Words by Tess Becker
Guatemala has taken measures to improve the rights of its indigenous population. This came as a result of campaigning from groups including Cultural Survival.
During a human rights review, the country received several recommendations on the improvement of Indigenous Peoples’ rights. One of the biggest recommendations as in the implementation of radio for indigenous people, which up this point was illegal.
It also included changes such as bilingual and intercultural education, prevention from forced evictions from their territories, and implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent mechanisms.
In a positive step for human rights, Guatemala accepted all recommendations.
During the process, Colombia urged the State of Guatemala to “consider the implementation and application of the Inter-American Court ruling ordering Guatemala to recognize Indigenous community radio stations as distinguished media and to adopt the necessary measures to establish a simple and free procedure for obtaining licenses, as well as reserving part of the radio spectrum for Indigenous community radio and ceasing the criminalization of Indigenous radio operators.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Cultural Survival. An international organization working in collaboration with indigenous people to improve their rights. Find out more here.
Forest Peoples Programme. A human rights advocacy organization partnering with a network of indigenous people's groups aroudn the world. Discover their work.
FSC Indigenous Foundation. This global organization was set up by and for indigenous people to pursue longterm solutions. Read more.
