On September 22nd, the Movement in Defense of Life and Territory (MODEVITE) published a statement in which it ratified that it will continue to fight for self-determination and autonomy of native peoples.
It reported that this option has led them to face threats, defamation, harassment, co-option and intimidation. It held the following players responsible for these acts:
“The National Guard that has been imposed in the municipalities of Chicomueselo, Ocosinogo and Chilon.
Armed groups operating in agreement with municipal authorities.
Groups, leaders and political parties that use the name of MODEVITE for their interests.”
MODEVITE demanded respect for the autonomy of native peoples, in accordance with international agreements on Indigenous Peoples, including the right to decide and determine the immediate permanence or withdrawal of the National Guard in each ejido or municipality. It demanded the non-reactivation of mining work in Grecia Ejido in the Municipality of Chicomuselo. They also expressed their rejection of the construction of the Highway of Cultures and the Maya Train. Lastly, it requested compliance with the judgment issued by the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Power for the exercise of Free Determination in the municipalities of Chilon and Sitala.
For more information in Spanish:
Full communiqué:
For more information from SIPAZ:
Chiapas: MODEVITE Receives Recognition for Environmental Defense in Chiapas (December 4, 2019)
Chiapas: Megaperegrinación del Movimiento en Defensa de La Vida y del Territorio (MODEVITE) en Tuxtla Gutiérrez (August 21, 2019)
Chiapas : Creciente polarización en Chilón ante posible cambio de modo de elección, del sistema oficial al por usos y costumbres. (August 15, 2019)
Chiapas: Expresiones de solidaridad y preocupación ante los hostigamientos a integrantes del CEDIAC y de la Misión Jesuita de Bachajón (June 20, 2019)
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