Dominant discourses of politicians and analysts have typically characterized the problem of violence in contemporary Latin America as a product of organized crime, gangs and in some cases the insurgency. Behind this claim exists a different reality. Many countries today face unprecedented waves of political violence and human rights violations that target social movements, organizations and individuals involved in struggles in defense of public resources, land and human rights and seek a social transformation toward an alternative to the predatory neoliberal model. Latin America is the world’s most dangerous region for environmental and land-rights defenders. Here more than 60 percent of defender deaths in the world take place even though the region represents just over 8 percent of the world’s population.This panel brings together members of social movements who share their experiences of persecution, criminalization and violence by state and non-state actors.  

Panelists: Palas Luin, Movimiento Sociedad Civil de Barillas, Guatemala / Dina Mesa, Asociacion por la Democracia y los Derechos Humanos (ASOPODEHU), Honduras / Jimmy Gomez, Articulación de Movimientos Sociales y Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil (AMS-Nicaragua) / Harrinson Cuero, Procesos de Comunidades Negras, Colombia

Moderator: Jasmin Hristov (UBC)