WASHINGTON – Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) yesterday led 10 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the administration to publicly condemn the prosecution of Indigenous environmental defenders by the Guatemalan government and conduct due diligence to better avoid providing support for projects that violate environmental and human rights abroad.

The lawmakers called on the State Department to end support for projects that violate environmental and human rights abroad. They also urged the Biden administration to publicly condemn the prosecution of Sofia Tot Ac and other Indigenous environmental defenders who have opposed energy projects that cause direct harm to the surrounding environment and communities. Furthermore, the lawmakers advocated for an immediate investigation into the assassination of Noé Gómez Barrera and the violence against other Indigenous leaders who have spoken out against these projects.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “The United States should not provide support for projects that violate environmental and human rights abroad and should assist any efforts by the local government and community to have in place a just transition plan for the local economy to move away from dependence on harmful mining, energy, and infrastructure projects. In the remaining time of the Biden administration, it must publicly condemn the prosecution of Sofia Tot Ac and other indigenous environmental defenders who have spoken out against energy projects, and advocate for an immediate investigation into the assassination of Noé Gomez Barrera and violence against other Indigenous leaders who have spoken out against these projects.”

Background

Throughout his career, Rep. Grijalva has been a strong advocate for Indigenous environmental defenders and a promoter of human rights in Guatemala and Latin America. He has closely followed Sofia Tot Ac’s case. Key actions include:

• October 14, 2021: Rep. Grijalva and Rep. Torres led 15 Members of Congress in urging strong U.S. engagement and action to combat corruption, counter democratic backsliding, and promote human rights in Guatemala.
• October 14, 2022: Rep. Grijalva led 14 Members of Congress in calling for the State Department to support Indigenous human rights leaders in Guatemala and to condemn and investigate the charges against Sofia Tot Ac.
• March 30, 2023: Rep. Grijalva, alongside Senator Merkley, introduced a resolution to stand up for and protect environmental defenders.

The letter was signed Reps. Casar, Garcia, Grijalva, Jayapal, Lee, McGovern, Norton, Omar, Ramirez, Schakowsky, Tlaib and Senators Markey & Sanders.

The full letter can be found here.