A Symbol of Peace
...Building peace requires that we start by weaving a fabric out of the threads of equality, justice, participatory democracy, and respect for the rights of all peoples and cultures; we must establish intercultural relations that will promote harmonious coexistence through cultural pluralism.
-Rigoberta Menchú
Throughout all her work, Rigoberta Menchú's ultimate goal has been to bring peace and reconciliation to the people of Guatemala. She played a major role in passing the Peace Accords of 1996 that brought an end to the Civil War.
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Excerpt from "Agreement on a firm and lasting peace"; Source: United Nations Peacemaker
"'Her [Menchú's] voice is the symbol of the struggle of our Maya people of Guatemala for peace and development...Rigoberta Menchú's struggle is an expression of the resistance of all Mayans, and is a contribution to the construction of a new society in which neither Mayans nor any other people will be marginalized or neglected.'"
-Arturo Arias; from The Rigoberta Menchú Controversy
She was appointed the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Goodwill Ambassador in 1996, in order "to promote the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and the preservation of indigenous culture." (Unesco.org) She remains a model of inspiration for Guatemalan indigenous, and represents hope for a brighter future of peace. |
"I may die tomorrow, or the day after. I will not be here forever, like the eternal things on earth, but I will always be a sign of time that will remain in our Mayan memory. I am very conscious of this. A lot of people will remember me when I am dead. They'll remember the good things and the mistakes I made, for that is how the history of mankind is made up."
-Rigoberta Menchú; excerpted from Crossing Borders
Although her presence is temporary,
Menchú's foundations and supporters will carry on her life's work--securing human rights for
all, and changing Guatemala into a community where ladinos and indígenas [indigenous people], men
and women, guerrillas and civilians, may finally live in peace.