Any typographical errors are as a result of my scanning of this document.
David
------------------------------------8<----------------------------------------
CARAVAN TO CHIAPAS REPORT
T h e C a r a v a n i s b a c k !
WE DID IT!
After four months of hard work, the Canadian Caravan to Chiapas left
from Toronto on August 12, 1995 with six vehicles, 15 participants and
thousands of dollars worth of donated goods. The project accomplished
all of its goals: providing material aid, fact fnding, raising public
awareness, establishing links with popular organizations and
demonstrating solidarity with the people of Chiapas who face great
political and economic oppression - par ticularly since the military
conflict erupted in the state last year.
This ambitious effort, instigated by Mexican Solidarity Network, was
successful because of the overwhelming and generous support that the
Caravan project received from so many diverse organizations and
individuals (please see last page). The ongoing commitment of this
community will continue to be felt by our Mexican Sisters and brothers.
Crucial medical supplies donated
On August 27, we delivered two van loads of medical Supplies to the
Hospital San Carlos in Altamirano - a small town in the highlands at
the edge of the Lancandon jungle (war zone). This small but very busy
hospital provides medical services to 728 surrounding indigenous
communities, some as far as a three-day walk away.
The supplies we donated included costly medicines, antibiotics, and
surgical supplies as well as basicitemsllke gauze, soap and latex
gloves. These supplies were generously donated to the Caravan by health
clinics, community groups, doctors and pharmaceutical companies.
This region has been greatly affected by the low intensity war which
the Mexican army is currently waging in Chiapas. Despite the military's
promise to withdraw from villages and towns in the area, we observed a
very visible and intimidating military presence in Altamirano. Heavily
armed state troopers were posted at each street comer. The Dominican
nuns who run the hospital told us about many acts of aggression and
intimidation by the military, including employees being beaten and
several intrusive searches of the hospital.
Material aid and political support for struggling communities
Over the course of our tour we visited many small marginaized
communities, most of whom work together in OPEZ (Emiliano Zapata
Proletariat Organization). Wherever we went we received a warm and
enthusiastic welcome, and thanks to the bilingual participants we were
able to have open and in-depth conversations with our hosts. The
communities we visited lack basic necessities and infrastructure. They
struggle everyday just to survive. The most common problems they face
are:
- no running water or electricity even though facilities exist nearby
- no proper drainage nor wells creating serious health risks
- poor and makeshift housing
- lack of medical services and preventative health care
- little or no access to education
- isolation, poor transportation and communication
- few options for economic development coupled with dependence on
powerful and corrupt buyers monopolies
- political repression, violence and intimidation irom the government,
PRI and their agents
- unwillingness of the bureaucracy to address their needs
MATERIAL AID DELIVERED - Rural communities we visited on the coast have
serious difficulty growing crops because of irrigation problems and, in
the highlands, due to military invasions which forced them to abandon
their lands for long periods. We made cash donations of 12,600 pesos
(approx. $4,100 CDN) to these communities forthe express purpose of
buying food and providing for basic needs. To address some of these
needs directly, we brought the medical supplies mentioned above as well
as water pumps, CIB radios, assorted school supplies, mimeograph
machine and a photocopier.
PICKUP TRUCK DONATED - Transportation of goods, produce and people is a
significant obstacle for these small communities. We have successfully
donated one Caravan vehicle for six months, and we are negotiating for
a permanent transfer of ownership. The process of donating vehicles is
difilcult and complicated because of Mexican import laws, but we are
optimistic in this case.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From the mountains to the coast, we were inspired by the courage and
dignity with which people were fighting the economic and political
oppression they live under. They were well-informed and clear about the
causes of their situation, and steadfastly determined to challenge and
change the status quo.
Our support, coming from so far away, made a deep and lasting
impression among the people we met. Dozens of individuals told us that
it had helped them continue struggling to know that so much solidarity
exists here in Canada.
Links with popular organizations
In Chiapas, we embarked on a whirlwind itinerary of meetings and
established important links with many popular organizations. The
Caravan delegation met with the Fray Bartolome Human Rights Centre, the
provisional Governor Amando Avendano, CONPAZ (a coalition
of non-governmental organizations), other peasant coalitions,
university activists and the Texas-based Centre for Democracy in
Mexico. Caravan participants attended meetings of the general council
and the women's caucus of our primary host organization OPEZ.
Three Caravans - Three Countries
Efforts like the Caravan to Chiapas are welcomed by popular
organizations and human rights workers in the region. Aside from
delivering much needed aid, they can act as observers of military
activity and serve as "buffers" between the army and the local
population. During our visit two other caravans also arrived in
Chiapas - Caravana Para Todos Todos came from Mexico City and Pastors
for Peace from the USA. Participants from these three caravans met up
in San Cristobal.
"One NAFTA, One Struggle"
One thing which became evident to Caravan participants was how much
Canadian activists have to learn from their Mexican counterparts. The
level of experience, participation and effectiveness we observed was
very impressive, while their dedication and detennination in the face
of enormous obstacles and risks deeply inspired us all.
The job losses and cuts to social services which we are experiencing
here are the result of a global trend toward neoliberal economic
policies. The people of Mexico have already experienced severe economic
hardship and political repression, partly as a result of similar
policies. We can learn a great deal from the strategies and tactics of
their struggle.
Furthermore, the communities we visited organize themselves around a
framework of decision making that includes the participation of every
member. This presented us with an impressive example of real
participatory democracy at the community level.
Delays and frustrations
Although the Caravan was successful, the trip was not all smooth
sailing. We learned a great deal about how to - and how not to -
organize a Caravan to Chiapas.
Due to the August heat, we were plagued by problems from overheating
vehicles. Car failure caused a three day delay in Cinncinnati and other
short stops which put us far behind schedule. These delays and
difficulty reaching our Mexican contacts meant that we missed several
meetings and our public welcoming event in Mexico City. We deeply
regretted this hole in our itinerary as well as the inconvenience it
caused for those who were expecting to meet us. Both border crossings
also caused delays - in fact, US customs officers denied entry to a van
from Montreal which had to be left behind (the passengers squeezed into
other vehicles).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
W h a t ' s n e x t f o r t h e C a r a v a n ?
Through our meetings and discussions in Chiapas we gained a much
clearer understanding of the circumstances and needs of many
communities. Based on these insights and specific repeated requests, we
have identified several ways in which we would like to continue our
work.
Building public awareness
It is crucial that we focus public attention on Chiapas and provide
current updates on the situation there. We can also encourage various
solidarity effons and put pressure on the three NAFTA governments.
Over and over again, people said, "Don't let them forget about us, tell
Canadians whatis happening here in Chiapas."
- media outreach
- information night & speaking events
- presentations to schools and interested organizations
- participating in protests and various forms of dissent
Fundraising
Money is always needed. We would like to make ongoing contributions to
the communities and organizations we connected with, as well as help
maintain the donated vehicle. Here are some ideas.
- parties and benefits
- information nights and speaking engagements
- encourage raffles, boLtIe drives, car washes, etc.
NOTE: we still need your cash donations!
Communication
We need to keep in touch with the contacts we have made and continue to
build our relationships with them by:
- sending regular updates and literature
- exchanges between North American activists
Economic Development
Most of the communities we visited would benefit from greater self-
sufficiency and betterprices fortheirproducts. Many cannot fully
exploit their tand because of poor drainage. Our long term goals
include:
- establishing contacts with fair trade networks
- creative and practical ideas (e.g. organic products)
- sending technical experts to the communities
Women's Solidarity
We have established strong contacts with the OPEZ women's caucus who
work together on conferences, providing support and projects to improve
education and health in their communities. A contribution of US$6OO was
made ditecily to them. They requested that we:
- keep in touch regularly
- collect feminist resources and literature for them
- facilitate contact with other women's groups
- support their efforts publicly and within OPEZ
Another Caravan?
As well as moving ON to new activities, we are also considering another
trip to Chiapas next suminer. This was the first time a Canadian group
had organized a caravan to Chiapas, so we were faced with a lot of
unknowns. We learned a lot along the way, and kept careful records.
We're looking forward to an easier and longer planning process. Keep
your eyes open for more details...
######################################################################
Update
- Public outcry forced the release of an innccent activist who was
arrestedinMexico City and accused of supporting the EZLN.
- Solidarity gmups are responding with outrage to the recent
politically motivated sexual assault of an American EZLN representative
visiting Chiapas.
- Amidst continuing negotiations, the Mexican government is trying to
ensnare the Zapatista National Liberation Anny (EZLN) politically and
militarily. State plans to escalate counterinsurgency efforts have
sounded an alarm that "dirty war" tactics typical of old Latin American
military regimes will now be part of the Mexican government's
offensive.
- This and other recent attacks have sent a wanling organizing for
human rights and social justice has become both more dangerous and
more crucial.
######################################################################
----------------------------------------------------------------------
T h e C a r a v a n T r a v e l l i n g R o a d S h o w
We have dozens of other experiences and observations that could not
be included in this report If you or your organization would like to
hear more about the Caravan or about the situation in Chiapas, slide
presentations and speakers are available. Also, we would love to share
our knowledge with any other groups planning to visit Chiapas or
deliver material aid to the region. Please Contact us by leaving a
message at (416) 978-7770 and we'll arrange a date.
Many, many thanks!
The Caravan would never have made it to Chiapas without the support
of dozens of committed volunteers who came to endless meetings, solicited
donations, designed posters and brochures, postered, worked at parties,
organized events, photocopied pamphlets, made phone calls and spread the word.
Many many individuals came through with crucial financial support by
coming to our events or making drect contributions. Thank you - we
couldnt have done it without you.
We are also greatly indebted to many businesses and non-profit
organizations who provided financial, material, administrative and
political support. The list includes but is not limited to:
Aboriginal Defence League, Anishnawbe Health, Bloor St. United Church,
Bread and Roses Credit Union, Canadian Friends Service Committee,
Centre for Spanish Speaking People, Council Fire Native Cultural
Centre, Council of Canadians, CUPE (esp. local 1230), Development
Education Centre, Development and Peace, Equal Opportunity Office,
First Nations House, Friends of the Lubicon, Greenpeace, Ground Zero
Productions, Guatemala Community Network, Hola!, Jesuit Centre, Latin
American Students Assoc., Law Union ofOntario, Metro Network for Social
Justice, Metro Housing Co-op Federalion, Metropolitan Community Church
Of Toronto, Ontario Coalition fr Social Justice, Office of Aboriginal
Student Services, Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, South
African Centre, St Joseph Hospital, SubwayAcademy, TenDaysfor World
Develapment, TDN, Toronto Environmental Alliance, Toronto Monthly
Meeting ofthe Society of Friends, Trinity Spadina Residents
Association, Turtle Island Support Group, University Hill United
Church, UofT Women's Centre, Urban Alliance on Race Relations, A-1
Variety, Another Story, Los Incas Crafts, Soho Bistro, This Ain't the
Rosedale Library, and more!
Most particularly we want to thank Andrea, Pedro, Jim and evemne
else at OPIRG (U of T), for taking messages, making meeting space,
their desks, computers, and fax machines available to us, and for
putting up with our Craziness all summer long.
######################################################################
We desperately need donations (tax deductible) to fund these
initiatives, make direct donations to Chiapas communities and to cover
debts incurred during our trip and the Current tour of an OPEZ
representative from Chiapas. If you haven't done so already, please
make a donation today and ask your friends too! For a tax receipt,
cheques should be payable to.. "Toronto Caravan to Chiapas-OPIRG"
######################################################################
How to reach us...
Please contact us if you would like more details, if you would like to
get involved or contribute in some way. Presentations, are available to
interested organizations, schools, churches, community groups, etc.
Toronto Caravan to Chiapas
c/o OPIRG Office Tel: (416)978-7770
455 Spadina Ave., #201 Fax: (416)971-2292
Toronto, ON MSS 2G8