The Julian Cho Society (JCS) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to champion the rights of indigenous communities in southern Belize. It emerged from the movement for indigenous land rights and honors Julian Cho, a Mopan Maya leader dedicated to social justice. JCS promotes education, justice and sustainable development for indigenous groups through research, education and advocacy.
The society has an impressive track record advocating for indigenous rights since 2005. Notable victories include securing debt relief for two adjoining communities, playing a central role in a landmark Supreme Court case affirming indigenous land/resource rights in Santa Cruz and Conejo villages, and garnering national/international media attention for their cause. In 2007, JCS received an award for promoting non-violent social change in Belize.
JCS has been integrally involved in the centuries-long struggle by the Mopan and Q’eqchi’ Maya peoples to defend their land rights against violations by the Belizean government. After favorable rulings by Belize’s courts and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, JCS continues efforts to ensure the government respects the Maya communities’ legally recognized land rights. Their persistent advocacy aims to achieve accountability, fairness and equality for Belize’s indigenous populations.
environment.
Connect with them:
Showcasing stories of Caribbean organizations at the foreground of the struggle against disaster capitalism in the Caribbean. Our network of participants in the Greater Caribbean region connect, learn, share their hands on responses to the impacts of the twin threats of the climate crisis and disaster capitalism in our region.
Bernard Lodge Farmers Group
WAVE (Progressive Reform Movement)
Tèt Kole
Global Challenges Research Fund
Open Society Foundations
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
In the tumultuous aftermath of disasters, it is easy to feel isolated and alone, but you are not.
We, a network of Caribbean-wide community organizers who stand in solidarity with those affected the twin threats of the climate crises and disaster capitalism, a phenomenon that exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable communities.
We want you to know that your stories matter. We are here to listen, to support, and to amplify your voices.
We believe that together, we can challenge the forces of disaster capitalism and advocate for more sustainable, inclusive and equitable decision-making.
Join us in solidarity. Share your experiences and let’s build strong communities that thrive together.
As the wider world braces for the climate change, Caribbean communities are already struggling with its effects. Small local communities, small scale farmers and coastal communities are disproportionately affected. Political decisions, power dynamics and laws often compound the catastrophes and silence bottom up solutions.
There are ways in which you can help.