Jubilee Debt Campaign UK : Guatemala : ACT NOW: Tell the World Bank and IDB to pay reparations to Guatemalans

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ACT NOW: Tell the World Bank and IDB to pay reparations to Guatemalans

In 1982, 400 people were massacred, with many more displaced, tortured, raped and starved, to make way for a hydroelectric dam which the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank were funding in Guatemala.

Despite agreement that reparations must be paid in this case, to date survivors and families of the massacre have received nothing.

Guatemalan women commemorate Rio Negro massacre

Guatemala, March 2009. Dozens gather to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Rio Negro Massacre at Pak’oxom Peak in 1982. Photo: James Rodríguez / MiMundo.org

With Guatemala looking to fund new mega-dams and mines today, it’s high time these supposed 'development' institutions made recompense for one of the darkest periods of their history.

Background >> | Read the report >>

Take Action

Write to the UK representative at the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank to demand they make immediate reparations to communities involved, and audit all of their projects from the time of Guatemala’s terror to assess the need for further reparations.

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To: - Gwen Hines, Executive Director (United Kingdom), World Bank - Gerry Duffy, Executive Director (United Kingdom), Inter-American Development Bank I am deeply concerned that the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank have still not paid reparations for one of the most scandalous projects they have ever supported. The construction of the Chixoy Hydroelectric Dam in Guatemala led to the massacre of 400 people, with many more displaced, tortured, raped and starved. Despite agreement that compensation must be paid, to date survivors and families of the massacre have received nothing. As Guatemala moves forward with a new series of mega-projects, it is vital that the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank not only pay compensation for their past failures but audits all ongoing activities from a human rights perspective. Please represent these concerns to the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank’s boards. I am part of a campaign which is asking for: - Full reparations to be paid immediately to the survivors of the Chixoy Dam massacres - A full audit of all projects the Bank supported in Guatemala from 1954 onwards, involving civil society movements in the country, to ascertain the damage done by these projects and initiate a programme of recompense - A full examination of all current mega-projects in the country, driven by the communities who are being or will be affected, to ascertain whether and on what terms they should continue. Yours,

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