State the following to the National and International Community
1. The escalating conflicts in the Mayan territories is the result of the negligence of the Guatemalan government to respect and comply with its obligation to prior consultation with the Mayan people according to current law, and before allowing megaprojects in their territories. A responsability assumed by the government when ratifying the ILO Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
2. The imposition of military detachment in Mayan territory in order to protect corporate interests is a serious violation to the commitment assumed by the government through ILO Convention 169 and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, both stipulating that no military activities shall be performed in the indigenous people’s territory unless there is a real threat to the people.
3. We underline that the non-application in practice of ILO Convention 169 and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is one of the main causes to the intensified conflicts in our country.
4. We demand the government to immediately withdraw the armed forces from Mayan territory. Moreover, to cancel the mining-, hydroelectric and petrol licenses, imposed without prior consultation and cease the on-going criminalization of the legitimate right to exercise resistance.
5. We call on all Mayan People to strengthen the unity against the governmental- and business aggression.
6. We request the members of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues not to push back in relation to the conquered rights within this sphere, but rather proceed in the practical implementation of these rights.
7. We urge the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to give priority to the petition, 1416/2013, filed by the Mayan People’s Council (CPO) on September 3, 2013, with the aim of overcoming the on-going conflicts caused by the imposition of megaprojects.
8. We urge the national and international community to support the Mayan People in their fight for respect and for a good and dignified life.
The Coordination of CPO
May 16, 2014