The most awaited month
of the year is here:
LACSN's 9th Solidarity Month!
This is an exciting month in Toronto!
Let's join efforts and dialogues
to pull forces together, and build a united front to address the aggression, attacks and chaos being created by an ultra-right movement determined to divide and conquer.
Join us, learn, explore ideas around the struggles taking place in
Latin American and the Caribbean communities.
A better world
IS
possible!!
We are looking forward to building unity
and to developing amazing ideas
for future collective action!
SUNDAY, MARCH 26TH
This year LACSN will be celebrating the opening of its
9th Solidarity Month with a preliminary event: A public meeting for groups and individuals interested in working with the Latinx community
OISE room 5-260 @ 1:30 p.m.
A meeting being called by: LACSN-OPIRG Toronto
In this meeting we learnt about the activism, advocacy and organizing work which various organizations and activists are doing in Greater Toronto (GTA). We also explored possibilities for closer collaboration and to develop improved ways to publicize and promote upcoming activities that we endorse and support.
This idea was born from dialogues we have had with some of you where there was some desire expressed to pull forces together, and build a united front to address the aggression, attacks and chaos being created by an ultra-right movement determined to divide and conquer.
In light of the fear-mongering media campaign that is feeding lies to foster racism, intolerance and aggression in our communities, we believe it is necessary to dialogue on ways to strengthen our efforts to fight for social justice, to share accurate, truthful information with communities, to support each other in our individual struggles and to strengthen cooperation in our fight for a life with dignity, self-determination and for human rights.
A diverse group of people attended this meeting. There was a diversity of ideologies, organizing tactics and activism strategies. We all looked for a common ground, and identify points of unity where collaboration is possible.
This idea was born from dialogues we have had with some of you where there was some desire expressed to pull forces together, and build a united front to address the aggression, attacks and chaos being created by an ultra-right movement determined to divide and conquer.
In light of the fear-mongering media campaign that is feeding lies to foster racism, intolerance and aggression in our communities, we believe it is necessary to dialogue on ways to strengthen our efforts to fight for social justice, to share accurate, truthful information with communities, to support each other in our individual struggles and to strengthen cooperation in our fight for a life with dignity, self-determination and for human rights.
A diverse group of people attended this meeting. There was a diversity of ideologies, organizing tactics and activism strategies. We all looked for a common ground, and identify points of unity where collaboration is possible.
SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST
FRIDAY, APRIL 21ST
The Louis Riel Bolivarian Circle and the Latin American and Caribbean Solidarity Network - LACSN, invite you to the Toronto launch of the
new think tank: CALCCENTRE,
The Canadian, Latin American and Caribbean Policy Centre.
The keynote speaker will be the well-known author and journalist, Mr Rick Salutin who will address the following issue:
What effect could the Trump administration have on Latin America?
And how could this affect Canada’s role in the region?
MONDAY-TUESDAY, APRIL 24TH & 25TH
We Believe Survivors of Canadian Mining
& Extractive Industries:
A Discussion on Barrick Gold Corporation
April 24th, 7-9 pm
LOCATION: Smith Hall (100 St. George St) Room 1073 - Sidney
at the University of Toronto downtown campus
Rally: Violence Against Women & Extractive Industries
April 25th, 10:30 am - 12:30 noon
LOCATION: 255 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6, Canada
The rally is taking place outside the AGM of Barrick Gold in solidarity with
survivors of their violence at Barrick Gold mines sites around the world
VICTIMS SILENCED:
Gang Rape Survivors from Papua New Guinea denied speaking rights at Barrick's Annual General Meeting
SPEAKERS:
Catherine Coumans, Mining Watch Canada
Silence is Violence, University of Toronto
Surprise guest speakers TBA!
After years of denying cases of sexual assault, Canadian mining company Barrick Gold compensated 119 women and girls who were victims of sexual violence by mine security to the tune of ~$10,000 each for these abuses, but had them sign an agreement that they could never sue the company. Eleven of the women refused this remedy package and threatened to sue the company, resulting in a higher out of cour...t settlement. Since that time, the 119 women who originally accepted the money from Barrick have organized into women's groups and started to demand more dignified treatment from the company. Many others have never received any compensation at all, as allegations of sexual violence continue.
Catherine Coumans, Mining Watch Canada
Silence is Violence, University of Toronto
Surprise guest speakers TBA!
After years of denying cases of sexual assault, Canadian mining company Barrick Gold compensated 119 women and girls who were victims of sexual violence by mine security to the tune of ~$10,000 each for these abuses, but had them sign an agreement that they could never sue the company. Eleven of the women refused this remedy package and threatened to sue the company, resulting in a higher out of cour...t settlement. Since that time, the 119 women who originally accepted the money from Barrick have organized into women's groups and started to demand more dignified treatment from the company. Many others have never received any compensation at all, as allegations of sexual violence continue.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26TH
“STOP DE KILLING OF SOCIAL LEADRES IN COLOMBIA, SO THAT PEACE CAN FLOURISH”
Vigil in honour of Colombian social leaders who continue
to be displaced, incarcerated and murdered
Wednesday, April 26th, 2017 – 7:00 PM
@ Matt Cohen Park (Bloor & Spadina, south-east corner)
La esperanza de una Colombia en paz después de la firma de los acuerdos entre el gobierno y las FARC, se ha visto empañada por los recientes asesinatos de líderes sociales y defensores de derechos humanos. Las cifras son escalofriantes, 156 líderes asesinados en 14 meses, y lo peor es que no parece haber claridad por parte del gobierno para detener estos crímenes. Al contrario, las noticias son cada vez mas alarmantes porque los atentados ahora parecen orientarse también hacia los guerrilleros amnistiados y desarmados como el caso de Luis Alberto Ortiz Cabezas, quien había recobrado su libertad 15 días atrás gracias a la ley de amnistía.
Se suponía que una vez el estado recuperara el monopolio de las armas, estaría en condiciones de garantizar la vida de todos los ciudadanos sin distinción de ninguna clase. No ha sido así, pues por un lado el gobierno dice estar al tanto de la situación pero el ministro del interior, el ministro de defensa y la fiscalía desestiman a su vez las denuncias argumentando que no encuentran un patrón para relacionar los crímenes y que se trata de hechos aislados.
Cualquier colombiano está en capacidad de entender que convertir sistematicamente en objetivo militar a los líderes sociales es un patrón que se ha repetido incansablemente en nuestra historia, tal como sucedió con el exterminio de la Unión Patriótica, en el cual participaron agencias de inteligencia del Estado, políticos locales y grupos paramilitares. Para no hablar de las masacres que enlutaron al pais y comprometieron a miembros de las fuerzas armadas, algunos de ellos ya procesados y condenados.
La solución se complica con la insistencia de negarle vínculos políticos a los grupos paramilitares y presentarlos como simples bandas criminales. Amparado en esta negación, el gobierno Colombiano no ha tomado las medidas necesarias para desmantelarlos. No ha destinado recursos suficientes a la policía encargada de combatirlos, ni a los fiscales responsables de la investigación. Tampoco ha investigado los posibles vínculos entre estos grupos y agentes del estado o fuerzas de seguridad pública y no ha adoptado medidas específicas para proteger a los civiles de esta amenaza. Mientras tanto los grupos paramilitares se han multiplicado y hoy en día están presentes en 300 municipios.
Ahora que Colombia se encuentra dispuesta a transitar el camino del paz, no podemos permitir que nos devuelvan a los tiempos mas oscuros de nuestra historia. Hoy mas que nunca necesitamos el acompañamiento de la comunidad internacional, la vigilancia del proceso y la debida presión al gobierno actual y al siguiente para que se respeten los acuerdos y se proteja a la población, garantizándole sus derechos constitucionales.
Para exigir el cese de los asesinatos a los lideres sociales, honrar a las víctimas de esta nueva violencia, expresar nuestro repudio y exigirle al gobierno las garantías de No Repetición, invitamos a los colombianos y miembros de organizaciones a una vigilia que tendrá lugar el miércoles 26 de Abril a las 7 PM, en Matt Cohen Park 393 Bloor Street West (Bloor and Spadina south-east corner)
Paul Gutierrez - CASA Member
Se suponía que una vez el estado recuperara el monopolio de las armas, estaría en condiciones de garantizar la vida de todos los ciudadanos sin distinción de ninguna clase. No ha sido así, pues por un lado el gobierno dice estar al tanto de la situación pero el ministro del interior, el ministro de defensa y la fiscalía desestiman a su vez las denuncias argumentando que no encuentran un patrón para relacionar los crímenes y que se trata de hechos aislados.
Cualquier colombiano está en capacidad de entender que convertir sistematicamente en objetivo militar a los líderes sociales es un patrón que se ha repetido incansablemente en nuestra historia, tal como sucedió con el exterminio de la Unión Patriótica, en el cual participaron agencias de inteligencia del Estado, políticos locales y grupos paramilitares. Para no hablar de las masacres que enlutaron al pais y comprometieron a miembros de las fuerzas armadas, algunos de ellos ya procesados y condenados.
La solución se complica con la insistencia de negarle vínculos políticos a los grupos paramilitares y presentarlos como simples bandas criminales. Amparado en esta negación, el gobierno Colombiano no ha tomado las medidas necesarias para desmantelarlos. No ha destinado recursos suficientes a la policía encargada de combatirlos, ni a los fiscales responsables de la investigación. Tampoco ha investigado los posibles vínculos entre estos grupos y agentes del estado o fuerzas de seguridad pública y no ha adoptado medidas específicas para proteger a los civiles de esta amenaza. Mientras tanto los grupos paramilitares se han multiplicado y hoy en día están presentes en 300 municipios.
Ahora que Colombia se encuentra dispuesta a transitar el camino del paz, no podemos permitir que nos devuelvan a los tiempos mas oscuros de nuestra historia. Hoy mas que nunca necesitamos el acompañamiento de la comunidad internacional, la vigilancia del proceso y la debida presión al gobierno actual y al siguiente para que se respeten los acuerdos y se proteja a la población, garantizándole sus derechos constitucionales.
Para exigir el cese de los asesinatos a los lideres sociales, honrar a las víctimas de esta nueva violencia, expresar nuestro repudio y exigirle al gobierno las garantías de No Repetición, invitamos a los colombianos y miembros de organizaciones a una vigilia que tendrá lugar el miércoles 26 de Abril a las 7 PM, en Matt Cohen Park 393 Bloor Street West (Bloor and Spadina south-east corner)
Paul Gutierrez - CASA Member
FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH
Peoples Resistance PACHANGA:
You are invited to a MASQUERADE!
7:30 PM - 12 AM
LOCATION: San Lorenzo Church
2981 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario M6B 3T4
You are invited to a MASQUERADE!
7:30 PM - 12 AM
LOCATION: San Lorenzo Church
2981 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario M6B 3T4
Dress up to fight fear and oppression
Make a mask of your most loathed warmonger or fascist oppressor.
Be creative!!
We have seen the people of Ecuador exercise democracy.
People in Venezuela are growing strong and resisting the media attacks.
Cuba is preparing to celebrate the first May Day since the passing of Fidel.
People in Argentina continue to denounce and fight for freedom to political prisoners like Milagros Sala....
In Guatemala we mourned the death of 43 young girls in a 'safe home' for children.
El Salvador has lead the path to stronger resistance against mining.
The struggle for social justice, for self-determination, for equity and against human rights violation continues.
This Pachanga/party marks the end of our official solidarity month!
MONDAY, MAY 1ST
