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Help hunger strikers facing eviction in Mexico

On Wednesday, January 23 Mexican farmers took their struggle against genetically modified (GM) corn to the plaza, embarking on a hunger strike and sit-in in Mexico City. And they need your support before they are arrested.

According to members of the Via Campesina, city officials agreed prior to the demonstration to allow the protestors peaceful demonstration in front of the Angel of Independence statue. However, when hundreds of farmers from 20 states in Mexico took their place on the plaza, they were quickly surrounded by armed forces threatening to evict them.

Please raise your voice in support at this urgent moment by taking action below. (English version appears below the form.)

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[ENGLISH VERSION]

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am writing to express my support for the National Union of Autonomous Regional Peasant Organizations (UNORCA) and the hunger strike they are organizing at the Angel of Independence Monument in Mexico City.

Small farmers in Mexico have good reason to protest against this invasion of transnational corporations in Mexico. Right now, 30 million Mexicans suffer from extreme food insecurity because the intervention of companies like Monsanto and DuPont in the agricultural sector of Mexico and local markets. These companies benefit from free trade agreements such as NAFTA-CAN and the emerging "Trans-Pacific Partnership" that the Mexican government is participating in.

Small farmers in Mexico have had enough. The invasion of transgenic corn into Mexico will impact everyone and will also exacerbate food dependency in an already suffering country.

In solidarity with UNORCA, I demand your cooperation with this hunger strike. In addition, I request the urgent withdrawal of security forces stationed at the Angel of Independence Monument, a public space that belongs to all Mexicans.

Thank you for your time,