Trocaire condemns murder of French NGO director in Guatemala

Benoit Maria - image AVSF Facebook

Source: Trocaire/AVSF

Benoit Maria, country director of the NGO Agronomists and Veterinarians without Borders (AVSF) was murdered on 10th August. He was 60. Maria had worked for more than 20 years to improve the lives of indigenous people in Guatemala and was a much-loved figure.

According to local media, he was driving a van on a road near the indigenous village of San Antonio Ilotenango, 85 kilometres (53 miles) northwest of the capital Guatemala City, when he was shot dead.

Benoít María, had been been working with the indigenous authorities of the region on the creation of the Ixil University and the development of small farmer markets. He contributed to the diversification of small agricultural production, the dignity of small farmers, and the recovery of indigenous agricultural practices.

In a statement deploring the killing, Trocaire said: "We ask the country authorities the prompt clarification of this criminal act against a human rights activist. Guatemala is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to defend land and the environment. Human rights defenders are frequently murdered with impunity.

"Trócaire joined with members of the Forum of International NGOs in Guatemala to express our condolences to his friends and family, as well as making the following urgent appeals:

To the national authorities, to carry out a prompt and exhaustive investigation for the clarification of the criminal act against a human rights defender and representative of an international development cooperation organization.

To the representation of the Government of the Republic of France and the European Union in Guatemala, to follow up on the investigation with the Ministry.

To the Government of the Republic of Guatemala, to strengthen actions in the area of Defence of Human Rights Defenders, and constructive dialogue for the resolution of social conflicts and implement policies to protect human rights defenders, as well as to safeguard the life of the general public."

LINK

Agronomes & Veterinaires - www.avsf.org/