The Mapuche are calling for a EU Parliament resolution against Chile
Press Release - Europe, 6 November 2007.
The organisations calling for support are today re-initiating a process of dialogue and consultation with related organisations, political parties, NGOs and European civil society with the aim of obtaining an official condemnation of the Chilean Government by the European Parliament, for its human rights violations against the Mapuche people.
It is publicly known that the Chilean government has not reacted to the insistent calls of human rights bodies demanding a treatment of the Mapuche people that is in accordance with international and humanitarian standards. The international community has pointed out on various occasions that the demands and mobilisations for civil and political rights by the Mapuche political authorities and leaders are just and legitimate. The Chilean Authorities do not appear inclined to initiate a constructive dialogue, instead responding with indiscriminate repression and militarising the regions in conflict.
Since October 10, seven Mapuche political prisoners have been on hunger strike in various prisons in the Araucanía region and Santiago of Chile. The strikers' state of health is critical. These political prisoners have been tried under law No. 18.314 of 1984, known as "Anti-Terrorism Law".
This is contrary to the recommendations of various international bodies who stated that, the guarantee of the processes relative to the cases against the Mapuche prisoners is limited under the application of the aforementioned law.
We call upon every person, organisation, social defender and human rights organisation in solidarity with the Mapuche and indigenous people's cause, to support this initiative. We ask you to contact your Euro-MP and request a vote in favour of the adoption of the resolution.
For more information, please contact:
Jorge Calbucura
Mapuche Documentation Centre, Ñuke Mapu
E-mail: yefal@mapuche.info
www.mapuche.info
Gaston Lion
Belgian American Indian Committee
Rue du Fond des Cuves 19,
B-5190 Jemeppe sur Sambre , Belgium .
Tel/Fax: +32-71-785652
E-mail: gaston.lion@skynet.be
Reynaldo Mariqueo
General Secretary
Mapuche International Link
Tel/Fax +44-117-927 9391
E-mail: mapuche@mapuche-nation.org
http://www.mapuche-nation.org
Translated by Lena Thomé