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Testimonials

The Following individuals testified at the Special Rapporteur’s criminalization summit in Geneva in March 2018, or submitted written testimony for inclusion in this website. Click on each individual’s country name or photograph for photo, audio, and/or written testimony.

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Jorge Nahuel 

Confederación Mapuche de Neuquén

"We are not protesting or simply expressing our discontent. We are exercising a right."

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Keikabile Mogodu

Botswana Khwedom Council

“When I come as an indigenous person, it’s very difficult for the government to listen to me.”

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Inaye Gomes Lopes

Aty Guaso Kaiowa E Guarani

"There are a lot of people dying in Brazil. Well, not dying; they are being killed."

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Aida Marina Vivas 

ONIC (Organización Nacional Indígena de Colombia)

“I have a bulletproof vest, but I almost never use it. Why? Because I do not think that’s the solution that will allow me to live without having to wear one.”

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Aura Lolita Chávez Ixcaquic

Consejo de Pueblos K’iche’ por la Defensa de la Vida, Madre Naturaleza, Tierra y Territorio (Council of K'iche' People for the Defense of Life, Mother Nature, Land and Territory)

“We are expected to reach an agreement with the perpetrators of these crimes.”

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Alfred Brownell

Founder, Green Advocates

“It’s a lawyer's nightmare. You are trapped in this vicious circle of defending your clients against criminalization and there is hardly time to pursue their complaints in a judicial forum.”

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Rodrigo Lauracio Apaza

ONG Derechos Humanos y Medio Ambiente

“Unfortunately, many organizations have—ironically—reached the conclusion that, unless some lives are lost, the state will not take action.”

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José Bayardo Chata Pacoricona 

ONG Derechos Humanos y Medio Ambiente

“Businesses can find ways to protect their own interests. But, what mechanisms do we have as Indigenous Peoples when our rights have been affected?”

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