This motion was passed at a GUCU Branch meeting on 23/09/2024
This branch notes that:
- Frayba (Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Center for Human Rights) and the CNI (Congreso Nacional Indígena, National Indigenous Congress) are two organisations that have been at the forefront of the struggle for the rights of indigenous peoples in Mexico.
- As part of this work, both organisations have tirelessly defended the right of access to education for all and academic freedom, including supporting the movement for justice for students at the Ayotzinapa teacher training college, kidnapped by the Mexican police and army and then murdered by the Guerreros Unidos cartel in 2014.
- These two organisations are sending a small delegation to London in late September/early October with the aim of raising awareness of indigenous struggles in Mexico and building links with scholars and activists here.
This branch believes that:
- All scholars, students, and university workers have the right to pursue their work, research, and social advocacy without fear of persecution or state repression.
- As workers, it is the responsibility of each of us to stand up for the rights of all of us.
- Activists from the Global South, and indigenous activists in particular, are frequently prevented from full participation in social movements due to lack of funds and border regimes, even as their work is frequently an object of study for Global North scholars. We who live and work in the Global North should work to address this discrepancy and offer material support wherever possible.
This branch resolves to:
- To contribute 350 GBP towards the costs of the delegation, to go towards transport, room and board, and supporting events.
- To promote public events organised by the delegation through branch communications.