The Nobel Women’s Initiative is calling upon Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to ensure that Canadian companies uphold the rights of the indigenous communities in which they operate.

The letter, sent last week, draws attention to the human rights violations and environmental contamination that are occurring in relation to the Canadian-owned Marlin gold mine in Guatemala.

The controversial mine was established in 2005 without consultation with the local indigenous population and has been steadily opposed by indigenous rights groups, environmental organizations and the local Catholic church ever since.

LEARN MORE

Laureates to Guatemala: Protect Indigenous Women Activists, Nobel Women’s Initiative, 10 July 2010

Support the Struggle Against Impunity in Guatemala, Nobel Women’s Initiative, 9 July 2010

Guatemala Suspends Marlin mine – Human rights and environmental organizations applaud the decision, urge President Colom’s government to protect communities against retaliation, Mining Watch Canada, 24 June 2010

TAKE ACTION

Send a letter to members of the Canadian government, politicians and investors with Rights Action.

Send a letter to Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom. Visit Mining Watch Canada.

Take action with Friends of the Earth International.