PBI-Honduras accompanied COPINH issues alert about the possible release of the killers of Berta Cáceres
Alert! The killers of Berta Cáceres would be released amid the COVID19 crisis
Justice and Rule of Law
Impunity happens in the absence of the Rule of Law. As a result of impunity, those suspected of criminal acts are not prosecuted or punished and victims are left without effective remedy or compensation for their injuries or loss. At the same time, they – and society – are denied access to the truth about the violations suffered.
PBI-Guatemala strengthens telephone contact with human rights defenders during the COVID-19 pandemic
On April 8, the Peace Brigades International-Guatemala Project noted in its most recent Monthly Information Package both the strengthening and continuation of the telephone accompaniment of human rights defenders.
PBI-Guatemala highlights: “The PBI team remains present in the country and has adapted its work according to the restrictions declared by the Guatemalan government in response to the COVID19 pandemic.”
PBI-Guatemala reports:
Mexican journalist María Elena Ferral murdered, PBI-Mexico calls for improvements in protection mechanisms
The Guardian reports that Mexican journalist María Elena Ferral Hernández was shot to death on March 30 in Papantla, Veracruz “as violent crime in the country – and attacks on the press – continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.”
QUOTE: David Ravelo Crespo, human rights defender
“PBI´s accompaniment has been fundamental to the work of human rights defenders in Colombia, particularly to myself, David Ravelo Crespo, as a human rights defender in Barrancabermeja and in the Magdalena Medio region, the accompaniment has allowed our work to be protected in the whole region and has enabled us to attend many different spaces and has guaranteed our lives.
PBI-Colombia signs statement in support of United Nations call for a ceasefire
On April 3, the Peace Brigades International-Colombia Project tweeted, “@PBIColombia with organizations from the @espaciopazencol [the Cooperation Space for Peace] has signed a statement supporting the call from @ONUHumanRights [UN Human Rights Colombia] for a ceasefire in Colombia and calling attention to the continued assassinations of and threats towards human rights defen
QUOTE: Jorge Molano, lawyer and human rights defender
“PBI’s accompaniment is extremely important in the country because the Colombian State has not provided guarantees for human rights defenders to carry out our work. PBI’s accompaniment enables many defenders to stay in the country and not have to abandon our work.”
- Jorge Molano, lawyer and human rights defender
“PBI arrived in Guerrero at a critical moment of State violence"
Article by PBI-Mexico
PBI-USA Coronavirus Safety Announcement
Now more than ever, we must all defend human rights.
In this extraordinary time of uncertainty, fear and instability, Peace Brigades International - USA extends our solidarity to all of you who are struggling to remain optimistic in the face of such unique and global challenges.
QUOTE: Doña Blanca, member of MOVICE
“I arrived at PBI a long time ago and I pass by the house a lot to visit. These visits give me the strength to continue fighting for justice – the hugs and conversations with the PBI volunteers are like a vitamin for me that gives me strength”
- Doña Blanca, member of the Victims of State Crimes Movement, MOVICE and victim from La Guajira where paramilitaries killed her husband and daughter.
PBI-Colombia raises alarm about threats and the killing of human rights defenders during the coronavirus pandemic
The Peace Brigades International-Colombia Project is drawing attention to the situation of continued violence and threats against human rights defenders during the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting quarantine measures.
Marco Rivadeneira, Ángel Ovidio Quintero, and Ivo Humberto Bracamonte killed