Maria and Marcos are both known for their passionate work to defend either urban public spaces or indigenous and rural communities’ rights.

This February they are facing a public trial for their environmental claims against a local horse slaughterhouse. The local community’s quality of life has been affected due to the air and water pollution. A horrific smell coming from the open sky burning of bones forces families to go indoors and close windows at any time of the day or night. The water stream that crosses their neighbourhood has been polluted with the disposal of blood and animal remains.

Together with other neighbours they have reported this situation to the authorities for nearly ten years. The slaughterhouse owners have presented criminal charges against them to silence their complaints. 

Paraguay is not known for its fair justice system, much too often used to benefit the powerful, so defending the environment or human rights is a challenging endeavour. 

The legal costs for defending this local community’s right to a healthy environment are high and should not fall only on them.  
Your support means a lot, and beyond the monetary help, it shows that we are united in the defense of quality of LIFE and the environment.

Gracias! Thank you! Danke!

More info:

• https://www.ultimahora.com/luque-vecinos-iran-a-juicio-por-denuncias-ambientales-contra-un-matadero-de-caballos