Via-info-en April 2024

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International Day of Peasant Struggles: Build Solidarity! Enough with the genocide, evictions and violence!
by La Via Campesina 17 Apr '24

17 Apr '24

*|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* International Day of Peasant Struggles: Build Solidarity! Enough with the genocide, evictions and violence! 17 April 2024 Peasants' Rights <https://viacampesina.org/en/what-are-we-fighting-for/human-rights/> * This article is available in * Español <https://viacampesina.org/es/en-el-dia-internacional-de-las-luchas-campesina…> * Français <https://viacampesina.org/fr/en-cette-journee-internationale-des-luttes-pays…> 17 April 2024, Bagnolet | Declaration by La Via Campesina ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *17 April 2024 – Today is the International Day of Peasant Struggles.* A moment when we, La Via Campesina, commemorate the 28th anniversary of the El Dorado de Carajás Massacre in Brazil and denounce the impunity with which peasant and indigenous people are harassed, attacked and criminalized around the world. Every year, our movement dedicates this day to mobilize in support of the ongoing struggles of peasants, rural communities, indigenous groups, pastoralists, fisherfolk, migrants, and rural workers. As a global peasant movement, we persistently denounce and resist various forms of oppression—genocides, wars, hunger, evictions, persecution, criminalization, and systemic violence—within a geopolitical landscape dominated by the advancing forces of imperialism, neocolonialism, and exploitative capitalism. Our efforts, that also found a full consensus at the recetly concluded 8th International Conference, encompass a diverse set of initiatives, including the UN Working Group to monitor the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas, the efforts to broaden the global movement for Food Sovereignty by actively contributing towards the Nyéléni Global Forum for Food Sovereignty in 2025, a host of global solidarity campaigns, and our sustained advocacy for an alternative trade framework based on Food Sovereignty. These actions exemplify La Via Campesina’s response to the crisis-ridden context we confront. On this International Day of Peasant Struggles, our member organizations worldwide are engaged in a myriad of activities. These include demonstrations of denunciation and solidarity, seed exchanges, planting of traditional crops, sale of agroecological products, conferences with other social movements, and various other actions. These efforts nourish global processes and propel collective demands for Food Sovereignty and social justice. Below is a succinct overview of the most notable struggles at the global level. *Neocolonialism’s Grip: Genocides, Wars, Crises, and Starvation Across the Globe* Across various nations, the pernicious effects of neocolonialism are starkly evident. In *Palestine*, UAWC farmers are urgently calling for a ceasefire amidst the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, a crime against humanity which has resulted in the loss of over 33,000 lives and has left hundreds of thousands, particularly children and women, in dire conditions of starvation. Actions such as denunciation, sustained solidarity, and humanitarian aid contributions are needed to assist the affected families. Similarly, *Sudan* grapples with a brutal civil war, supported by imperialist and regional forces, ravages the country with the aim of plundering its resources. This conflict, ignored by the international community, has displaced more than 6 million people, destroyed infrastructure and aggravated famine. Sudanese peasants calls for an end to this foreign intervention to allow the people to determine their destiny and preserve unity. In *Haiti*, the country is facing a worsening crisis of hunger and insecurity, akin to a slow genocide. Criminal gangs disrupt food distribution, driving up prices amid fuel shortages. Despite these challenges, peasants bravely supply urban centers, traveling dangerous routes, where they often face robbery, kidnapping and murder. Haitian peasant organizations advocate for a people-driven political transition free from colonial interference. Meanwhile, *Cuba*, the peasantry strongly denounces the inclusion of the country on the US terrorist list, together with the severe economic blockade, which drastically affects its sovereignty. In the framework of the 65th anniversary of the Agrarian Reform, peasant families and farm workers ask the States to advocate for Cuban rights to national and food sovereignty, which will allow them to continue feeding the population. In Ecuador, the peasantry is struggling against the escalating militarization and breach of international law, particularly highlighting the presence of the Southern Command in South America under the influence of the U.S. government. Furthermore, rural communities in *Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali*, constituting 80% of the population, bear a disproportionate burden of neocolonial sanctions imposed by ECOWAS, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and the European Union. In response to this threat to the right to food in Sahelian communities, our member organizations are actively engaging in advocacy efforts at the UN, seeking to liberate countries from neocolonial influence. *Assassinations and persecution of those who defend land, territories and life persist* In *Argentina*, a leader of the peasant organization MOCASE was murdered by an armed gang associated with land usurpation in the northern region of the country. Peasants demand justice and condemn the pervasive violence and frequent evictions inflicted upon them by powerful groups connected to agribusiness. At the same time, peasant farmers in *Tanzania* are facing repeated arrests and imprisonment for farming on ancestral lands claimed by powerful businessmen. The government’s actions to transfer village lands into block farms for export crops are displacing thousands of farmers and threatening water access. Similar conflicts are erupting nationwide, reminiscent of the failed ProSavana project in *Mozambique*. Despite challenges, Tanzanian farmers are organizing resistance to defend their lands against corporate agriculture and potential new waves of land grabs. In *Australia* the small-scale farmers are denouncing the introduction of a neoliberal biodiversity market which further commodifies nature, provides incentive to concentrate land ownership, and threatens the loss of farmland. Also in *Guatemala*, indigenous-peasant organizations condemn ongoing evictions in territories and remain committed to advancing food sovereignty within the country. *Panama*‘ s peasant organization persists in its challenge to extractivism in all its forms, especially opposing mining activities. They highlight the crucial role of promoting democracy in the upcoming elections to address the plight of marginalized communities affected by exploitative practices, which has claimed the lives of dozens of indigenous and peasant leaders. Also in *France*, the draft agrarian orientation law promoted by the government is facing backlash from peasant organizations. Criticized for accelerating a social plan that fuels the disappearance of farmers, the bill is condemned for promoting the concentration of land and resources, disadvantaging the majority. Meanwhile, in *Thailand*, our member organization’s battle against the impact of dams, highlighted especially by the adverse effects of the Sirinthorn dam on local communities, underscores the urgent need for fair compensation, sustainable land management practices and environmental justice. In *Indonesia*, peasants in Kutai Barat, East Borneo and Tanjung Jabung Barat, Jambi are criminalized for mobilizing to defend their land and food production ; this is in a context in which the peasantry is demanding support at the national level for the minimum price of the rice they produce. *Mobilizations continue against public policies that impoverish the peasantry and fuels hunger* Peasant struggles in *Sri* *Lanka* persist against national debt and the IMF, with recent victories seen in their campaign against microfinance credit firms. Following sustained advocacy efforts, the government has reversed a proposed amendment. In *Bangladesh*, BAFLF continues its fight for improved wages for farm laborers on state-owned university farms, while in *Pakistan*, PKRC grapples with mounting debt and soaring prices. In *Nepal*, ANPFA intensifies its battle against proposed ‘land banks,’ which it views as a threat to commons and indigenous lands. On the other hand, Peasant communities in *Uganda* are struggling with the negative impacts of Large Scale Land Based Investments (LSLBI), which often fail to benefit local areas as promised. Particularly in regions like Northern Uganda, small-scale farmers, especially those in the coffee sector, face challenges engaging with large-scale investors, resulting in marginalization and limited benefits. In Zimbabwe, escalating food prices and currency devaluation worsen food insecurity, affecting millions regionwide. Concurrently, flooding and water scarcity exacerbate the crisis, underscoring the pressing need for sustainable agricultural solutions. In *Belgium* and across *Europe*, farmers are demanding fair prices and incomes, urging an end to negotiations on unfair trade agreements such as the EU-Mercosur deal. While some progress has been achieved, recent EU proposals have been inadequate. With European elections looming, peasants are determined to press for their rights and seek support for agroecological practices and the preservation of peasant seeds. In the same vein, as *India* gears up for upcoming elections, peasant organizations are intensifying their calls for improved prices and legal assurances regarding minimum support prices. Concurrently, they persist in their resistance against GMOs and advocate against regulatory relaxations for GM maize field trials. *Agrarian reform gains traction as UNDROP is put into action* In *Brazil*, peasant communities, inspired by the enduring spirit of the April Red, born 28 years ago after the massacre of Eldorado do Carajás, continue to tirelessly campaign for agrarian reform and food sovereignty. Their steadfast dedication to these causes remains a focal point in ongoing struggles, both regionally and globally. Continuing the struggle, *Colombia* recently reached a milestone by securing recognition for peasants as rights-holders with special constitutional protection. The movement vigorously advocates for agrarian reform, leveraging the UN-endorsed Peasant Rights Declaration as a political tool. As a further step towards implementing UNDROP for agrarian reform and ensuring equitable access to commons. This country hosted an International Conference on Global Land Grabbing with the participation of an international delegation from La Via Campesina. This event marks one of many actions the movement is taking globally to implement UNDROP in diverse countries and communities. Standing in solidarity against all violations of human and peasant rights, continuing the struggle against neocolonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism, and unwaveringly committing to agroecological transition for climate justice —these are the core principles driving the food sovereignty global struggle championed by La Via Campesina and its member organizations. On this International Day of Action of peasant struggles, we unite and raise our voices: *Build Solidarity! Enough with the genocide, evictions and violence!* ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Facebook <https://viacampesina.org/#facebook>Twitter <https://viacampesina.org/#twitter>WhatsApp <https://viacampesina.org/#whatsapp>Telegram <https://viacampesina.org/#telegram> *Webinaire de l'Articulation des Femmes de La Via Campesina : "Les femmes palestiniennes en résistance contre le génocide et la faim"* Chères, chers ami·es, camarades, allié·es et membres de La Via Campesina, Nous sommes ravi·es de vous inviter à notre prochain webinaire intitulé "Les femmes palestiniennes en résistance contre le génocide et la faim", qui mettra en lumière les besoins humanitaires urgents et les défis auxquels font face les femmes et les enfants à Gaza en pleine crise humanitaire. Israël mène une guerre génocidaire contre les Palestinien.nes, prenant pour cible les civil.es (de manière disproportionnée les femmes et les enfants), les bâtiments résidentiels, les hôpitaux, les écoles, les lieux de culte, les terres agricoles et toutes les infrastructures sociales de base. Israël a imposé un blocus total à Gaza, empêchant les 2,3 millions de Palestinien.ne.s de Gaza d'avoir accès à la nourriture, à l'eau, à l'électricité et au carburant. L'entrée de l'aide humanitaire est également restreinte. Les agriculteur.rices et les pêcheur.euses n'ont pas accès à leurs terres et à la mer. Nous vous réservons également un temps important de 45 minutes pour interagir avec les femmes palestiniennes, poser des questions et partager des propositions pour les soutenir collectivement. Invitées palestiniennes : • Tahrir Jaber, membre de l'Union des Comités de la Femme Palestinne • Sammer Abu Safiya, militante féministe originaire de la bande de Gaza • Samah Abu Naama, membre des Comités de Travail Agricole et militante féministe et coopérative Ouverture du webinaire : Torkia Chebi, présidente de l'association tunisienne Million Rural Women and the landless , Tunisie Clôture du webinaire : Khadija Rhamiri ICC et membre de FNSA Morocco Date : 21 Mars 2024 Heure : 7h00 Quito, 13h00 Europe, 14h00 Palestine Lieu : En ligne https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85403722501 En solidarité indéfectible La Via Campesina In unwavering solidarity *La Via Campesina* *Invitación al seminario web de la Red de Mujeres de La Vía Campesina: Las mujeres palestinas en resistencia contra el genocidio y el hambre* Queridxs amigxs, camaradas, aliadxs y miembrxs de La Vía Campesina, Nos complace invitarles a nuestro próximo seminario web titulado "Las mujeres palestinas en resistencia contra el genocidio y el hambre", que pondrá de relieve las urgentes necesidades humanitarias y los retos a los que se enfrentan las mujeres y los niños de Gaza en plena crisis humanitaria. Israel está perpetrando un genocidio contra lxs palestinxs, atacando a civiles (afectando desproporcionadamente a mujeres y niñxs), edificios residenciales, hospitales, escuelas, lugares de culto, tierras agrícolas y toda la infraestructura social básica. Israel ha impuesto un bloqueo total a Gaza, impidiendo que lxs 2,3 millones de palestinxs de Gaza tengan acceso a alimentos, agua, electricidad y combustible. La entrada de ayuda humanitaria también está restringida. Los agricultores y pescadores no tienen acceso a sus tierras de cultivo ni al mar, respectivamente. También hemos reservado 45 minutos importantes para fomentar el diálogo con las mujeres palestinas, a través de preguntas y propuestas para apoyarlas colectivamente. *Invitadas palestinas :* * Tahrir Jaber, integrante de la Unión de Comités de Mujeres Palestinas * Sammer Abu Safiya, activista feminista de la Franja de Gaza * Samah Abu Naama, integrante de los Comités de Trabajo Agrícola y activista feminista y cooperativista Apertura del seminario web: Torkia Chebi, Presidenta de la asociación tunecina Millones de Mujeres Rurales y Sin Tierra, Túnez Clausura del seminario web: Khadija Rhamiri, CCI de LVC, y parte de FNSA Marruecos Fecha: 21 de marzo de 2024 Hora: 7:00 Quito, 13:00 Europa, 14:00 Palestina Ubicación: En línea https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85403722501 En solidaridad inquebrantable *La Vía Campesina*

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Peasant Struggles | April 2024
by La Via Campesina 12 Apr '24

12 Apr '24

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Edition: March 2024 SUBSCRIBE [1] La Via Campesina's 'PEASANT STRUGGLES' brings to you a monthly synthesis of articles and videos from our website and multimedia library. Read, share and help us globalize the struggle! [2] #17April: International Day of Peasant Struggles ------------------------- 2024 started with massive protests of peasant farmers in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world against destructive agricultural policies. These demonstrations are not limited to seeking fair prices and a dignified life for peasants but also express the need for a society oriented toward a future where peasant agroecology prevails over agribusiness methods and where social justice and the dignity of everyone are ensured. It is imperative to guarantee that no one is forced to leave their land, family, and culture to seek a better life elsewhere while sacrificing their lives to feed their families. On April 17, we will occupy the streets and all spaces where peasant struggles are left to forcefully reaffirm our peasant path and strengthen food sovereignty in our territories. We strongly urge all members, allies, and supporters of La Via Campesina to mobilize now and throughout April, united in a single solidarity voice to support the struggles of peasants against global crises. Build Solidarity! Enough with the genocide, evictions and violence! [3] #8M24 - "With conviction we build Food Sovereignty and we fight against the crisis and violence!" [4] ------------------------- As part of this day of action, we denounce all kinds of violence, evils of the capitalist and patriarchal system that exploits and oppress women, we manifest against the femicides as the most ruthless expression of violence expressed over the women, childhoods and diversities bodies. Women from the Landless Workers' Movement mobilize across Brazil [5] ------------------------- On March 6th, the National Day of Struggle of Landless Women 2024 commenced, concluding on Friday, March 8th, the International Women's Day of Struggle. The MST women rallied in support of rural and urban workers advocating for agrarian reform, while also urging for ongoing mobilization for social justice. Thailand's anti-dam struggle, role of peasant women in the fight for dignity and livelihoods | Interview [6] ------------------------- "The latest case, the Pong Khunpet Dam, is an example of how even though the dam construction is complete, the people refuse to move out because the government did not provide them with new land. The dam is not working completely, but they opened the water gate a little, which is causing flooding in the community." Dominican Republic's Gender Gap is at 70.4%. Feminist Manifesto calls for change [7] ------------------------- The manifesto highlights ongoing challenges faced by Dominican women, advocating for gender equality and social justice. It condemns violence against women, calls for legislative reforms, and urges political engagement to address systemic inequalities, emphasizing the personal as political. Chile: ANAMURI held #8M24 event with indigenous and peasant women who are rebuilding since the deadly fires [8] ------------------------- ANAMURI and allies hosted a solidarity event on March 9th at Cerro Achupallas, Viña del Mar. The event honored the courage of women affected by tragic fires, paid homage to victims, and supported affected families. Sri Lanka: Proposed regulatory body would impact community savings and credit initiatives [9] ------------------------- MONLAR denounced the newly proposed Regulatory Authority for Microfinance and Credit, alleging that its over-reaching mandates would criminalize community savings and credit initiatives--with catastrophic consequences for rural women. The Voices of Palestinian Women [10] ------------------------- Listening to the voices of Palestinian women is fundamental to understand the historical and current forms of genocide against the Palestinian people. The occupation imposed restrictions on resources, demanding imported products that became very expensive. Palestinian women constitute 78% of the people responsible for agricultural work. Spain: Only 3 out of 10 Euros from CAP go to Land Managed by Women [11] ------------------------- According to data from the Spanish Agricultural Guarantee Fund (FEGA), the proportion of CAP aid received by women-owned farms significantly lags behind that of men, with only 27.5% of direct aid and 26.34% of Rural Development aid going to women. READ ALL ARTICLES FROM #8M2024 [12] GLOBAL ACTIONS - FULL GALLERY [13] FEATURED VIDEOS [14] #8M24 The anti-patriarchal struggles are at the heart of the struggles of peasant women and our movement. Their complexity represented a great challenge that involved all of us, women, men, and diverse identities, facing the latent violence that the countryside experiences due to various systems of oppression. [15] The Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) led the initiative to provide aid to Gaza and the West Bank. Support thousands of affected Palestinian families by providing them with food, water, and essential supplies. [16] This video provided a Haitian perspective on Haiti's history, from the devastating European invasion to its struggle for independence and ongoing resistance against oppression. Inspired by Dessalines and other leaders who led the rebellion against slavery and secured independence in 1804, Haitian peasants rise again to confront neocolonialism and foreign interference, questioning the complicity of the international community in the country's current situation. Join the mobilization by listening to Haitian voices, reflecting on the future of Haiti. MORE VIDEOS [17] MONTHLY PODCASTS FROM LA VIA CAMPESINA You are an important part of the autonomy of our movement ------------------------- As a supporter who has contributed financial resources to La Via Campesina, and as an activist who joins us on the streets and in the fields, your support is always welcome and put to good use. You can renew your contribution to La Via Campesina by clicking on the Donate button on our home page [18] and following the link to our PayPal account. 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