Between 25 and 28 November, we had the pleasure of hosting Norma and Carmelita from Guatemala, who were traveling through Europe on an advocacy tour.
Norma is a Maya Kaqchikel human rights defender and independent journalist who has written for Prensa Comunitaria and works with the Indigenous organization Central Campesina Ch’orti’ Nuevo Día (CCCND). Because of her work - exposing, among other issues, the impacts of mining projects in the country- Norma has been a victim of criminalization.
In 2014, she was unjustly and unlawfully arrested by the Guatemalan police. What followed was a long journey toward justice. Only last year, ten years after her arrest, the process finally led to a result: her arrest was officially declared illegal, and the officers responsible were convicted.
This is a historic ruling, and the hope is that the case will serve as an example for the future.
Carmelita is an Indigenous authority and a member of the Maya Ch’orti’ Indigenous Council of Olopa, which is made up of 14 Indigenous communities. The Council fights for recognition as Indigenous communities, the defence of their territory, and the right to free, prior, and informed consultation before mining projects are allowed to operate on their land.
In 2024, the Council received the Regional Human Rights Tulip, awarded by the Dutch Embassy and accepted by Carmelita. The prize is given annually to individuals and organizations doing important work in the defence of human rights.
To draw attention to their work and the risks they face, Norma and Carmelita travelled to Europe. The Netherlands was the final country on their busy schedule, after about a week and a half in Spain and Switzerland. It was an honour to accompany them during their time in the Netherlands!
Busy days in the Netherlands
Wednesday began early, as we needed to be on time for the first meeting of the day at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In this meeting, Norma and Carmelita spoke in depth about the human rights situation in Guatemala, their fight for justice, and the risks faced by them and their community. The Ministry’s colleague was well informed about the Guatemalan context and asked many questions to understand it even better.
After lunch and a beautiful walk on the beach, it was already time for the second meeting—this time with Impunity Watch and the Red de Solidaridad Internacional de Guatemaltecos. It was a productive and warm conversation in which Norma and Carmelita shared their experiences and challenges. Together, everyone brainstormed new ways to raise awareness of their work, including through social media, press conferences, and podcasts. The organizations agreed to stay in contact with Norma and Carmelita and support them wherever possible.
After the meeting, we took the train to Utrecht for dinner. Following dinner, a guest lecture was scheduled for students at Utrecht University, organized in collaboration with CS Ubuntu. Students had the opportunity to listen to the stories and experiences of Norma and Carmelita and ask questions about their work. The event was a great success, and Norma and Carmelita were deeply grateful for the interest shown by the students.
Thursday was the final day of the advocacy tour for Norma and Carmelita. On the schedule was a meeting at Free Press Unlimited in Amsterdam, where both Norma and Carmelita had the space to speak about their work and experiences. Anecdotes and tips were exchanged, connections were made, and Norma proudly presented the newspaper created by students in Guatemala - with her on the cover.
After an intense advocacy tour, there was fortunately still time for some sightseeing! We showed our two guests the canals of Amsterdam and wandered through the flower market. And of course, we could not let them leave without tasting oliebollen! Powdered sugar flew with every gust of wind, and the oliebollen were enthusiastically approved.
On Friday morning, our guests flew back to Guatemala. We wish Norma and Carmelita the best of luck as they continue their important work!
This aftermovie gives a nice overview of the entire advocacy tour:
Thanks to the Cirrus Foundation, VFonds and the Haëlla Stichting.
