On September 22^nd, Ethiopia’s new prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn was sworn into office, one month after the death of former prime minister Meles Zenawi, who had ruled the country for over two decades. Hailemariam, a close ally of Meles as deputy prime minister and foreign minister since 2010, pledged to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor.

Marcos Mateo Miguel was released from jail on September 21^st after spending five months incarcerated with no evidence presented against him.  Miguel is a community leader that was part of the opposition against the construction of the Cambalam hydroelectric dam in Barillas, Huehuetenango.

Activists in Cambodia are feeling the heavy hand of the government. Threats, intimidation and, in extreme cases, even murder have been occurring in the country.

Hidralia Energia’s actions in Guatemala have drawn attention to the company back in its hometown of Galicia, Spain, where a protest was held on August 30th.

On September 11^th, a judge revoked ten arrest warrants that were issued against community leaders in the municipality of Barillas, Huehuetenango for alleged crimes against the Spanish hydroelectric subsidiary Hydro Santa Cruz, which plans to build a dam on a river outside of Barillas.  A civil court of Santa Eulalia found the warrants were issued in violation of proper procedures, and revoked their validity.  The ten individuals were accused by Hydro Santa Cruz of the destruction of property, kidnapping, and terrorism, among other charges just days after riots broke out

Today marks five years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Today marks five years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

by Kelsey Klug

By Richard Price