Thousands of indigenous farmers descended on Guatemala City on Tuesday, calling for the government to put an end to mining developments they fear will destroy their lands. The indigenous farmers, from the West of Guatemala, have claimed they were forcibly evicted from their land and suffered intimidation at the hands of mining companies.

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The farmers demanded the government review its rural development law and increase protection for the environment. They want to see the cancellation of contracts awarded to mining companies for projects coverings large areas of farmland, which they claim are having adverse effects on Guatemala’s environment, culture and food production.

As well as the mining, the farmers claim hydroelectric projects, oil drilling and sugar plantations are displacing them and threatening their future. Furthermore, the UN has said Guatemalan police, acting on government orders, have assisted the mining companies in expelling farmers from their land.

Goldcorp mining, a large Canadian company with mines in the country, has been accused of human rights violations in Guatemala’s Western highlands. Now farmers are claiming they are facing mistreatment from large companies, and have marched for eight days to the country’s capital to voice their discontent.

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