Dear Friend,
Last week marked a significant moment in the long struggle for justice for survivors of genocide in Guatemala. For the second time in just five years, a national court unanimously declared that the state committed genocide and crimes against humanity against the Ixil people in the early 1980s. While the accused, José Mauricio Rodríguez Sánchez, was found not guilty in a split decision, the court's ruling powerfully affirmed survivor testimony.
For more on the verdict and to read five of our key takeaways from our decades-long partnership with survivor organization Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), read our latest blog.
I was present with survivors as the sentence was read. Alongside hundreds of supporters, survivors filled the courtroom as many more listened to a live transmission outside. Witnesses cried and nodded in assent as the judges recounted the many crimes committed against them and their loved ones. As I listened to the judges publicly declare that they believed survivors, I thought of the many years of organizing by the AJR that allowed for those words to be read out. I also thought of how many NISGUA members have stood with survivors over the course of those years, learning from their work for justice and sharing stories with their communities in the US. I was honored to be present to witness the court’s recognition of genocide and humbled to stand in representation of thousands in our network who have supported this work for justice for nearly forty years.
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NISGUA's participation in these spaces is possible because of donors and activists like you. Your support keeps us sustainable, so that we can confidently commit to organizations that will be there, year after year, standing in solidarity with their struggles.
The AJR continues forward in its years of organizing to achieve recognition of genocide and crimes against humanity for survivors from all of the seven Maya indigenous peoples that make up the association. They organize to create a more just society, reminding us that the recognition of crimes is an important step in the creation of that world. In the words of AJR president, Edwin Canil, “We will use this genocide verdict to leave a good tree planted, with strong roots — the fruits of which will be enjoyed by our children.” NISGUA will be with them as they continue that work.
In solidarity,
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Martha Schmitz
Guatemala Accompaniment Program Coordinator
With the NISGUA team: Becky, Bridget, David & Val
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P.S. Our work is powered by grassroots donors like you! Donate today to help us continue our work for social and environmental justice.
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