SIPAZ Activities (April – August 1996)

Visits to different parts of the state, especially the areas with the highest levels of conflict and of military and paramilitary violence, with an emphasis on contacts with individuals and groups under threat: Tila, Sabanilla, Bachajon, Chilon, Yajalon, Simojovel, El Bosque, El Limar, Venustiano Carranza, etc.

Development and consolidation of relationships with individuals and local organizations involved in peace efforts in the region, including joint actions such as the delegation of non-governmental organizations that visited the northern region to document paramilitary violence and the establishment of a forum to increase communication and coordination among the groups.

Presentation of workshops:

• April 20-21 on “Nonviolent Civil Resistance,” in coordination with Servicio Paz y Justicia and Peaceworkers;
• July 18-19 on “Conflict Resolution,” with the assistance of conflict resolution specialist John Paul Lederach.

Investigation, analysis and distribution of information on the status of the peace process and the social and political climate in Chiapas. Information is shared through the SIPAZ Report, weekly updates, Urgent Action alerts, meetings with individuals and international delegations visiting Chiapas, and participation in conferences and other assemblies.

Participation in a number of public events in Chiapas, including:

• the Continental (April) and Intercontinental (July) Gatherings for Humanity and against Neoliberalism,
• the Special Forum on Government Reform (July),
• the San Andres Dialogue, and
• Forum on Power and Religion.

In addition, one team member spoke on “The Church and the Problems in Chiapas” at the annual assembly of the Methodist Church.

The creation in August of the Temporary Station for the Easing of Tension and Reconciliation in the northern region of the state in coordination with the Fray Bartolome de las Casas Human Rights Center, the Center for Indigenous Rights (CEDIAC), and Global Exchange. The station’s purpose is to support threatened individuals and groups, document human rights violations, offer workshops on human rights and legal issues and contribute to the search for peaceful solutions in the region. The six-member team (including one from SIPAZ), is based in Yajalon. The team will regularly evaluate the experience to assess its impact and make changes accordingly.

Consultation with members of the Chiapas exploratory project of Peace Brigades International (PBI) during July and August. PBI members joined in some SIPAZ activities during their stay.

Ongoing consultation with local and national advisers.