Solidarity Caravan

The Solidarity Caravan is an awareness tour of the province of Quebec organized in collaboration with a delegation of Latin American militant women coming from communities affected by mega-projects of development which are responsible for major human rights violations. Its main objective is to raise awareness towards issues where human rights are violated as well as cases of exploitation of natural resources in a global context characterized by strong disparities between the different regions of the world. The Caravan of Solidarity also gives the opportunity to strengthen and solidify the work being done by groups or individuals from here and groups from civil societies all over the continent.

The Solidarity Caravan visits around ten cities throughout Quebec, organizes some fifteen public events, recruits twenty or so volunteers, organizes media relation events and is broadcasted in most media, especially radio. This campaign involves around 2000 people.

We have two reasons for inviting only women from Latin American communities. First of all, since women conceive and protect life (they are closer to children, sick and elderly people) They are also the first to be aware of new illnesses caused by soil contamination due to the exploitation of natural resources (hydroelectric barrages, mining or petroleum exploitation). Men accept more often and more easily projects of development, believing that they are the solution to the economic problems. For their part, women have a better long term perception and tend more easily to criticize projects that could cause harm to the future generations. Therefore, they are usually the ones who first show their opposition to destructive projects. That is why it is every important to listen to them.

The second reason explaining why the CDHAL invites only women is because they are largely under-represented among Latin American grassroots. When they are present, it’s usually as representative of women rights and they seldom have access to managing or executive positions. By forcing the Latin American groups to nominate a woman, we try to reinforce the inclusion of women inside these groups.  We thus ensure the training of women who will later become leaders in their communities.

Last caravans

• Caravane 2010: Des barrages hydroélectriques qui ne font pas l'unanimité - 2e partie
• Caravane 2009: Des barrages hydroélectriques qui ne font pas l'unanimité d'une Amérique à l'autre
• Caravane 2007: Les communautés autochtones et paysannes du Pérou et du Mexique à la défense de leur autodétermination environnementale
• Caravane 2006: Enjeux de développement dans le continent américain
• Caravane 2006: Mobilisations pour le respect des droits, des territoires et pouvoir collectif du Sud au Nord