Frequently Asked Questions
About Peace Camping
Why is a foreign peace presence still necessary in Chiapas?
While Chiapas may have slipped out of the international spotlight, the counterinsurgency war continues to envelop the area in violence. There are 252 permanent military positions in the state of Chiapas. There are approximately 15,000 internal refugees--people displaced from their homes by paramilitary groups which continue to operate with impunity throughout the state. Mexican President Vicente Fox's mega-development proposal, the Plan Puebla Panama, threatens to further displace tens of thousands of indigenous people from their land throughout southern Mexico and Central America. In April 2001 the Mexican Congress approved an Indigenous Counter Reform Law that has been widely rejected as an illegitimate adulteration of the Indigenous Rights and Culture Bill negotiated between the EZLN and the Mexican government in 1996, and a low point in the stand off between the Fox administration and the EZLN. Since the passage of the law, the Mexican Army and local police have installed 18 new Mixed Operation Bases within the conflict zone. Aggressions against the EZLN, its bases of support and sympathizers are on the increase, as evidenced by the recent wave of violence being denounced by the communities. Furthermore, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 2001 in the United States, the Mexican government has agreed to step up security along its southern border and tighten internal security, further militarizing the area.
Under what legal pretext can foreigners serve as human rights observers?
Article 1 of the Mexican Constitution guarantees all civil liberties and personal freedoms to foreigners within Mexican territory, such as the freedom of expression, association and movement. Article 33 of the Mexican Constitution reserves the exercise of political liberties for Mexican citizens. These political liberties are defined as: voting, occupying public office, lobbying, occupying positions within electoral agencies, associating with political ends, petitioning the government in political affairs and serving in the military during times of peace. The work of human rights observation does not fall within the above-mentioned activities and Article 1 of the Mexican Constitution protects the civil liberties of international volunteers while in the Peace Camps. Article 33 does not prohibit foreigners' freedom of expression while in Mexican territory, even if they are expressing opinions critical of the Mexican government, as long as they do not attempt any of the activities specified as political liberties reserved for Mexican citizens. International human rights observation is further legitimated by international conventions and declarations signed by the Mexican government, such as the American Convention on Human Rights and the International Convention on Political and Civil Rights, which state that the international community has the right to verify whether or not human rights are being respected.
Is participating in the Peace Camps dangerous?
Global Exchange relies on the extensive knowledge of local human rights groups when sending people out into communities. The Fray Bartolome Human Rights Center has worked with thousands of international observers and does extensive assessment and training before sending volunteers out into communities, taking into account their previous experiences and goals. However, Global Exchange cannot make any guarantees for the safety of the Peace Campers.
What is life like in the Peace Camps? What kind of involvement will I have in community life?
The communities welcome the Peace Campers with open arms and are very grateful for their solidarity and support in response to the request for accompaniment. They are very generous with their time and their homes, and Peace Campers have the opportunity to witness various community events such as traditional fiestas, masses and community meetings. Most campers work in community kitchens, pick coffee or assist in community projects, though this is strictly voluntary and not expected. Peace Campers are responsible for cooking their own meals and daily activities generally include fetching water, chopping firewood, bathing, cooking and cleaning. It should be noted that Peace Campers are, by nature of their position, observers and therefore are prohibited from interfering in the internal affairs of the communities.
Do I have to pay anything? How much money should I bring?
There are no charges for participating in the Peace Camps. We recommend bringing $150 per month to cover your expenses, though we don't expect you will use it all if you are spending the majority of your time out in communities.
What do I need to bring?
After being accepted into Global Exchange's short-term volunteer program you will receive an information packet recommending what to bring to Chiapas. You will receive specific instructions from the Fray Bartolome Human Rights Center regarding the things they recommend bringing into the communities, and they will explain current conditions in the areas you will visit. Generally speaking, it is recommended that Peace Campers take only the most basic necessities out into the camps.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Yes. We require that all Peace Camp volunteers be able to speak Spanish.
Do I get to choose which community I will visit? How long can I stay?
The Fray Bartolome Human Rights Center decides where observers will be sent based on their extensive knowledge of current conditions in the communities and their evaluation of volunteers. Volunteers are generally sent to areas of greatest need. Most visits last anywhere between 15 days and a month, and many volunteers visit more than one community.
What happens in cases of emergency?
Before leaving San Cristobal de Las Casas, all Peace Camp volunteers leave emergency contact information with the Global Exchange office. Efforts will be made to establish contact in the event of an emergency.
Do I need health insurance to be able to participate in the Peace Camps?
No, but it is highly recommended. Health insurance is further discussed in the informational packet sent to short term volunteers.
What's the protocol with alcohol and drugs in the communities?
Alcohol and illegal drugs (including marijuana) are strictly prohibited and if found are grounds for immediate expulsion from the community. Participating communities have banned the consumption of alcohol and as visitors, Peace Campers are obliged to respect their rules.
Should I bring gifts into the community?
We do not recommend bringing gifts into the communities, as that is not the purpose of the Peace Campers' presence. Volunteers must be very careful to respect the internal dynamics of the communities, and gifts can cause divisions within the communities when not distributed equitably. Donations, financial or otherwise, are welcome so long as they respect community protocol. Please contact Global Exchange or the Fray Bartolome Human Rights Center for more information.
