaboratively with other organizations and members of coalitions based in Canada, Guatemala and globally
- organizing delegations to Guatemala and raising awareness within our own communities including speaking tours in the Maritimes by community leaders from Guatemala
- keeping the BTS network informed of issues of concern to our partners through our monthly newsletter, network call-ins and social media
- supporting and amplifying our partners’ work
Latest actions
Activists Call for Protection of Xinka Leaders Participating in Escobal Mine Consultation
Today six U.S. and Canadian human rights and environmental organizations filed a letter with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) supporting a request to extend precautionary measures for activists opposed to the Escobal mine in Guatemala. The mine has faced strong local opposition from the day it started operations in 2011, opposition that [...]
Global Letter of Concern Against Canadian Mining in the Dominican Republic
(Photo from Mining Watch Canada) Marcha contra Barrick: hundreds march against Barrick Gold's proposed tailings damn in Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. January 23, 2021 Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala joins a global letter of concern against Canadian mining in the Dominican Republic. Upholding the rights of local communities and [...]
Amidst a spike in violence 3,900+ sign petition demanding Pan American Silver respect the Xinka Peoples’ rights to free and prior consent
Dear Pan American Silver, When you purchased the Escobal mine in 2019, you knew about the broad opposition to the project and that there had been violent repression against those involved in the fight. Now, your refusal to halt local programs in Xinka communities is fomenting tension and division. These [...]