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Peasant Struggles | June 24
by La Via Campesina 19 Jul '24

19 Jul '24

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Edition: June 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] La Via Campesina: Climate Catastrophes require urgent global attention and response! Enough of False Promises and False Solutions! ------------------------- In the face of this grave crisis, La Via Campesina has been calling on states and governments to adopt concrete and resilient alternatives for affected populations. It insists that the fight against climate change must have political will but also ensure that communities have control over their territories, not transnational corporations. It's urgent to change the system and transform food systems, identifying the responsible parties and their responsibilities, and implementing clear solutions such as the UN Declaration of Rights of Peasants (UNDROP), Peasant Agroecology and Food Sovereignty, which create dignified conditions, healthy nutrition, and regenerate life and nature. READ THE FULL STATEMENT [3] On June 25th, over 400 Kenyan officers arrived in Haiti as part of a neo-colonial strategy to undermine Haitian sovereignty. The deployment of Kenyan police forces in recent weeks has not prevented recent incidents of insecurity, such as the takeover of a police station in Port-au-Prince and attacks on food transporters on provincial roads, such as National Route 1 where gangs massacred civilians in the agricultural areas of Lower Artibonite, resulting in numerous casualties. READ THE REPORT [4]. Urgent Appeal to Save the Revolution and the Sudanese People [5] ------------------------- This war has resulted in an appalling humanitarian tragedy, costing the lives of over twenty thousand people, injuring another fifty thousand, and displacing over 8.5 million from their homes. In addition, the war has led to the almost total destruction of infrastructure, the looting of markets and farms, and the disruption of livelihoods, catastrophically worsening living conditions. Sri Lanka: Social movements decry large-scale land grab in Kilinochchi [6] ------------------------- The People's Alliance for the Right to Land, an umbrella network of social movements, civil society organizations, and land rights activists in Sri Lanka, has warned of a large-scale land grab in Kilinochchi district for mineral exploration purposes. Tokyo Cement Company's controversial project involves acquiring 3,000 acres of land for limestone excavation and cement factory construction. Neoliberalism and repression of social movements explain the rise of the far right in Europe [7] ------------------------- The far right has no answers to the multiple social crises facing rural areas in Europe. Everything they are proposing - which includes combating migration, limiting the rights of migrant workers, rolling back environmental measures, and so forth - will not improve the situation of people living in rural areas. UK: The Landworkers' Alliance's Top Five Demands for the New Government [8] ------------------------- As part of its efforts to put food and farming higher on the political agenda, the Landworkers' Alliance has set out its top five demands for the next government. Emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices and increased support for farmers, the Alliance's demands highlight critical issues impacting the sector. Uganda: Making a business case for agroecology and empowering small-scale farmers [9] ------------------------- Members of the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmers' Forum (ESAFF) explain how the new Agroecology Business Hub (ABH) is helping tackle three key factors for small-scale food producers; Access to Credit, Linkages to Local Markets and Building Capacities. Another Blow to Kenyan Government as High Court Extends Ban on GMO to October 2024 [10] ------------------------- The statement by KPL also noted that the matter was significant because it touched on very critical issues affecting the Kenyan society; the right to quality and acceptable food, the right to health and not in the least, the economic & social rights of peasant farmers who produce over 80% of the food consumed locally in the country La Via Campesina mobilizes for the defense of Democracy in Bolivia! [11] ------------------------- We stand in solidarity with and join the resistance of our Cloc - Vía Campesina Bolivia Organizations. We call on all our organizations worldwide to remain vigilant against these destabilizing strategies in Bolivia and the region. Landless Women Building Free Territories: 40 Years of Struggle for Agrarian Reform in Brazil [12] ------------------------- To think about the MST's organizational process is to think about the meaning of women's protagonism. The MST's organicity is only the way it is due to the feminist outlook addressing topics of human existence, like education, health, child care, the fight against gender-based oppressions, building agroecology, food sovereignty. READ ALL ARTICLES FROM JUNE 2024 [13] FEATURED PODCASTS [14] For more news and updates from peasant movements worldwide, subscribe to our Monthly Newswrap Podcast. Tune in Now! [15] [14] Chengeto Sandra Muzira, a young peasant from the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) and a member of the International Coordination Committee of La Via Campesina, recently spoke on IFAD's Farms-Food-Future podcast. She highlighted the importance of sustainable land use in agroecological practices. Tune in Now! [16] FEATURED PUBLICATION [14] NYÉLÉNI NEWSLETTER: CHALLENGING THE FINANCING BEHIND GREEN AND BLUE GRABBING This edition of the newsletter explores some of the varied and bewildering array of new schemes that financialize oceans, soils, seaweed, and forests. DOWNLOAD NOW [17] 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. [19] [20] Facebook [20] [21] Twitter [21] [22] Instagram [22] [23] Spotify [23] [24] Vimeo [24] To unsubscribe from the distribution list, questions or comments, write to viacampesina(a)viacampesina.org Website: www.viacampesina.org TV: www.tv.viacampesina.org To subscribe to this newsletter - Click Here [1] Links: ------ [1] https://mail.viacampesina.org/lists/listinfo/Via-info-en [2] https://viacampesina.org/es/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Banner-web-E… [3] https://viacampesina.org/en/la-via-campesina-climate-catastrophes-require-u… [4] https://viacampesina.org/en/ground-report-haiti-in-struggle-kenyan-troops-i… [5] https://viacampesina.org/en/urgent-appeal-to-save-the-revolution-and-the-su… [6] https://viacampesina.org/en/sri-lanka-social-movements-decry-large-scale-la… [7] https://viacampesina.org/en/eu-elections-neoliberalism-and-repression-of-so… [8] https://viacampesina.org/en/uk-the-landworkers-alliances-top-five-demands-f… [9] https://viacampesina.org/en/uganda-making-a-business-case-for-agroecology-a… [10] https://viacampesina.org/en/blow-to-government-as-kenyan-court-extends-ban-… [11] https://viacampesina.org/en/la-via-campesina-mobilizes-for-the-defense-of-d… [12] https://viacampesina.org/en/landless-women-building-free-territories-40-yea… [13] https://viacampesina.org/en/2024/06/ [14] https://open.spotify.com/episode/6scnxNpj9GKJwuDf7dnugn [15] https://open.spotify.com/episode/4GqEI4b1marCCVOtZPTp2f [16] https://viacampesina.org/en/peasant-agroecology-and-sustainable-land-use-pr… [17] https://nyeleni.org/DOWNLOADS/newsletters/Nyeleni_Newsletter_Num_56_EN.pdf [18] http://www.viacampesina.org/ [19] https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=IK5Hgl6MlPxD… [20] http://www.facebook.com/ViaCampesinaOFFICIAL [21] https://twitter.com/via_campesina [22] http://www.instagram.com/la_via_campesina_official [23] https://open.spotify.com/show/5FYiTT1dNlt8HgUHVUR3pv [24] https://vimeo.com/viacampesina

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La Via Campesina Urges UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to support a Food Sovereignty-Based Global Trade Framework
by La Via Campesina 14 Jul '24

14 Jul '24

*|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Afficher ce courriel dans votre navigateur <https://viacampesina.org/fr/kit-de-presse-8e-conference-internationale-de-l…> La Via Campesina Urges UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to support a Food Sovereignty-Based Global Trade Framework 4 July 2024 *In an open letter* addressed to Ms. Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), La Via Campesina extends regards for UNCTAD’s 60th anniversary, recalling its founding ideals for fair global trade. The letter points to current times, reveals failures in global trade governance, and urges UNCTAD to embrace new solutions promoting food sovereignty and social justice worldwide. Here is the full text of the letter: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To: *Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis,* *Secretary-General,* *UN Trade and Development* Greetings, >From La Via Campesina, one of the world’s largest networks of small-scale food producers, comprising 180 peasant and indigenous peoples’ organizations in 81 countries, we convey our best regards and wishes for the 60th anniversary of the UN Trade and Development, UNCTAD. *We recall the noble intentions behind the creation of UNCTAD*: the drive for independence among many Southern countries and the aspiration to overhaul the world trade order inherited from colonization, aiming for trade that benefits people, particularly in the Global South. However, we find ourselves in extraordinary times that betray these intentions, and we hope that UNCTAD @ 60 is mindful of the realities confronting humanity today. Global geopolitics is shifting towards multipolarity, a consequence of the longstanding hegemonic foreign policy of Western superpowers and of the increasing power of transnational companies. This policy dictated global trade rules crafted to benefit and expand the economic interests of a small oligarchy, enabling them to firmly control the finite resources of countries around the world. This multipolar world emerges amidst recurring climate catastrophes, stemming from an extractivist model of industrialization initially devised in the Global North and systematically exported to the South. Structural adjustment programs, free trade agreements, and economic partnership frameworks perpetuate this model, exacerbating the loss of lives, livelihoods, and exacerbating global hunger and malnutrition. *We contend that globalization has failed to deliver on its promise of inclusivity and prosperity, both for people and the planet.* La Via Campesina emerged in 1993 as a response to globalization’s perceived cover for the neocolonization of our territories. We warned against the expansion of capital, commodification of resources, and the erosion of rural economies, advocating for cooperation over competition in international trade. Repeatedly, we sounded alarms against institutions like the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, which promoted privatization, deregulation, and financialization of ecosystems. We cautioned against the commodification of seeds and crops, dismantling of public food programs, and the rise of factory farms and global agrifood transnational companies foreseeing the concentration of the global food chain and its catastrophic consequences. *Since 2023, protests have erupted in nearly 90 countries, led by marginalized groups disillusioned by the false promises of globalization.* Governments of the Global South, long deceived by these promises, are awakening to the reality of their resentment. The desire to integrate into the WTO, once seen as a solution, has proven illusory, as the trade order has consistently favored transnational corporations and Northern oligarchies. Even those Southern governments that have demonstrated the political will to implement public agricultural policies that promote better market regulation, price support and poverty reduction programmes are being insidiously trapped by the global financial institutions into huge external financial debts – limiting their ability to implement meaningful public policies. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary solutions, from the people. In 2016, we *cautioned <https://viacampesina.org/en/lvc-declaration-on-trade-markets-and-developmen…>* UNCTAD against neoliberalism’s “free trade paradigm” and “market-driven development” schemes, which consolidate corporate control over food systems. Since the early 1990s, UNCTAD shifted its activities from trying to build a fair international trade system to try to support Southern countries in WTO negotiations. Its premises was that WTO could be beneficial to Southern countries if they were able to get organized and get the best of it. La Via Campesina believes that this strategy has failed. *The WTO has continued to be the tool of Northern oligarchies in order to increase market access for transnational corporations. It has never been beneficial for the people, in particular in Southern countries. *We call on UNCTAD and all member countries to recognize this failure and to reconnect with its original mandate: creating a fair international trade framework towards people’s sovereignty and social justice. Today, as UNCTAD marks its 60th year, we remind you that true solutions must arise from those most affected by decades of neoliberal policies: peasants, small scale-farmers, agricultural workers, indigenous peoples, workers, rural and urban women, urban poor, in particular those in Southern countries *We call on UNCTAD to heed the voices from the ground clamoring for food sovereignty.* Food Sovereignty embodies the right of peoples to healthy, culturally appropriate food produced sustainably. It places the needs of small-scale food producers, distributors, and consumers at the forefront, rather than the interests of markets and corporations. *In 2022, La Via Campesina embarked on the creation of a global trade framework in collaboration with peasant and indigenous peoples’ organizations across 80 countries. This framework is grounded in the principles of Food Sovereignty, Internationalism, and Solidarity.* It aims to address the social and ecological crises gripping our world today. This framework empowers each country to determine its agricultural and food policies, safeguarding and nurturing local food systems through various regulatory measures such as minimum support prices, public stocks, and supply management. The goal is to stabilize agricultural prices over the costs of production and combat speculation. Moreover, it pledges to prevent any country from being forcibly excluded from international agricultural trade. It advocates for regulated international trade in agricultural inputs, aiming to reduce dependency on these inputs and transition towards peasant agroecology. This framework strives for international trade free from geopolitical pressures and prohibits practices like dumping and export subsidies for agricultural and food products. It upholds the highest standards of human rights, including the right to food, UNDROP, UNDRIP, and ILO regulations protecting workers’ rights. It defends the rights of agricultural workers, women, fisherfolk, pastoralists, indigenous peoples, migrant workers, and others in the food system. Additionally, it condemns the use of food as a weapon in international conflicts. *We invite UNCTAD and its member states to collaborate with us in building this framework.* We propose a participatory process within the UN, with active involvement from the Food and Agriculture Organization. Our goal is to create a society where hunger is eradicated, and social justice prevails. A delegation from La Via Campesina eagerly awaits the opportunity to discuss our proposals further. Together, we can pave the way for a future where no one goes hungry, and where equity and justice prevail. We anticipate your response. *La Via Campesina* *04 July 2024, Bagnolet* Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/viacampesinaFR> Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/ViaCampesinaOfficial> Website <http://www.viacampesina.org> Instagram <http://instagram.com/la_via_campesina_official> Pour se désinscrire de la liste de distribution, poser des questions ou faire des commentaires, écrivez à *viacampesina(a)viacampesina.org* <mailto:viacampesina@viacampesina.org> Site web : www.viacampesina.org Pour s'abonner à cette lettre d'information - Cliquez ici <https://mail.viacampesina.org/lists/listinfo/Via-info-fr>

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EMERGENCY: Declare Gaza a Famine-Stricken Area and End the Genocide NOW !
by La Via Campesina 09 Jul '24

09 Jul '24

*|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Afficher ce courriel dans votre navigateur <https://viacampesina.org/fr/kit-de-presse-8e-conference-internationale-de-l…> EMERGENCY: Declare Gaza a Famine-Stricken Area and End the Genocide NOW ! 2 July 2024 Bagnolet: june 26 , 2024 Here below is the latest petition to declare Gaza Strip a FAMINE ZONE and to end the genocidal war waged by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people. Every action counts at this moment. We ask all our members, allies, and friends to read the petition and sign it. *We must act NOW. Read our declaration from La Via Campesina and sign the petition.* *La Via Campesina, the international peasant movement, representing over 200 million peasants, calls on all social movements, civil society organizations, human rights defenders and activists to support the appeal to the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority to immediately declare Gaza a famine-stricken area due to famine, <https://viacampesina.org/en/recognize-gaza-as-a-famine-zone-la-via-campesin…> environmental pollution, and the spread of diseases and the severe restriction of the humanitarian aid.* The United Nations and the Palestinian Authority must adopt this declaration and coordinate global and local efforts in partnership with Palestinian civil society to develop an immediate plan to address these impacts, elevate emergency relief levels for citizens in the sector, and push toward accountability and prosecution of the occupation for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Israeli genocide in Gaza has been ongoing for more than eight months and has intensified in Rafah, home to over a million internally displaced people. The actions and policies imposed by the Israeli occupation on the people of Gaza are causing untold suffering from severe food shortages, a continuous decline in nutrition levels, widespread malnutrition among children, and increased mortality rates due to diseases caused by hunger and malnutrition, along with the difficulty of accessing medical and healthcare services. The environmental pollution resulting from the destruction of sewage systems, the inability of municipalities to remove waste, the presence of thousands of bodies under the rubble, and the weak humanitarian response and provision of necessary aid to those in need, has worsened the situation and suffering of the people of Gaza. *According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Gaza Strip Targeted Analysis, May 31, 2024 report <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf36bU49jjyXFVoCsU_Wjjh8FazVEKZyNM…>* *all three Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) thresholds for Famine (food consumption, acute malnutrition, and mortality) were likely met or surpassed in northern Gaza in April. This situation will persist through at least in July if there is not a fundamental change in how food assistance is distributed and accessed after entering Gaza.* While food aid and informal market supplies increased in March and April, it is unlikely that over 80 percent of the northern Gaza population averted catastrophic hunger. Amid severe hunger, disease, and inadequate nutrition treatment and prevention, it is possible that acute malnutrition and mortality levels were above the IPC thresholds in April. Many children have died from hunger-related causes and government decision makers should act urgently to mitigate loss of life. The situation in southern Gaza is critical too because of the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Rafah which is seriously disrupting food distribution channels and worsening access to food, bringing *the south into Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) between May and July*. The report asserts that food and nutrition assistance have been key to preventing Famine (IPC Phase 5) in the south to date, and it is possible a sustained, large-scale disruption of assistance would lead to Famine in the period beyond July. We, therefore, call on all organizations, movements, human rights defenders, and supporters to sign this petition <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf36bU49jjyXFVoCsU_Wjjh8FazVEKZyNM…> to urge the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority to declare Gaza a famine-stricken area and take the necessary measures to protect its inhabitants. SIGN THE PETITION <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf36bU49jjyXFVoCsU_Wjjh8FazVEKZyNM…> *Long live the struggles of the Palestinian people! * *La Via Campesina* This post is also available in Español <https://viacampesina.org/es/urgente-declarar-gaza-zona-afectada-por-la-hamb…> and Français <https://viacampesina.org/fr/urgent-declarez-gaza-comme-zone-de-famine-et-me…>. Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/viacampesinaFR> Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/ViaCampesinaOfficial> Website <http://www.viacampesina.org> Instagram <http://instagram.com/la_via_campesina_official> Pour se désinscrire de la liste de distribution, poser des questions ou faire des commentaires, écrivez à *viacampesina(a)viacampesina.org* <mailto:viacampesina@viacampesina.org> Site web : www.viacampesina.org Pour s'abonner à cette lettre d'information - Cliquez ici <https://mail.viacampesina.org/lists/listinfo/Via-info-fr>

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La Via Campesina mobilizes for the defense of Democracy in Bolivia!
by La Via Campesina 08 Jul '24

08 Jul '24

*|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Afficher ce courriel dans votre navigateur <https://viacampesina.org/fr/kit-de-presse-8e-conference-internationale-de-l…> La Via Campesina mobilizes for the defense of Democracy in Bolivia! 28 June 2024 *Bagnolet, June 27, 2024*: In response to the failed coup attempt against the Plurinational State of Bolivia on June 26, La Vía Campesina and its member organizations worldwide call for the defense and stability of democracy, and respect for constitutional rights. Likewise, we repudiate military and imperialist actions that clearly interfere in political power, attacking the democratic values of a sovereign country and defying the will of its people. Such actions promote the destruction of the Plurinational State, which has a growing and stable economy based on a productive community social economic model. The Constitution of Bolivia cannot be trampled upon, nor the people’s mandate disobeyed, for the sake of transnational and imperialist economic interests! We stand in solidarity with and join the resistance of our Cloc – Vía Campesina Bolivia Organizations. We call on all our organizations worldwide to remain vigilant against these destabilizing strategies in Bolivia and the region. As social and peasant movements, we acknowledge the significant efforts of the Government of Bolivia, led by Luis Arce, in supporting various initiatives for peasant rights and social justice. As President Luis Arce stated, “We need the people to mobilize against the coup d’état. We cannot allow coup attempts to return. We salute the organizations for their mobilization for democracy. Long live Bolivia. Long live democracy!” Mobilize to defend democracy and oppose imperialism! This post is also available in Español <https://viacampesina.org/es/la-via-campesina-movilizada-por-la-defensa-de-l…> and Français <https://viacampesina.org/fr/la-via-campesina-mobilise-pour-la-defense-de-la…>. Facebook <https://viacampesina.org/#facebook>Twitter <https://viacampesina.org/#twitter>WhatsApp <https://viacampesina.org/#whatsapp>Telegram <https://viacampesina.org/#telegram> Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/viacampesinaFR> Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/ViaCampesinaOfficial> Website <http://www.viacampesina.org> Instagram <http://instagram.com/la_via_campesina_official> Pour se désinscrire de la liste de distribution, poser des questions ou faire des commentaires, écrivez à *viacampesina(a)viacampesina.org* <mailto:viacampesina@viacampesina.org> Site web : www.viacampesina.org Pour s'abonner à cette lettre d'information - Cliquez ici <https://mail.viacampesina.org/lists/listinfo/Via-info-fr>

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Peasant Struggles | May 2024
by La Via Campesina 27 Jun '24

27 Jun '24

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Edition: May 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] 'Recognize Gaza as a famine zone' La Via Campesina issues Solidarity Statement with the Palestinian People ------------------------- We urgently call upon the international community to recognize the dire situation in Gaza as a famine zone. The ongoing siege and the strategic use of starvation by the Israeli occupation as a weapon of war have pushed Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian disaster. This situation must be addressed immediately to prevent further loss of life. Moreover, we reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. The continued refusal of the Israeli government to agree to ceasefire proposals, despite Palestinian acceptance, is indefensible and exacerbates the suffering of countless innocent civilians. READ THE FULL STATEMENT [3] Inhumane sanctions on Niger lead to an acute shortage of essential items and food: PFPN [4] ------------------------- Little has changed in Brazil's context of rural violence. According to a report called Conflicts Booklet (Caderno de Conflitos), published by the Pastoral Land Commission (Comissão Pastoral da Terra), 973 rural conflicts occurred in the first half of 2023, most of which (791) were struggles for land. Brazil: MST reaches out to families affected by Rio Grande do Sul floods. Urges international support [5] ------------------------- The MST, along with partner entities, has been conducting the Landless Solidarity Campaign in Rio Grande do Sul to aid the over 2.1 million people affected by the heavy rains and floods in the state to date. 'World Bank Out of Land!' - 80+ organizations denounce World Bank's 2024 Land Conference [6] ------------------------- Over 80 organizations from around the world accuse the World Bank of facilitating land grabbing and the financialization of nature. Amendments to Agricultural Law would derail food self-sufficiency goals: Nouminren, JAPAN [7] ------------------------- Since the 1960s, Japan's food self-sufficiency rates have steadily declined. Nouminren points out that years of progressive liberalization and market reforms have led to increased dependency on agricultural imports. EU Agriculture and Food Chain Observatory: ECVC recommendations [8] ------------------------- Full text of the ECVC letter sent to the head of unit E in DG AGRI, to express ECVC's recommendations to the DG AGRI Unit E on the informal European Commission expert group on Agriculture and Food Chain Observatory. Italy: GMOs Gaining Entry with 'No Public Discussion, No Serious Risk Assessment', warns ARI [9] ------------------------- In a press release issued on May 14, 2024, Associazione Rurale Italiana (ARI) has raised multiple red flags against the decision to greenlight the planting of GMO rice. Agroecology Clubs: ESAFF Uganda makes efforts to integrate agroecology in school curriculum [10] ------------------------- ESAFF Uganda recognized the agroecology knowledge gap in the agriculture curriculum for academic intuitions, thus the first Agroecology Clubs were established in 2019 during the first National Organic Week. Korean Peasant Unions condemn import of agricultural products through Hanaro Mart [11] ------------------------- The protesters demanded that all imported agricultural products within Hanaro Mart be immediately removed and no longer sold La Via Campesina in the Arab and North Africa Region | Declaration from regional meeting 2024 [12] ------------------------- On May 10 and 11, 2024, the regional meeting of the LVC in the Arab and North Africa Region (ARNA) was held in Hammamet, Tunisia. Read the full text of the Declaration. Pakistan: Wheat imports result in huge losses for peasants. Nationwide protest announced [13] ------------------------- Peasant Unions in Pakistan held countrywide protest on May 21 against the wheat crisis, which they allege has been deliberately created by the former caretaker prime minister and some bureaucrats. As Conference on Biodiversity (COP16) draws near, CLOC to attend 'Ecoovida 2024' in Colombia [14] ------------------------- Within the framework of COP16, the CLOC-Via Campesina will attend an alternate space with social movements - The International Meeting Economies for Life (Ecoovida) 2024, organized by the Government of Colombia in Cali from October 22 to 26, 2024. 24-31 May: CLOC Via Campesina organized the VI Continental School of Women [13] ------------------------- This School strengthens the organizational processes of the Women's Articulation of CLOC, construction of peasant and popular feminism, and the fight against all forms of violence and oppression. READ ALL ARTICLES FROM MAY 2024 [15] FEATURED PODCASTS [16] For more news and updates from peasant movements worldwide, subscribe to our Monthly Newswrap Podcast. Tune in Now! [16] 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 [17] and following the link to our PayPal account. [18] [19] Facebook [19] [20] Twitter [20] [21] Instagram [21] [22] Spotify [22] [23] Vimeo [23] To unsubscribe from the distribution list, questions or comments, write to viacampesina(a)viacampesina.org Website: www.viacampesina.org TV: www.tv.viacampesina.org To subscribe to this newsletter - Click Here [1] Links: ------ [1] https://mail.viacampesina.org/lists/listinfo/Via-info-en [2] https://viacampesina.org/es/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Banner-web-E… [3] https://viacampesina.org/en/recognize-gaza-as-a-famine-zone-la-via-campesin… [4] https://viacampesina.org/en/inhumane-sanctions-on-niger-lead-to-an-acute-sh… [5] https://viacampesina.org/en/brazil-mst-reaches-out-to-families-affected-by-… [6] https://viacampesina.org/en/world-bank-out-of-land-80-organizations-denounc… [7] https://viacampesina.org/en/amendments-to-agricultural-law-derail-food-self… [8] https://viacampesina.org/en/ecvc-recommendations-on-agriculture-and-food-ch… [9] https://viacampesina.org/en/italy-gmos-gaining-entry-with-no-public-discuss… [10] https://viacampesina.org/en/agroecology-clubs-esaff-uganda-makes-efforts-to… [11] https://viacampesina.org/en/korean-peasant-unions-condemn-import-of-agricul… [12] https://viacampesina.org/en/la-via-campesina-in-the-arab-and-north-africa-r… [13] https://viacampesina.org/en/pakistan-wheat-imports-result-huge-losses-for-p… [14] https://viacampesina.org/en/as-conference-on-biodiversity-cop16-draws-near-… [15] https://viacampesina.org/en/2024/05/ [16] https://open.spotify.com/episode/6scnxNpj9GKJwuDf7dnugn [17] http://www.viacampesina.org/ [18] https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=IK5Hgl6MlPxD… [19] http://www.facebook.com/ViaCampesinaOFFICIAL [20] https://twitter.com/via_campesina [21] http://www.instagram.com/la_via_campesina_official [22] https://open.spotify.com/show/5FYiTT1dNlt8HgUHVUR3pv [23] https://vimeo.com/viacampesina

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LA VIA CAMPESINA SOLIDARITY STATEMENT WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
by La Via Campesina 31 May '24

31 May '24

LA VIA CAMPESINA SOLIDARITY STATEMENT WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE (Bagnolet, May 24, 2024) The genocide war committed by the Israeli occupation against Gaza has now reached 230 consecutive days. The Palestinian people continue to endure a brutal genocide that has escalated into one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent history. The unyielding assault has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, with countless more injured or displaced, their homes and communities reduced to rubble amidst relentless bombings. In a ground breaking development, we commend the initiative of Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, who has formally requested the court's judges to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Minister of War, Yoav Gallant. This marks a historic step toward achieving accountability for the high-ranking officials responsible for orchestrating widespread atrocities against the Palestinian people. This move by the ICC represents a critical advancement in the long pursuit of justice for Palestine, signalling to world leaders that impunity for war crimes will not be tolerated. Among the backdrop of this relentless genocide war, La Via Campesina stands firmly in solidarity with the Palestinian people, whose resilience in the face of such adversity is nothing short of heroic. The Palestinian spirit of resistance, manifested in their steadfast refusal to surrender their rights and dignity, inspires all who stand against oppression and strive for justice worldwide. We urgently call upon the international community to recognize the dire situation in Gaza as a famine zone. The ongoing siege and the strategic use of starvation by the Israeli occupation as a weapon of war have pushed Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian disaster. This situation must be addressed immediately to prevent further loss of life. Moreover, we reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. The continued refusal of the Israeli government to agree to ceasefire proposals, despite Palestinian acceptance, is indefensible and exacerbates the suffering of countless innocent civilians. La Via Campesina salutes the enduring struggle of the Palestinian people as they courageously fight for their legitimate rights to freedom and self-determination. We stand with the peasants and agricultural workers of Palestine, who face the harshest conditions under occupation, including land confiscation, home demolitions, and the destruction of their livelihoods. Their unyielding fight for justice and the restoration of their land highlights the profound impact of grassroots resistance against oppressive forces. Today, as La Via Campesina gathers in solidarity, we pledge to amplify the voices of those fighting on the frontlines in Palestine and to mobilize international support for their cause. Let the struggle of the Palestinian people serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit against overwhelming odds. Together, we call for a future where justice prevails, and Palestine is free. Long live the struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity in Palestine and around the world!

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Peasant Struggles | April 2024
by La Via Campesina 16 May '24

16 May '24

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* Edition: April 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: BUILD SOLIDARITY! ENOUGH WITH THE GENOCIDE, EVICTIONS AND VIOLENCE! ------------------------- 17 April 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. READ THE FULL STATEMENT [3] THE ELDORADO DO CARAJÁS MASSACRE: 28 YEARS OF IMPUNITY [4] ------------------------- Little has changed in Brazil's context of rural violence. According to a report called Conflicts Booklet (Caderno de Conflitos), published by the Pastoral Land Commission (Comissão Pastoral da Terra), 973 rural conflicts occurred in the first half of 2023, most of which (791) were struggles for land. ESAFF UGANDA STANDS IN SOLIDARITY ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEASANT STRUGGLES [5] ------------------------- ESAFF Uganda joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Peasant Struggles, a day that honors the resilience and sacrifices of small-scale farmers worldwide. PALESTINE: URGENT GLOBAL ACTION AGAINST THE USE OF STARVATION AS GENOCIDE IN GAZA [6] ------------------------- La Via Campesina and Union of Agricultural Work Committees called upon the people of the world to join global actions in solidarity with Palestine on the 13th of April - the Global Mobilisation Day. Many actions were held including _Global Fasting_- a symbolic action to encourage all of us to pause and reflect on what is happening in Gaza. UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW WORKING GROUP ON PEASANTS' RIGHTS (UNDROP) [7] ------------------------- On the 5th of April 2024, the UN Human Rights Council officially appointed the five experts to the working group; a significant milestone in advancing the implementation of the rights enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas. THE PROTRACTED STRUGGLE FOR LAND RIGHTS AND AGRARIAN REFORM IN INDRAMAYU, INDONESIA [8] ------------------------- In 1979, the state-owned sugar company PG Rajawali II earmarked the land for sugarcane plantations, igniting a prolonged dispute between peasant families and the corporation. Some were forcefully evicted, others reluctantly entered partnerships with the sugar company, while a resilient few refused to yield. MOZAMBIQUE: ZAMBEZIA PROVINCIAL UNION OF PEASANTS FIGHTING FOR THEIR RIGHTS [9] ------------------------- The peasants in Mozambique commemorated the International Day of Peasant Struggles, the 17th of April, by carrying out various activities to highlight their struggles. UPC-Z has been training advocacy agents and the community leaders in conflict management as a way to strengthen conflict measurement skills within their communities. KOREA: PEASANT MOVEMENTS HOLD DIALOGUE WITH EUROPEAN COUNTERPARTS ON FARMERS' PROTESTS [10] ------------------------- European farmer protests persist, drawing global attention. While marking the International Day of Peasant Struggles, Korean farmers held a cross-continental dialogue titled 'Why are European Farmers Protesting?' to study the context of this protest that resonates with the lived realities of Korean peasants. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: PEASANTS DENOUNCE EVICTIONS IN EL SEIBO AND MONTE GRANDE [11] ------------------------- LVC members in the country joined the struggle of the peasants of El Seibo who were dispossessed by landowners with the support of government officials in that area. They also stood with the peasants of Monte Grande, involuntarily evicted from their lands due to the construction of the dam. TUNISIA: MILLION RURAL WOMEN STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE LAND STRUGGLES IN SILIANA [12] ------------------------- In 2021, peasants in Siliana, notably in Henshir Laqasba, contested land speculation. A prolonged sit-in by workers and farmers led to arrests. Among nine peasants facing trial is also the peasant leader of the 'Million Rural Women and Landless Association'. The trial continues since 2021. HAITI: ANOTHER FOREIGN INTERVENTION WILL NOT SOLVE THE CRISIS. [13] ------------------------- The new transition plan proposed by CARICOM, seemingly endorsed by the Core Group and involving PHTK stakeholders, is unlikely to resolve the crisis. Similar past interventions introduced leadership and policies supposedly to alleviate the crisis but, only made it worse. A solution from its people is already there. READ ALL ARTICLES FROM #17April2024 [14] GLOBAL ACTIONS - FULL GALLERY [15] FEATURED PUBLICATION This edition of the Nyéléni newsletter, prepared by FIAN and AFSA, explores how the 'corporate diet' based on UPP is being imposed in different regions of the world and what this means for people's health and food sovereignty. It further provides examples of resistance, from the recovery of traditional crops to the struggle for effective regulatory measures. What is clear is that to reclaim sovereignty over our plates we must look beyond our plates and reshape the food system as a whole. Download the newsletter [16] FEATURED VIDEOS [17] #17April #LaViaCampesina reaffirms its solidarity and steadfast opposition to all violations of human rights and peasants' rights. Our ongoing struggle aims to combat neocolonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism. We are firmly committed to a just transition towards peasant agroecology, considering it as a crucial pillar in the pursuit of climate justice. These principles lie at the heart of our global fight for Food Sovereignty. FEATURED PODCASTS [18] [19] 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 [20] and following the link to our PayPal account. [21] [22] Facebook [22] [23] Twitter [23] [24] Instagram [24] [25] Spotify [25] [26] Vimeo [26] To unsubscribe from the distribution list, questions or comments, write to viacampesina(a)viacampesina.org Website: www.viacampesina.org TV: www.tv.viacampesina.org To subscribe to this newsletter - Click Here [1] Links: ------ [1] https://mail.viacampesina.org/lists/listinfo/Via-info-en [2] https://viacampesina.org/es/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Banner-web-E… [3] https://viacampesina.org/en/international-day-of-peasant-struggles-build-so… [4] https://viacampesina.org/en/the-eldorado-do-carajas-massacre-28-years-of-im… [5] https://viacampesina.org/en/esaff-uganda-stands-in-solidarity-on-the-intern… [6] https://viacampesina.org/en/global-action-against-the-use-of-starvation-as-… [7] https://viacampesina.org/en/press-release-un-human-rights-council-appoints-… [8] https://viacampesina.org/en/video-the-protracted-struggle-for-land-rights-a… [9] https://viacampesina.org/en/mozambique-zambezia-provincial-union-of-peasant… [10] https://viacampesina.org/en/korea-peasant-movements-hold-dialogue-with-euro… [11] https://viacampesina.org/en/dominican-republic-peasants-denounce-evictions-… [12] https://viacampesina.org/en/tunisia-million-rural-women-stand-in-solidarity… [13] https://viacampesina.org/en/haiti-another-foreign-intervention-will-not-sol… [14] https://viacampesina.org/en/tag/17-april/ [15] https://padlet.com/lvcweb/17april-international-day-of-peasant-s-struggles-… [16] https://nyeleni.org/DOWNLOADS/newsletters/Nyeleni_Newsletter_Num_55_EN.pdf [17] https://vimeo.com/941181867 [18] https://open.spotify.com/episode/5x6waf1KyiZGwsDi2hdLoo?si=J35KAionQxKM1c36… [19] https://open.spotify.com/episode/4S4EPRT96ia1H4zp12HZMY?si=nx7T_-zHSze0OqiS… [20] http://www.viacampesina.org/ [21] https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=IK5Hgl6MlPxD… [22] http://www.facebook.com/ViaCampesinaOFFICIAL [23] https://twitter.com/via_campesina [24] http://www.instagram.com/la_via_campesina_official [25] https://open.spotify.com/show/5FYiTT1dNlt8HgUHVUR3pv [26] https://vimeo.com/viacampesina

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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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April 17, 2024 – International Day of Peasant Struggles
by La Via Campesina 25 Mar '24

25 Mar '24

*|MC:SUBJECT|* *|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|* */April 17, 2024 – International Day of Peasant Struggles/* On April 17, we mark the International Day of Peasant Struggles, our annual action day that brings us together to commemorate the Eldorado do Carajás massacre* in 1996 and to honor the resistance of peasants worldwide who persist in their struggle for social justice and dignity. Following our 8th international conference <https://viacampesina.org/en/viiith-international-conference-la-via-campesin…> last December, we, peasants, youth, women, men, and diversities, migrants, rural and landless workers, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples, stand with renewed hope and strength, heightened awareness, unwavering commitment, organized unity, and determination to confront the multifaceted crises. We continue an unwavering fight against genocides, wars, violations of people’s sovereignty, evictions of peasant families, the criminalization and persecution of peasants and their leaders, as well as extractivism and violations of peasants’ rights. United, we safeguard our mother earth against the grip of agribusiness multinationals, neocolonialists, fascists, and repressive military forces. This devastation involves various actors in the shadows, notably neoliberal institutions such as the WTO, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. Their interference in national agricultural policies, related to trade, and social protections, is evident. Free trade agreements (FTAs) and other economic partnership frameworks imposing neoliberal conditions linked to loans and financial assistance programs, or measures favoring the interests of corporations, jeopardize the livelihoods of peasants, agricultural workers, and migrants. Yet, it is the peasants who provide sustenance to 70% of the global population with healthy and quality food. *Poster:* /Inspired by the Andean cosmovision, our poster this year reflects the interconnectedness of all elements of nature, with humanity as an integral part. It illustrates how Mother Earth supports peasants and their struggles, defending their existence and rights. According to this vision, we can also be an offering of the earth, even as part of a collective movement like the peasantry. Portrayed as a unifying force, Mother Earth sustains us, alongside its natural expressions, with mountains symbolizing our ancestors and collective memory./ *Enough with the genocide, evictions and violence!* Today, the world witnesses multiple crises affecting every aspect of life on Earth. The capitalist system now reveals its true destructive nature, driving peasants in Asia and other parts of the world to suicide due to unpayable debts. It corrupts governments in the interest of a few elites, violating nature and ecological balance, thereby compromising the future of humanity. This system generates genocides, not only through militarism but also by denying access to food, using starvation as a weapon of war, as currently seen in Gaza. It also takes the form of slow genocide, as experienced by the Haitian population with anti-peasant policies and gangsterization orchestrated to facilitate a new foreign intervention, allowing the seizure of peasant lands and the looting of commons. Neocolonialism is inherent in this system, extending to countries like Niger, where EU sanctions affect the right to food of the populations. Political and armed conflicts provoked in Libya, Syria, and Sudan have led to massive population displacements, infrastructure destruction, and difficulties in accessing agricultural lands. In countries such as Guatemala, Argentina, Paraguay, and Turkey, multinational corporations impose their profits over the fundamental rights of peasant families, leading to their eviction and the exploitation of Mother Earth. This capitalist logic undermines peasant struggles for peasant rights, food sovereignty, sustainable and diversified agroecological production methods, family farms, biodiversity preservation, and peace, with social justice serving as peasant solutions to the food and climate crisis**. It crushes diversity in all its gender and ethnic forms and ignores local and ancestral agricultural knowledge, masking its true intentions behind development solutions that serve only the economic interests of a minority. Those who control and commodify our commons hinder youth peasants from accessing land and break the autonomy of peasants and peoples, pushing them toward agrarian conflicts, poverty, starvation, and agriculture without peasants. *Build Solidarity, Unite for Food Sovereignty!* 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. Our peasant struggles, deeply rooted in the principles of food sovereignty, aim to establish an inclusive system that promotes rural economies and sustains the livelihoods of peasants, while cultivating hope to mitigate tragedies such as suicide, family breakdowns, and forced migration in rural areas. Recognizing food sovereignty, popular agrarian reform and peasant agroecology as genuine solutions to global crises, La Via Campesina fervently advocates for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP) <https://viacampesina.org/en/undrop-illustrations/>, a vital international instrument addressing the multifaceted crises faced by peasants. Furthermore, we advocate for the establishment of a new international trade framework based on cooperation and food sovereignty <https://viacampesina.org/en/free-trade-agreements-failed-trade-agreements-a…> to challenge the neoliberal trade system perpetuating hunger. Simultaneously, we are preparing for the Nyéléni World Forum in 2025, which will convene the international movement for food sovereignty to confront the challenges of hunger and poverty by advancing the development and fortification of local economies. 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! * #17April #PeasantStruggles #FoodSovereigntyNow #PeasantRightsNow ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Here are the actions we can take together:* 1. Download our communication kit <https://comms.viacampesina.org/s/dRRbpYzRkkwGKYH> to disseminate the official materials, including our poster of April 17. Translate it into your local languages <https://www.canva.com/design/DAFdZvOBCLQ/ix4MZ5DZYE-Y0EjRNokmtQ/edit?utm_co…>, and engage in solidarity actions in support of peasant struggles in your country and everywhere in the world. 2. Organize activities, webinars, and workshops focused on the rights and struggles of peasants, including access to land, fair pricing, the promotion of peasant agroecology and seeds, as well as the defense of people’s sovereignty, among others. 3. Write declarations, articles, and create impactful audiovisual material to amplify the voices of peasant struggles and promote food sovereignty. You can then share your contributions with us at the following address: communications(a)viacampesina.org 4. We aim to map global actions. Don’t forget to tag us in your social media publications by identifying La Via Campesina on: Facebook: @viacampesinaOFFICIAL <https://www.facebook.com/viacampesinaOFFICIAL/> Instagram: @la_via_campesina_official <https://www.instagram.com/la_via_campesina_official/>, Twitter: @via_campesina <https://twitter.com/via_campesina> 5. You can use these hashtags to associate your social media contributions with the global campaign for Peasant Struggles: *Main:* #17April #PeasantStruggles#FoodSovereigntyNow #PeasantsRightsNow; *Complementary:* #IncomeForFarmers#CeaseFire #StopGazaStarvation #HaitianSolutionForHaiti 6. Get involved in all actions and protests against the genocide in Gaza, foreign interference in Haiti, economic sanctions in Niger, evictions of peasants, impunity for human rights violations, free trade agreements, rural indebtedness, false solutions to the food and climate crisis, measures favoring multinational interests over people’s sovereignty, and other peasant struggles in your territories. 7. Share your activities on our global map of actions <https://padlet.com/lvcweb/17april-international-day-of-peasant-s-struggles-…> ------------- * Twenty-eight years after the tragic massacre of landless peasants by Brazilian military police, impunity persists for crimes committed against rural communities. Although two agents were convicted in 2012, no other police or political officials have been held accountable. Autopsies revealed executions and serious injuries, leaving 69 wounded and a total of 21 dead. ** The challenges facing women and the impact of the climate crisis are exacerbating the difficulties faced by farmers. The United Nations (UN) has stated that by 2030, around one in four women will face food insecurity. Source : https://news.un.org/es/story/2023/09/1523922

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