A

ABEJAS, Las (Chiapas)

Pacifist organization, mostly Catholic, located in Chenalhó municipality in the Chiapas Highlands. It has the same goals as the Zapatistas but does not support armed struggle. The 45 victims of the Acteal Massacre in December 1997 belonged to this organization.

ACTEAL (Chiapas)

Indigenous community located in Chenalhó municipality, and the place where 45 people, mostly women and children, were massacred on 22 December 1997.

AGUASCALIENTES (Chiapas)

Civil resistance centers built by Zapatista communities within the conflict area. They were used as meeting spaces between the Zapatistas and national and international civil society. There were five Aguascalientes: La Garrucha, Morelia, Oventic, La Realidad, and Roberto Barrios. In August 2003, the EZLN replaced the Aguascalientes with Caracoles, the locations of the work of the Good Government Councils.

AI
Amnesty International

International NGO which denominates itself a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all

ALIANZA CÍVICA (Civilian Alliance)

A citizens' association, pluralist and independent, dedicated to the promotion of civic participation with the view of contributing to an integral democratization of society.

Alianza por México (Alliance for Mexico)

Political alliance between the Mexican Green Ecologist Party (PVEM) and the Revolutionary Institutional Party (PRI). The Alliance’s candidate for the presidency in 2006 was Roberto Madrazo Pintado of the PRI.

ALTERMUNDIALISTA (Movement)

Movement “for another world,” from the World Social Forum motto that “Another world is possible,” it searches for political, social and economic alternatives to the prevailing neoliberal model. This name has been used in Mexico since the Cancún protests againstthe World Trade Organization in September 2003. Also known as the Antiglobalization Movement or the Antineoliberalism Movement.

AMLO
Andrés Manuel López Obrador

Former head of Government of the Federal District of Mexico (DF) and candidate for the presidency with the Coalition for the Good of All in the 2006 presidential elections. Following the disputed results of the elections, AMLO was declared “Legitimate President” by broad sectors of the Mexican left.

ANIPA
National Indigenous Multiethnic Assembly for Autonomy (Asamblea Nacional Indígena Pluriétnica por la Autonomía)

A national network of indigenous organizations formed in 1995 to seek respect for the constitutional guarantees for indigenous cultures and the right to autonomy.

APPG (Guerrero)
Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Guerrero (Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Guerrero)

A movement formed by human rights and indigenous rights organizations against the policies of Guerrero State Governor Zeferino Torreblanca Galindo.

APPO (Oaxaca)
Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca)

The Assembly was created as a response to the repression of a picket organized by Section 22 of the National Education Workers’ Union, conducted by security forces on June 14, 2006. It is formed by hundreds of civil society organizations and individuals who are united in their demand for the resignation of Oaxaca State Governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz (PRI).

ARIC (Chiapas)
Rural Association of Collective Interest (Asociación Rural de Interés Colectivo)

Indigenous and campesino organization of the Lacandon Jungle valleys, divided into “Official ARIC,” “ARIC Union of Unions” and “ARIC Independent and Democratic.”

ATENCO (San Salvador Atenco, State of Mexico)

A community known for its successful battle (begun in 2001) against the construction of an international airport in its ejido, and for being victims of the most publicized violent episode of 2006. A May 2006 conflict between eight flower salespeople and police in the city of Texcoco (in the State of Mexico), due to the PRD mayor prohibiting the entry of salespeople onto land slated for the construction of a Walmart, became a violent confrontation. The results of the two police operatives which followed included two deaths, several wounded, 211 detained and five foreigners deported. More than 20 women have denounced that they were sexually assaulted, and seven of them raped, by State security agents as they were transported to jail. Currently, 23 members of the movement are still detained.

AUTENTICOS COLETOS (Genuine Residents of San Cristóbal) (Chiapas)

Residents of San Cristóbal de las Casas who consider themselves to be direct descendants of the Spanish crown. “Coleto,” literally “braid” or “pig-tail,” refers to the braided hairstyle favored by their Spanish ancestors. Shortly after the Zapatista uprising, these residents formed the “Civic Front of San Cristóbal,” organizing protests against indigenous people, international Zapatista supporters, and Bishop Samuel Ruíz.

AUTONOMOUS MUNICIPALITY (Municipio Autónomo) (Chiapas)

Self-governing entities which cover indigenous communities and individuals. They are located in rural areas, with boundaries defined to cover zones of strong Zapatista influence. They exist parallel to the constitutionally recognized municipalities, which ‑ unlike the autonomous ones ‑ receive government funding.

B

BARCA (Oaxaca)

Regional Human Rights Center “Bartolomé Carrasco Briseño” (Centro Regional de Derechos Humanos “Bartolomé Carrasco Briseño”)
An organization for the promotion and defense of human rights. They seek to create a culture of respect for human rights by supporting grassroots organizational processes.

BOM
Mixed Operation Bases (Bases de Operación Mixtas)

Special interagency security initiatives, legalized in 1987, involving the Mexican Army, both federal and state police forces, and on occasion the State Human Rights Commission (CEDH) and notaries.

C

CACIQUE

Traditional leader in indigenous communities.

CAÑADAS, Las (Chiapas)

The canyons that run through the Lacandon Jungle in eastern Chiapas. The Zapatista movement emerged from this area, and it continues to be a key Zapatista support base and entry point into the Lacandon Jungle.

CAPISE (Chiapas)
Center for Political Analysis and Social and Economic Research (Centro de Análisis Político e Investigaciones Sociales y Económicas)

Organization dedicated to research, case follow-up and denunciation of violations to fundamental freedoms as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is focused on the study of the phenomenon of militarization, the impact of neoliberal economic policies and on the violation of the collective rights of indigenous peoples.

CARACOLES (Chiapas)
(Lit: snails)

Centers of the Good Government Councils. which function as meeting places with national and international civil society. They aim to ensure that relationships between autonomous counties and civil society are direct and horizontal. There is a “Caracol” in each of the five regions where autonomous counties have been formed.

CARDENISTAS

Sympathizers of the Cardenista Front for National Reconstruction Party (PFCRN), a political party usually aligned with the PRI party.

CAXLANES

Term used by indigenous people to refer to whites or mestizos. The word caxlan is also used to refer to the Spanish language.

CCIODH
International Civil Commission for Human Rights Observation (Comisión Civil Internacional de Observación por los Derechos Humanos)

Group which has been conducting human rights observation missions in Mexico since February 1998.

CCP
Civilian Peace Camps (Campamentos Civiles por la Paz)

Designed to observe human rights violations and military movement in indigenous communities. They are staffed by national and international observers.

CCRI-CG (Chiapas)
Clandestine Revolutionary Indigenous Committee‑General Command (Comité Clandestino Revolucionario Indígena‑Comandancia General)

Leadership committee of the EZLN.

CDHDF (Mexico City)
Federal District Commission of Human Rights (Comisión de Derechos Humanos del Distrito Federal)

State institution responsible to receive complaints and denunciations for human rights violations allegedly committed by official representatives of the Federal District.

CDI
National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (Comisión Nacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos Indígenas)

Federal government institution that, since 2003, defines and implements official policy toward indigenous peoples. Replaces the National Indigenist Institute.

CECOP (Guerrero)
Council of Ejidos and Communities Opposed to La Parota Dam (Consejo de Ejidos y Comunidades Opositores a la presa La Parota)

A council of ejido residents and campesinos in the municipalites of Acapulco, Juan R. Escudero, San Marcos, Chilpancingo and Tecuanapan. It was formed in June 2004 to oppose the construction of the hydroelectric dam La Parota. Beginning in 1976, the Federal Electricity Commission has been promoting the project which aims to utilize the waters of the Papagayo and Omitlán Rivers. Since that time, several courts have handed down sentences against the construction, which is currently on hold.

CEDECH
Chiapas Center for Evangelical Defense (Comité de Defensa Evangélica de Chiapas)

Legal entity that promotes human rights. It formed to provide assistance and support to the thousands of evangelicals displaced for political, economic and religious reasons in the Chiapas Highlands.

CEDHO (Oaxaca)
State Human Rights Commission of Oaxaca (Comisión Estatal de Derechos Humanos de Oaxaca)

Organization responsible for investigation, monitoring and providing recommendations regarding human rights violations by State agents in Oaxaca.

CEDIAC (Chiapas)
Center for Indigenous Rights (Centro de Derechos Indígenas, Asociación Civil)

Group for human rights promotion and defense, supported by the Jesuit Mission of Bachajón.

CENCOS
National Center for Social Communication (Centro Nacional de Comunicación Social)

Formed in 1967, this public organization promotes the right to access to information and communication in Mexico.

CENTRO DE DERECHOS HUMANOS FRAY BARTOLOMÉ DE LAS CASAS (Chiapas)
(Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Human Rights Center, also Frayba)

Civil organization for human rights promotion and defense, giving preference to the support of victims who are marginalized by poverty. It was founded by the former Bishop of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Samuel Ruíz.

CERESO
Center for Social Readaptation (Centro de Readaptacción Social)

Name given to prisons in Mexico.

CFE
Federal Electricity Commission (Comisión Federal de Electricidad)

Mexican public electricity company. It is the subject of a grassroots campaign “Civilian Resistance Against the High Electricity Charges,” principally coordinated in Chiapas.

CG500ARI (Guerrero)
Guerrero Council of 500 Years of Indigenous, Black and Popular Resistence (Consejo Guerrerense 500 Años de Resistencia Indígena, Negra y Popular)

A council formed in September 1991 by social and human rights organizations in order to coordinate a campaign against the celebration of the European Conquest of the Americas in 1492.

CHENALHÓ (Chiapas)

Municipality in the Highlands of Chiapas; location of the indigenous community of Acteal.

CIEPAC (Chiapas)
Center for Economic and Political Research for Community Action (Centro de Investigaciones Económicas y Políticas de Acción Comunitaria)

Civil organization from Chiapas whose work includes: analysis, research, training and the accompaniment of social processes. It is focused on neoliberal economic projects implemented at a local, regional and continental level (PPP, NAFTA).

CIESAS (Chiapas)
Center for Research and Higher Education in Social Anthropology (Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social)

Public institution located in San Cristóbal de las Casas, dedicated to the study of national problems through research and training of specialists in social anthropology, history, ethno history and other social sciences.

CIOAC
Independent Coordination of Indigenous and Campesino Organizations (Central Independiente de Organizaciones Indígenas y Campesinas)

The CIOAC is product of the rupture of an earlier organization, Independent Campesino Coordination (CIC, Central Independiente Campesina), which had been founded in 1963 with the participation of members from the Mexican Communist Party.

CIVIL SOCIETY

Refers broadly to citizens’ groups which organize around specific needs or interests and function outside of governmental structures.

CMDPDH
Mexican Commission for the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights (Comisión Mexicana de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos)

A commission formed in 1990 for the defense of victims of human rights violations and the promotion of human rights culture in order to strengthen the rule of law.

CND
National Democratic Convention (Convención Nacional Democrática)

As a result of what they viewed as the confirmation of the electoral fraud that allowed Felipe Calderón to win the 2006 presidential elections, the former presidential candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his followers called a National Democratic Convention. The convention, which took place in the main square of Mexico City on September 16, 2006, was attended by hundreds of thousands of people who nominated López Obrador as the “Legitimate President” of Mexico.

CNDH
National Human Rights Commission (Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos)

Government organization created in 1990, responsible for researching, monitoring and issuing recommendations to the authorities involved in human rights violations.

CNI
National Indigenous Congress (Congreso Nacional Indígena)

Coordinating body of various Mexican indigenous organizations, created as a result of the EZLN armed uprising in 1994.

CNPI
National Coordination of Indigenous Peoples (Coordinadora Nacional de Pueblos Indígenas)

Founded in 1972 to defend indigenous rights, particularly the rights to land and self-determination. Approximately 500 communities, ejidos, and peoples participate, a total of over half a million indigenous Mexicans. Since 1983, the CNPI has organized a march for the dignity of indigenous peoples every October 12.

CNTE
National Coordination of Education Workers (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación)

A dissident organization of the National Education Workers’ Union (SNTE). The members are part of the SNTE, but are guided by “their own principles” and refuse to attend union congresses.

Coalition for the Good of All (Coalición por el Bien de Todos)

Political alliance between the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), the Labor Party (PT), and Convergence, formed specifically for the 2006 presidential elections. The Coalition’s candidate was Andrés Manuel López Obrador (PRD). Juan Sabines Guerrero, current governor of Chiapas, was elected as a member of this coalition, despite having been a PRI representative until the beginning of the 2007 electoral period, which saw him elected Governor.

COCOPA (Chiapas)
Commission for Agreement and Pacification (Comisión de Concordia y Pacificación)

Responsible for assisting with the dialogue between the government and the EZLN. Created by law in 1995 and composed of representatives of the political parties represented in the Mexican Congress. After the suspension of the San Andrés Dialogues in 1996, the COCOPA presented a bill to implement the main consensus of San Andrés through constitutional reform, known asthe “COCOPA Law,” aimingto resume the negotiations. The approval of the COCOPA Law is still one of the conditions established by the EZLN in order to resume dialogue with the federal government.

COFADAPPO (Oaxaca)
Committee of the Relatives and Friends of the Disappeared, Assassinated and Political Prisoners of Oaxaca (Comité de Familiares de Asesinados, Desaparecidos, y Presos Políticos de Oaxaca)

COFADAPPO was created following the mass detentions of November 25, 2006 in Oaxaca, to defend the rights of those detained and their relatives. Its objectives are the liberation of all political prisoners and justice against those who committed rape, torture and illegal detention that day.

Comisiones de Información (Information Commissions) (Chiapas)

Formed by the Zapatistas following the Red Alert in June 2005, the Information Commissions exist in each Caracol to “attend to people who arrive asking for information and an explanation of the Zapatista movement, history and struggle.” (Communiqué by the EZLN,07/11/05)

Comisión Sexta (Chiapas)
(Commission for the Sixth Declaration)

In a communiqué from the CCRI-CG on 13 July 2005, the EZLN announced the creation of this Commission “to take responsibility for everything having to do with the work of carrying forward the Sixth Declaration of the Lancandon Jungle,” which will aim to work “jointly and respectfully with those organizations, groups, collectives and individuals who join with us in this new civil and peaceful initiative in Mexico.” In the first phase of The Other Campaign (first half of 2006), Delegate Zero headed this Commission. The journey through the states of Mexico continued between March and June 2007; it began again towards the south and center of the country in September, but was suspended due to what the Zapatistas denounced as a new governmental offensive against their communities. The Zapatistas also called the three Gatherings between the Zapatistas and the Peoples of the World in 2007.

COMITÉ (DE LIBERACIÓN) 25 DE NOVIEMBRE (Oaxaca)
(The November 25 (Liberation) Committee)

This Committee was formed in Oaxaca in December 2006, following a police operative in which 141 people were detained in Oaxaca City.

COMITÉ CEREZO (Cerezo Committee) (Mexico City)

A committee located in Mexico City, focused on the struggle to protect the human rights of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

CONAI (Chiapas)
National Mediation Commission (Comisión Nacional de Intermediación)

Formed in 1995 to mediate between the EZLN and the federal government, this commission was presided over by the then Bishop of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Samuel Ruiz. It was dissolved in June 1998 because of the lack of advances in the peace process.

CONPAZ (Chiapas)
Coordinating Agency of Nongovernmental Organizations for Peace (Coordinadora de Organismos No Gubernamentales por la Paz)

Platform of NGO’s created in 1994, at the time of Zapatista uprising, to support the peace process. It was dissolved at the end of 1997.

Convention 169 of the INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION (ILO)

A legally binding “Convention concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries,” approved by the ILO in 1989 (and ratified by Mexico in 1990). It establishes norms, rights and guarantees for the recognition and respect of indigenous and tribal peoples. It is a particularly useful legal instrument as it establishes the rights of indigenous peoples to be consulted on the use of the natural resources which are found in their territories. It substitutes the previous Convention 107, considered to be more paternalistic, with a tendency to encourage the assimilation of indigenous peoples.

CONVERGENCIA (Convergence)

Left-wing Mexican political party.

CORECO (Chiapas)
Commission to Support Unity and Community Reconciliation (Comisión para el Apoyo a la Unidad y a la Reconciliación Comunitaria)

NGO formed in 1996 to promote opportunities for dialogue and rapprochement between social organizations in Chiapas.

COSEVER (Chiapas)
Commission for Follow-up and Verification (Comisión de Seguimiento y Verificación)

This commission was to be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the San Andrés Accords and is made up of representatives and invitees from both parties in the conflict: the EZLN, government, and observers from the COCOPA and the CONAI. It has yet to be implemented.

CRAC (Guerrero)
Regional Coordinator of Community Authorities (Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Comunitarias)

A police and community justice organization formed by the indigenous and mestizo communities on the Costa Montaña of Guerrero. It seeks to reeducate the delinquent, avoids the term “punishment” and prioritizes processes which emphasize reconciliation and reparations for the damage done.

CRESIG (Guerrero)
Regional Council of Sierra of Guerrero (Consejo Regional de la Sierra de Guerrero)

Regional organization founded by 12 organizations in 1996, a union of ejidos, peoples and communities representing 14 counties of the Southern Madre Sierre.

ROC
Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Campesinos (Confederación Revolucionaria de Obreros y Campesinos)

Divided into two groups: one with close ties to the government and another which is independent.

D

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Declaration passed in September 2007 by the General Assembly of the United Nations, recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples to self-determination.

Delegate Zero (or Subdelegate Zero, or Subdelegate 0) (Chiapas)

Name given to Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos in his role as the “vanguard” in the first phase of The Other Campaign (the first half of 2006).

DEVELOPMENT, PEACE AND JUSTICE, or PEACE AND JUSTICE (Desarrollo, Paz y Justicia, o Paz y Justicia) (Chiapas)

An indigenous campesino group, affiliated with the PRI, active in the Northern Zone of Chiapas since 1995. Accused of operating as a paramilitary group.

DESMI (Chiapas)
Economic and Social Development of Indigenous Mexicans (Desarrollo Económico Social de los Mexicanos Indígenas, Asociación Civil)

NGO whose main objectives are to support the organizational process of indigenous communities and seek new forms of collaboration that can promote the participation and solidarity between campesinos and indigenous people.

E

EDUCA (Oaxaca)
Services for Alternative Education (Servicios Para una Educación Alternativa)

A Oaxacan civil association which offers educational services and support to organizational processes aiming to further integrate community development and strengthen social and community-based organization.

EJIDO

Communal landholding whose protection and promotion was the official focus of agricultural policy from the Mexican Revolution until the administration of Carlos Salinas (1988-94). In 1992, the constitutional reform of Article 27 (which prohibited the sale or division of ejidos) facilitated the opening up and trading of communal lands.

EPR
Revolutionary Popular Army (Ejército Popular Revolucionario)

A guerrilla group that appeared in Guerrero on June 28, 1996. There have been demonstrations of the EPR's military strength in various states of Mexico, namely Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Querétaro.

ERPI
Revolutionary Army of Insurgent Peoples (Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo Insurgente)

A guerrilla organization that split off from the EPR.

EZLN
Zapatista Army of National Liberation (Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional)

A guerrilla organization formed on November 17, 1983. The EZLN declared war on the Mexican government in an armed uprising on January 1, 1994.

F

FAP
Broad Progressive Front (Frente Amplio Progresista)

A coalition of Mexican left-wing parties, previously known as Coalición Para la Bien de Todos, created after the federal elections in 2006.

FARP
Revolutionary Armed Forces of the People (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias del Pueblo)

A guerrilla group – excision of the EPR – that first appeared in April 2000.

FELIPE CALDERÓN

Mexican president 2006-12. Critics claim that his victory was the result of electoral fraud.

FEMOSPP
Special Prosecution Office for Past Social and Political Movements (Fiscalía Especial para Movimientos Sociales y Políticos del Pasado)

A national prosecution office formed to investigate human rights violations during the “Dirty War” in Mexico.

FIDH
International Federation for Human Rights

An international network founded in 1922. It is comprised of 155 organizations in close to 100 countries, and works to gain concrete improvements in the fields of victim protection, prevention of human rights violations and sentences handed down against those responsible.

FNCR
National Front Against Repression (Frente Nacional Contra la Represión)

A front formed in October 2007 to confront what its members describe as the current situation of “dirty war” strategies against social justice activists. They aim to avoid “another bloodbath caused by the State’s repressive apparatus,” highlighting that the 1970s pattern of clandestine torture, persecution and disappearances against those who demanded social and economic changes again dominates the political panorama.

FNLS
National Front to Fight for Socialism (Frente Nacional de Lucha por el Socialismo)

Front formed by organizations from various Mexican states, who have joined together to “promote the organization of democratic and progressive forces who fight for a Mexico without inequality.”

FRAYBA (Chiapas)

See Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolomé de las Casas.

FTAA
Free Trade Area of the Americas

Neoliberal economic plan that seeks to create a free trade area in the whole American continent. It has been questioned for responding to the interests of the global economic powers, particularly those of the US government.

ZLN
Zapatista Front of National Liberation (Frente Zapatista de Liberación Nacional)

A front formed by the EZLN in the Fourth Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle (January 1, 1996). Its aim was to become a new political force, non partisan, independent and pacifist. The FZLN was dissolved on November 20, 2005.

G

GEACR (Chiapas)
Ecumencial Group for Analysis of the Current Political Situation (Grupo Ecuménico de Análisis de la Coyuntura de la Realidad)

A space for reflection and discussion between civil society organizations in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

GOOD GOVERNMENT COUNCILS (Juntas de Buen Gobierno) (Chiapas)

Formed by delegates from the Zapatista Autonomous Rebel Municipalities, with one in each of the five Caracols. Since 2003, they represent a stage in the construction of Zapatista autonomy which is a long-term gamble, challenging “official”power by taking on the many aspects of the elected government’s role (education, health, justice, development, etc).

GUARDIAS BLANCAS

(see White Guards)

H

HRW
Human Rights Watch

A US organization with global presence, its aims are to conduct research, analysis and reportage of human rights violations.

I

IACHR
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Entity of the Organization of American States whose function is to monitor the human rights situation of the Americas and produce recommendations to the governments of member states.

IEE
State Electoral Institute (Instituto Estatal Electoral)

Autonomous civil electoral entity which is the state-level equivalent of the IFE.

IFE
Federal Electoral Institute (Instituto Federal Electoral)

Autonomous, civil electoral institution responsible for organizing, overseeing and arbitrating all aspects of the federal electoral process. Political parties have representatives in its council, although without voting rights.

ILO
International Labour Organization

Tripartite UN agency which convokes governments, employers and workers of its member states in order to undertake joint actions to promote dignified working conditions around the world.

INDIGENOUS THEOLOGY (Teología India)

According to the document of the Third Synod of the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas, indigenous theology is defined as a “theology that strives to recognize the presence and action of God ... that is manifest in the life, word and wisdom of the ancestors in the different indigenous cultures.”

INI
National Indigenist Institute (Instituto Nacional Indigenista)

Federal government institution that, until 2003, defined and implemented official policy toward indigenous peoples. Replaced by the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples.

J

JUNTAS DE BUEN GOBIERNO
(JBG)

Councils of Good Government. Formed by delegates from the Zapatista Autonomous Rebel Counties. There is one in each of the five “Caracols”. They represent a new stage in the construction of Zapatista autonomy. It is a long-term gamble, challenging the “official” power by assuming the government’s role in all its scope (education, health, justice, development, etc.).

L

La Otra Campaña
The Other Campaign, also referred to as “La Otra”

After a period of internal consultation in 2005, the EZLN called Mexico’s anti-capitalist and leftist organizations to unite in “a new way of doing politics” which, leaving the traditional parties aside, would draft a new project of country. The Other Campaign organized a tour which crossed the country in 2006 and parts of 2007.

LAW FOR DIALOGUE, RECONCILIATION AND A JUST PEACE IN CHIAPAS

Approved by Congress in March 1995, the established formal peace talks following the Zapatista uprising. It created the conditions necessary to resume dialogue such as the suspension of military operations and of the arrest warrants against Zapatista leaders.

LIBERATION THEOLOGY

An understanding of the Bible from the perspective of the oppressed, which uses the social sciences as an analytical tool. It was developed in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s, and implemented by Bishop Samuel Ruíz in the indigenous communities of Chiapas since the 1970s. It is considered one of the factors that propitiated the birth of indigenous and campesino independent organizations, some of whom would later become part of the EZLN.

LIMEDDH
Mexican League for the Defense of Human Rights (Liga Mexicana por la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos)

NGO created in Mexico City in 1985, whose objective is to deal with cases of violations or non-compliance in human rights. It has 10 branches, including Chiapas, Oaxaca and Mexico City.

LOW INTENSITY WARFARE

A counterinsurgency military strategy designed to combat opposition groups. It aims to weaken and/or dismantle popular organizations that may attempt to overthrow the established power. In Mexico, this threat is enacted against the EZLN support bases. This strategy utilizes psychological, military, religious and communication components to achieve its ends.

M

MERIDA INICIATIVE (also “Plan Mexico”)

Initiative launched at the end of October 2007, in which the US government will provide some US$1.4 billion in a joint US-Mexico strategy to combat drug trafficking. The strategy incorporates military, legal and development elements. The first items to be financed are the supply of military equipment and communications and surveillance technology, in addition to various forms of training for Mexican troops and civil servants. Only US$2 million are destined for human rights aspects. Critics question the plan of handing over more than 50% of the US$500 million planned for the first year, given then serious accusations of human rights violations committed by the Mexican Army when conducting national security operatives.

MIRA (Chiapas)
Indigenous Revolutionary Antizapatista Movement (Movimiento Indígena Revolucionaria Antizapatista)

Group reputed to be paramilitary, active in Chiapas since mid-1997.

MP

Public Ministry (Ministerio Público)

MRLCB
Revolutionary Movement Lucio Cabañas Barrientos (Movimiento Revolucionario Lucio Cabañas Barrientos)

A left-wing armed group which claimed responsibility for bomb attacks against offices of the Electoral Tribunal and the PRI in Mexico City in November 2006.

N

NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement

Agreement made between Canada, the United States and Mexico whose purpose is to suspend tariffs on particular products. The agreement entered in force on January 1, 1994, coinciding with the Zapatista uprising. According to analysts, it has increased the impoverishment of the Mexican agricultural sector as it cannot compete with the low prices of products from North America, where farmers have access to agro-industrial tools and technology in addition to financial support and subsidies from their respective states. The last stage of NAFTA was completed January 1, 2008, when the Mexican market was made completely open to corn, bean, evaporated milk and sugar imports from the United States and Canada.

NEOLIBERALISM

An economic and social model being applied in the current phase of capitalism. It is characterized by laissez faire economic policies, the reduction of public spending and social welfare programs, the privatization of strategic sectors of the economy, and the predominance of financial capital.

NETWORK FOR PEACE (Red por la Paz) (Chiapas)

Anetwork created in 2000 that is currently made up of 17 organizations in Chiapas. The network works in the fields of peace, development and human rights.

NGO
Nongovernmental Organization

Legally registered civic organization, independent of the government.

NORTHERN STATION (Chiapas)

Project formed by SIPAZ and four other organizations to promote reconciliation in the Northern Zone of Chiapas. It was dissolved in October 1997.

NORTHERN ZONE (Chiapas)

The area in Chiapas that suffered intense social, political and religious conflicts between 1995 and 1997. The key actors have been the PRI-affiliated paramilitary group Development, Peace and Justice, EZLN supporters, and PRD supporters. It is generally considered to include the municipalities Tila, Sabanilla, TumbaláandSalto de Agua.

O

OAS
Organization of American States

Multilateral forum which unites the nations of the Americas, dealing with economic matters, human rights and treaties among other issues.

OCSS (Guerrero)
Campesino Organization of the Southern Sierra (Organización Campesina Sierra del Sur)

A network of campesino organizations which suffered violent repression and human rights violations in the 1990s. In July 1995, 17 campesinos – the majority members of OCCS – were assassinated by members of Mexican State forces in the community of Aguas Blancas.

OCEZ-Casa del Pueblo (Chiapas)
Campesino Organization Emiliano Zapata–House of the People of Venustiano Carranza (Organización Campesina Emiliano Zapata–Casa del Pueblo de Venustiano Carranza)

Organization founded by tsotsil indigenous people in 1974 to defend their lands. It was one of the first organizations which “recovered” lands (in 1989) which were “stolen and invaded by the government and landholders.”

OIDHO (Oaxaca)
Indigenous Organizations for Human Rights in Oaxaca (Organizaciones Indias por los Derechos Humanos en Oaxaca)

An “organization of organizations” representing campesinos and indigenous peoples. Its representatives operate in different regions of Oaxaca: the Coast (Costa), the Southern Sierra (Sierra Sur), the Central Valleys (Valles Centrales), Tuxtepec, Zapoteca y Mixteca.

OIPM (Guerrero)
Independent Organization of Mixteco Peoples (Organización Independiente del Pueblo Mixteco)

One of two organizations in Guerrero (together with the OPIM) which over the last ten years has united the mixteco and tlapaneco (me’phaa) peoples of the municipality Ayutla de los Libres, site of the El Charco massacre. They have fought against the militarization of their territories, and in particular they have defended the cases of two me’phaa who reported suffering torture and rape at the hands of the members of the Mexican Army in 2002.

OMCT
World Organization Against Torture

Created in 1986, this organization is the principle international coalition of 282 NGOs who fight against torture, summary executions, forced disappearances and any other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

OPDDIC
Organización para la Defensa de los Derechos Indígenas y Campesinos (Organization for the Defense of Indigenous and Campesino Rights)

Group accused of paramilitaty behaviour, affiliated with the PRI and supported by former Deputy Pedro Chulín and authorities in Ocosingo. They also have influence in other regions of Chiapas, such as Altamirano, Las Cañadas, Chilón, Yajalón and the Northern Zone.

OPDDIC-ROJA (Red OPDDIC) (Chiapas)

An allegedly paramilitary organization which first appeared among the signatories of a death threat against the authorities of the autonomous municipality of San Andrés Sakamch’en de los Pobres (also known as San Andrés Larraínzar) in September 2007.

OPIM (Guerrero)
Organization of the Me’phaa Indigenous Peoples (Organización del Pueblo Indígena Me’phaa)

See also OIPM.

OPORTUNIDADES

Federal development program directed at women in which funds are distributed monthly in accordance with the number of children. The money is for the purpose of attending medical consulations and sessions on preventative medicine. The program is considered a factor of the internal divisions in rural communities, as opposition groups such as the Zapatistas refuse to accept these funds. It was formerly known as PROGRESA.

P

PABIC
Auxiliary, Banking, Industrial and Commercial Police (Policía Auxiliar, Bancaria, Industrial y Comercial)

PAN
National Action Party (Partido de Acción Nacional)

Center-right party which consolidated its power when its candidate, Vicente Fox, won the July 2000 presidential elections after seven decades of PRI rule. President Calderón (2006-12) also belongs to this party.

PARAMILITARY GROUPS

Armed groups that operate illegally, for the most part made up of campesinos and indigenous people connected to the PRI. They defend local political and economic interests through intimidation and repression of civilians. There is evidence that they receive training and arms from State security forces, and that they act in coordination with them. Their actions have clearly been permitted by these security forces and they fulfill a role in the predominating counterinsurgency strategy.

PEACE AND JUSTICE

(See Development Peace and Justice)

PEMEX
Mexican Petroleum (Petróleos Mexicanos)

Public oil company. The threat of its possible privatization is one of the principle struggles of former presidential candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

PFP
Federal Preventive Police (Policía Federal Preventiva)

Security force created in 1999 under the direction of the Interior Ministry. Made up of troops from the Army and other federal agencies.

PGJE
State Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría General de Justicia del Estado)

The state level of the PGR.

PGR
Federal Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría General de la República)

Federal department responsible for the investigation and prosecution of federal crimes.

PJE

State Judicial Police (Policía Judicial del Estado)

PLAN MEXICO

See Merida Iniciative.

PLAN PUEBLA-PANAMA

An international and cross-institutional project designed to promote development through investment in transportation and hydroagricultural infrastructure, institutional and regulatory changes, and revisions of price, tariff and subsidy policies. It will include seven nations of southern Mexico and Central America. It is supported by all the governments of this region. It has been rejected by the campesino, indigenous, and social movements of the states affected because it responds to the interests of financiers without recognizing the autonomy of those who inhabit the territories which will be impacted.

PM

Ministerial Police (Policía Ministerial)

PRD
Democratic Revolutionary Party (Partido de la Revolución Democrática)

A center-left opposition party. After the Zapatista uprising, the PRD was the political force closest to the EZLN, however at the present moment the guerrilla groups are clearly opposed to the PRD.

PRI
Institutional Revolutionary Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional)

The political party that ruled Mexico from 1929 (the end of the Mexican Revolution) until the 2000 elections, when it was eventually defeated by the PAN. Its decades of rule have been roundly criticized for having consolidated a Mexican State characterized by corruption at all levels of government and lack of respect of democratic processes.

PROCAMPO
Program for the Countryside (Programa para el Campo)

A federal assistance program for rural areas, used to reduce the negative impacts of North American Free Trade Agreement policies. This program, like OPORTUNIDADES, also contributes to divisions within the communities.

PROCEDE y PROCECOM
Certification Program of Communal and Landholding Rights (Programa de Certificación de los Derechos Ejidales y Comunales)

A federal program to concede property titles to lands held in ejidos. The program has been questioned because it promotes and facilitates the selling and buying of communal and ejidal lands, thereby favoring the disappearance of the traditional forms of landholding which are essential to the survival of indigenous peoples.

PROGRESA
Education, Health, and Nutrition Program (Programa de Educación, Salud y Alimentación)

Federal program that has given support to women in rural and suburban areas since 1994. It was replaced by the program OPORTUNIDADES.

PROPAZ (Chiapas)
Swiss Program of Observation and Peace Promotion in Chiapas (Programa Suizo de Observación y Promoción de Paz en Chiapas)

Swiss observation and lobbying organization which operated in Chiapas until 2007.

PT
Labor Party (Partido del Trabajo)

A centre party, formed in 1988. In recent years it has made alliances with movements and political forces of center-left.

PVEM
Mexican Green Ecology Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de México)

Center environmental party, often allied with the PRI.

R

RAP
Multi-ethnic Autonomous Regions (Regiones Autónomas Pluri-étnicas)

Coordinated regional initiatives that involve indigenous, campesino, political, and social organizations, Their goal is to increase self-sufficiency, autonomy at all levels, and meaningful social change.

RED ALERT (Chiapas)

The EZLN has declared a Red Alert on four occasions. In theory, the Red Alert implies the mobilization of the EZLN’s militia, as well as the closure of the Caracoles and the Good Government Councils, both structures of the Zapatista government. It also implies the complete suspension of all relations with external actors. The last two Red Alerts were declared, respectively, to facilitate the consultation process that resulted in the Sixth Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle (June 2005) and as a protest against the events of Atenco. This second Alert also led to the suspension of The Other Campaign’s national tour by Subcomandante Marcos, who for this event was entitled Delegate Zero.

RED MASK (Máscara Roja) (Chiapas)

Group accused of paramilitary activity in the Chiapas Highlands, accused of committing the Acteal Massacre in December 1997.

RODH (Oaxaca)
Oaxacan Human Rights Network (Red Oaxaqueña de Derechos Humanos)

A civil society entity founded on August 13, 1996. It is currently made up of six organizations working in the state of Oaxaca, predominantly with indigenous peoples and other vulnerable populations.

RWB
Reporters Without Borders

An international organization that researches and denounces crimes against journalists, and supports journalists who are jailed or persecuted for their work. Its receipt of financing from the US government has been brought into question.

S

SAMUEL RUIZ GARCÍA, BISHOP (EMERITUS) (Chiapas)

Bishop of San Cristóbal de las Casas between 1959 and 1999, Ruiz García is now Bishop Emeritus and is known to the indigenous peoples of Chiapas as “Tatic” (father) or “Totic Samuel,” an honorific title. Samuel Ruiz has had a major influence on the recent history of Chiapas. He called the 1974 Indigenous Congress, which focused on the spiritual needs of the indigenous peoples; this in turn made way for the development of indigenous theology. The demands resulting from the Congress later formed the basis for the 11 basic demands of the Zapatistas. Don Samuel was suggested by the EZLN as mediator in the negotiations of San Andrés Larráinzar, and with the agreement of the Chiapas governor the bishop was later named president of the CONAI. In July of 1998, Don Samuel announced the CONAI’s dissolution after attacks against him, the diocese of San Cristóbal and the CONAI itself

SAN ANDRÉS ACCORDS (Chiapas)

Agreements made between the federal government and the EZLN on “Indigenous Rights and Culture” (Round 1 in the San Andrés Dialogues). They were signed in February 1996 in the community of San Andrés Larráinzar. Their implementation remains one of the main demands of the Mexican Indigenous movement. According to the Zapatistas and members of the National Indigenous Congress, the accords are considered to be law and are enforced accordingly in their territories.

SAN ANDRÉS DIALOGUES (Chiapas)

Dialogues initiated in 1995 between the federal government and the EZLN in the municipality of San Andrés Larráinzar, emphasizing an integral reform of the Mexican State – thus putting an end to the causes of the Zapatista uprising of 1994 – as the main objective. Advisors and supporters of all sides of the conflict were present, divided into working groups focused on several issues, among them Indigenous Culture and Rights, Democracy and Justice, Welfare and Development and Women's Rights. Only the first two working groups were established, due to the termination of the talks by the EZLN in 1996 when the federal government failed to comply with the first agreements signed.

SAN ANDRÉS LARRÁINZAR (Chiapas)

The location of the Peace Dialogues between the EZLN and the government, and the site of the signing of the San Andrés Accords on February 16, 1996. Later renamed “San Andrés Sakamch'en de los Pobres” by the EZLN.

SECTION 22 (Sección 22) (Oaxaca)

The Oaxacan branch of the SNTE, founded in 1989, formed to represent dissident teachers.

SEDENA

Secretariat of National Defense (Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional)

SEDESOL

Secretariat of Community Development (Secretaría de Desarrollo Social)

SEGOB

Interior Ministry (Secretaría de Gobernación)

SEPI

Secretariat of Indigenous Peoples (Secretaría de Pueblos Indios)

SEPROCI

Secretariat of Citizen Protection (Secretaría de Protección Ciudadana)

SERAPAZ
Services and Consulting for Peace (Servicios y Asesoría para la Paz)

A NGO formed by some ex-advisors and members of the CONAI.

SERPAJ
Peace and Justice Service (Servicio de Paz y Justicia)

A Latin American organization of human rights and peace promotion and training, founded by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Adolfo Pérez Esquivel. Part of the SIPAZ coalition.

Sexta Declaración de la Selva Lacandona

(Sixth Declaration of the Selva Lacandona) Between June 29 and July 1, 2005, the EZLN presented the Sixth Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle in three parts. The “Sexta” evaluates the history and struggle of the Zapatistas over the past 11 years: “A new step forward in the indigenous struggle is only possible if indigenous peoples join together with (...) the workers of the city and the countryside.” In this document, the EZLN proposes the creation of a new “broad front” which will simultaneously construct “a national program of struggle, but a program which will be clearly of the left, or anti-capitalist” and move towards a new constitution. At an international level, it proposes the organization of an Intergalactic Meeting such as the one held at the Caracol of La Realidad in 1996. Accordingly, in 2007 three Gatherings of the Zapatistas and the Peoples of the World were held. See also Sixth Commission.

SNTE
National Education Workers’ Union (Sindicato Nacional de los Trabajadores de la Educación)

The official education workers’ union of Mexico. Accused of being antidemocratic, a splinter organization was formed called the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE).

SOCAMA
Campesino-Teacher Solidarity (Solidaridad Campesina Magisterial)

Program created during the Salinas Administration (1988-94) that proposed an alliance between teachers and campesinos in order to promote development in indigenous communities.

SUBCOMANDANTE (INSURGENTE) MARCOS

EZLN military commander (according to his speech of December 16, 2007) who has often taken on the role of spokesperson.

T

TEPJF
Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Branch (Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación)

Federal tribunal that evaluates and dictates decisions on the validity of complaints about the electoral process. In the controversial elections of 2006, the TEPJF unanimously declared Felipe Calderón as president elect.

TRADITIONALIST CATHOLICS

Term used in Chiapas for indigenous people whose religious practices combine elements of Catholicism with Mayan cosmology. Generally they do not recognize the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Also known as costumbristas, the term indicates those who follow indigenous customs in their religious practice.

U

UCIZONI (Oaxaca, Veracruz)
Union of Indigenous Communities of the Northern Zone of the Isthmus (Unión de Comunidades Indígenas de la Zona Norte del Istmo)

A civil association founded in 1985 and composed of more than 100 towns within 14 municipalities. It is an instrument allowing indigenous peoples to defend their rights and territories.

UNACH

Autonomous University of Chiapas (Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas)

UNAM
National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)

The largest public university in Mexico, located in Mexico City. It is considered one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Latin America and has traditionally been associated with a progressive agenda.

UNITIERRA (Chiapas, Oaxaca)
University of the Land (Universidad de la Tierra)

A space for sharing, training and alternative apprenticeship that has branches in both Oaxaca and Chiapas.

UPOE

Special Operations Police Unit (Unidad Policíaca de Operaciones Especiales)

URO (Oaxaca)
Ulises Ruiz Ortiz

Oaxaca State governor (2004 to present). The state’s social justice movements consider him directly responsible for the acts of repression in 2006 and 2007, as well as numerous other human rights violations since taking office in 2004.

V

VOCAL (Oaxaca)
Oaxacan Voices Building Autonomy and Freedom (Voces Oaxaqueñas Construyendo Autonomía y Libertad)

A constantly growing grassroots youth space, coming from the left wing and anarchist groups. They are adherents to The Other Campaign and defend self-governance and autonomy.

W

WHITE GUARDS (Guardias Blancas)

Groups financed and armed by cattle ranchers to defend their economic interests. They operate on the fringes of the law. They are characterized by their open links to the PRI party. They are considered to be the origin of the present paramilitary groups.

Witness for Peace

A politically independent US-based organization consisting of individuals committed to non-violence and guided by faith and conscience. They strive for peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by aiming to change US policies as well as the practices of corporations that contribute to increased poverty and oppression.

Z

ZAPATISTA

Member or supporter of the EZLN or its support bases.