Injustice and murder: conflict over Paraguay's land continues2 April 2013
Conflict over land in Paraguay, between politicians, big landowners and peasant farmers, continues.
Between September 2012 and February 2013 armed men shot and killed three peasant leaders.
At least nine other peasant activists are reported to have received threats. And this month threatening messages have been sent to members of a community radio station.
Fighting for land rights and justice
Many peasants have had their land taken away from them illegally, forcing them to move away to cities where their living conditions get worse.
Other human rights violations associated with the struggle for land rights are ongoing.
Injustice
On 15 June 2012 in Curuguaty, eastern Paraguay, 11 peasants and six police officers were killed during the police eviction of peasants from land they had occupied.
Fourteen peasants have been charged, 10 of them with murder, in relation to the events of June 2012.
One of those charged was a 17 year-old boy who had reportedly taken food and clothing to the peasants occupying the land. He has been convicted and sentenced to two years in prison.
No action has been taken against the members of security forces for their part in the killing of civilians.
Allegations of ill-treatment and torture by the police have not been investigated.
Take action
Please join Sobrevivencia (Friends of the Earth Paraguay) in calling for justice and for human rights defenders to be protected.
International pressure helps. Please call on the UK Government to help protect peasant leaders in Paraguay.
