Attacked and harassed for defending her rights. Don't force her off her land.
Máxima Acuña has braved violent attacks and harassment in an attempt to drive her family out of their land by mining giants.
Máxima, a peasant farmer in northern Peru is in a legal battle with Yanacocha, one of the world's biggest gold and copper mines, over the ownership of the land.
Police and Yanacocha security people have attacked her family, beating her and her children and damaging her property and crops.
It's a campaign of intimidation designed to make her life impossible – so that she gives up her fight and leaves. Máxima will not give in, but her family need protection now.
Her bravery won her the 2016 Goldman Prize, the world's most respected environmental award. Community members look to her as a leader – and have banded together to help one another.
Stand with Máxima. Tell the authorities in Peru to protect her and her family from this persistent harassment.
Dear Minister Carlos Basombrío,
Máxima, a peasant farmer in northern Peru, has braved violent harassment and intimidation from local police for refusing to leave the land where she lives with her family. She is in a legal battle with Yanacocha, one of the world’s biggest gold and copper mines, over the ownership of the land. She believes the police’s harassment is an attempt to drive her away from her home.
I urge you to protect Máxima Acuña and her family from violence and intimidation, promptly investigate the attacks, and bring those responsible to justice.
[Your comments here]
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
