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AI Issues Urgent Action Request for Lomas

By Rebecca Wiggins.

Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action request on behalf of the residents of Lomas del Poleo on Jan. 16. This border community, located in Cuidad Juarez, Mexico, is struggling to keep its land while under constant attack and harassment by private guards hired by the Zaragoza family, which claims ownership of the land.

Amnesty’s statement, long-awaited by advocates for the colonia and social justice activists, warns that the safety of residents is at risk, citing testimony of two local men who were beaten and threatened by the guards. The report also includes accounts of residents’ homes being destroyed.

The conflict over land ownership in Lomas del Poleo has been ongoing for several years, with intimidation tactics increasing in 2003. Tactics include the removal of electricity and water sources, the demolition of the parish church and the erection of a barbed-wire fence around the community with guard towers for constant surveillance of residents. Amnesty’s report states that over 200 homes once occupied Lomas del Poleo, but only 25 families remain.

The disputed land has become increasingly valuable over the past few years, with planned development projects on both sides of the border set to intersect the community. Residents are attending hearings at the Agrarian Tribunal in Chihuahua, Mexico, an attempt to settle the dispute using Mexican courts. Agrarian lawyer Barbara Zamora, and her husband, Santos Garcia, represent the residents of Lomas del Poleo.

Two court proceedings have occurred to date, with the third set for Feb. 3. Each time, the case has been postponed due to the fact that lawyers for the Zaragozas have not attended, requiring supporters to raise more money so their residents and their attorneys can make the trip again. In the days leading up to court dates, acts of violence against community members have increased.

Amnesty requests that appeals be sent in both Spanish and English to authorities including the Governor of Chihuahua State, the Attorney General of Chihuahua and the Mayor of Ciudad Juarez. The appeals should express concern for the attacks on residents of the community, urge authorities to ensure residents are given protection, call for the fence and guards to be removed, and for an independent investigation to occur. For contact information for these officials, or to view the Urgent Action request, visit http://www.amnestyusa.org/urgent/newslett.html.

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