OTTAWA — The Green Party of Canada is deeply concerned by reports of the arrest of Leocadio Juracán, Agrarian Reform Coordinator of the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (CCDA), at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala.
Mr. Juracán, a respected land defender and human rights advocate, was reportedly detained while en route to participate in a global conference on social movement learning in South Africa. His arrest, and the criminal charges against him—reportedly linked to his peaceful advocacy on behalf of Indigenous and campesino communities—represent an alarming violation of international human rights standards.
The Green Party of Canada strongly condemns the criminalization of land and human rights defenders in Guatemala. We stand in solidarity with Mr. Juracán and with all individuals and organizations working to uphold Indigenous rights, protect ancestral territories, and advocate for agrarian justice.
We call on the Government of Guatemala to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Leocadio Juracán;
- Guarantee his safety and protection while legal proceedings are addressed;
- Implement the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur, including a moratorium on forced evictions and amnesty for criminalized land defenders;
- End the targeted persecution of Indigenous and campesino leaders and organizations.
Guatemala, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights treaties, has a clear obligation to protect the rights of its citizens, particularly those most at risk. Continued criminalization of peaceful human rights work undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
“The arrest of Leocadio Juracán is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who defend land, people, and justice. His only ‘crime’ is standing with Indigenous and campesino communities in the struggle for dignity and rights. Canada must raise its voice, and the international community must act—because silence in the face of injustice is complicity” said Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich – Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada.
The Green Party of Canada stands firmly on the side of justice, dignity, and self-determination for all peoples. We urge the international community to monitor this case closely and to support efforts that protect human rights defenders globally.
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