Victor Hugo López, Communications Coordinator at the Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Human Rights Center (Frayba) in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, will discuss human rights in Chiapas and the prospects for political change in 2010. The human rights situation in Chiapas has deteriorated rapidly in recent months, including an attack on a Fraba lawyer in September. As popular organizations wage peaceful struggles against paramilitary violence, tourism projects that displace campesinos, and illegal land grabs, the Frayba is at the often-dangerous forefront of human rights defense. Under attack from paramilitary groups, the army, and both the state and federal governments, the Frayba produces frequent human rights reports, defends cases in court and supports indigenous communities under attack.
Location:
LaPena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA
94705