The Central American Network of Indigenous Community Radios, which is made up of Indigenous community radio stations from each of the seven countries of Central America (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama) on March 1, 2016 pronounced their support for Bill 4087, Community Media Law in Guatemala. In a powerful letter, they urge the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala to pass this law in order to fulfill their obligation as a democratic State.
“On behalf of the Central American Network of Indigenous Community Radios, we urgently appeal to the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala to pass Bill 4087 in order to ensure that the right to freedom of expression and the right to communication for the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala,” states the third paragraph in the pronouncement made by this network in support of the approval of Bill 4087.
The press release highlights that the approval of the law “not only benefits Indigenous Community Radios, but also the State of Guatemala, making the State a model of respect for freedom of expression and guarantee of International Accords”.
In addition, the letter recognizes that Bill 4087 has been the result of the efforts of Indigenous Peoples who are concerned with the recognition of the right to communication and the democratization of frequency access, and it highlights that through this bill Indigenous Peoples Rights are recognized and respected, in recognizing the role that community radios have played in the revitalization of their languages, cultural and traditions.
To Honorable Members of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, Guatemala City
Dear Congress Members:
The Central American Network of Indigenous Community Radios, made up of community radio stations from all seven countries in the region (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama) gives our support to Bill 4087- Community Communication Law. We highlight that this initiative not only benefits Indigenous Community Radios, but also the State of Guatemala, making the State a model of respect for freedom of expression and of guaranteeing International Accords.
Bill 4087 has been an effort of Indigenous Peoples concerned with recognition of the right to communication and of the democratization of access to frequencies.
On behalf of the Central American Network of Indigenous Community Radios, we urgently appeal to the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala to pass Bill 4087 in order to ensure that the right to freedom of expression and the right to communication for the Indigenous Peoples of Guatemala.
It is important to mention that by passing this law, the state is contributing to the recognition and respect for Indigenous Peoples who have been excluded for years and who, through community media, have found shelter and a space to work towards the revitalization of our cultures, languages, and education; the promotion of our own forms of organization, gender equality, cosmovision, identity development, youth and caring for the environment.
For these reasons, the position of the countries that make up the Central American Network of Indigenous Community Radios is to endorse and support the good work of the Community Radios of Guatemala and to ask that the State joins this effort in order to guarantee respect for the fundamental human right for the consolidation of democracy in the country.
Sincerely,
Ada Villarreal
Regional Coordinator
Central American Network of Indigenous Community Radios
