Solidarity with Violeta Núñez Rodríguez and journalist Ernesto Ledesma in the face of the threats they received after the publication of their report on lithium in Mexico

El CLACSO Working Group on Critical Studies of Rural Development expresses its solidarity with Violeta Núñez Rodríguez and journalist Ernesto Ledesma in the face of the death threats they received after the publication of their report on lithium in Mexico.

We recognize the academic work that Violeta, a member of this Working Group and a research professor at the Autonomous Metropolitan University, Xochimilco Unit (UAM-X), has carried out not only on lithium, but also on mining in Mexico, from a critical perspective and in favor of life, nature and common goods with Mexican rural peoples and communities.

As scholars and researchers of rural Latin American worlds, but also as activists and supporters of rural social movements in our continent, we strongly condemn the threats and any attempt to intimidate or frighten Violeta and Ernesto to continue their research and reporting on the dispossession of Mexican natural resources.

We demand that the Mexican government immediately investigate these threats, as well as guarantee the safety of Violeta and Ernesto, both in their personal integrity and for the continuity of their professional work.

We invite you to watch the special report titled Mexico: Lithium Uncovered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8qU2jdkqv0&t=510s

April 8th 2022
CLACSO Working Groups
Critical Studies of Rural Development

This statement expresses the position of the Working Group Critical Studies of Rural Development and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.