On 22nd July, Action Day Against Extractivism And Violence, more than 20 social organizations followed the call of the Assembly for the Reconstitution of the Social Movement in Oaxaca de Juárez to demand justice, demonstrate against displacement and fight for collective rights. The event started with a press conference at the Fountain of the Eight Regions in Reforma, where the collective pronounced their goals. At 09:00 am, the march commenced, pausing at significant points like the construction site of controversial Plaza Oaxaca, a luxury shopping center constructed against the will of the neighborhood’s residents, where the suspension of all works was demanded. It continued on into the city center and came to a close with a political reunion at the Zocalo.
Between 1500 and 3000 people took to the streets. While being a great show of unity from civil society, the march also showcased to the multiple issues Oaxaca’s citizens face, and gave voice to their frustration with their government: Themes included rising living costs and gentrification, displacement, education and healthcare deficits, prioritizing of the tourism-industry over basic needs of citizens, violence against women, and a government that styles itself as leftist while following right wing policies and threatening indigenous lands with numerous mining and industry projects. “What they sell to us as development is hijacking of our lands and ecocide!” a speaker decried.
The rally took place in the week of the Guelaguetza, a local event which sees a high influx of tourists, and participants expressed their grief about a cultural element hailing from the communities being turned into a business and a luxury spectacle for tourists, while the working class of the city is simultaneously exploited for cheap labour and pushed out of sight to the outskirts of town as prices rise. “We don’t want to lose permission to exist!” they declared, and “There will never be an Oaxaca without us”.
Another great grievance is the violence that threatens activists who fight to defend human rights and indigenous territories, and the lack of persecution their murderers face, the indifference demonstrated by responsible authorities. A banner carries the message “Period of Impunity”; another states: “Protecting the land is protecting LIFE. Stop violence against the defenders!”.
But the convocation doesn’t just denunciate social injustice, it also shows a distinct vision for a better future: Clean water, living forests, a government that cares for its people, affordable food and healthcare for everyone and free education. They commit themselves to building a more democratic, equitable and inclusive society, based in respect for human dignity and showing mutual support.
The message is clear: Capitalism, colonialism and the patriarchy continue to raise their ugly heads in Oaxaca, but the people are resisting and will not be intimidated into silence. “The community united will never be defeated!”.
Read the full position-paper of the Assembly here.
