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In commemoration of the International Day for Human Rights,

the Foundation for Human Rights in Guatemala,
in cooperation with the Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center-UIC
Presents
the 7th Annual Symposium on Human Rights

 "Working Together Against Impunity"
Helen Mack, Dianna Ortiz, Alice Zachmann

Chicago
Saturday, December 7, 2002
6:00pm

University of Illinois, Lecture Center B2
750 South Halsted Street
(near UIC-Halsted Blue Line station - 1 block west of Halsted St.
see maps below)

Photo - flowers where Myrna Mack was killed
Flowers mark the location where Myrna Mack was stabbed to death on Sept. 11, 1990
(photo by Margaret D'Huyvetter)


Sunday, December 8, 11:00am - Fundraising Brunch with our guests
By Reservation Only. Please contact FHRG for tickets - Limited Number

Speakers:

Helen Mack
 Myrna Mack Chang, a Guatemalan anthropologist, researched and reported on communities of refugees living in horrific conditions as a result of the high-intensity military campaign which resulted in the slaughter of thousands and the annihilation of entire communities. On On September 11, 1990, Myrna was stabbed 27 times as she left a research institute in Guatemala City. Since then her sister, Helen, has not rested until the authors of this crime were brought to justice. On October 3 of this year, after much intimidation and even violence to try to stop the the process of justice, one of three high-ranking officials was judged guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison for ordering the assasination of Myrna Mack.
Dianna Ortiz
 On November 2, 1989, after receiving several threats, Sister Dianna Ortiz was abducted in Antigua, Guatemala, and was brutally tortured. One man who led the torture was an apparent North American. Through the years following, Dianna has worked tirelessly to demand the declassification of material related for the release by the United States of information pertaining to her case as well as to expose the relationship between the CIA, the Guatemalan G-2 and other U.S. agencies. Since then, she has founded and directed the Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition. Dianna has just published a book on her experience, "The Blindfold's Eyes: My Jouney from Torture to Truth." Copies of the book will be available at the event and from FHRG Sister Dianna will sign books at the event.
Alice Zachmann
 Since her visit to Guatemala in 1975, Sister Alice Zachmann has not stopped working on behalf of the people of Guatemala as a strong voice for human rights. Concerned about the plight of the people and their persecution by the Guatemalan military, Sister Alice received the support of her order and opened the first office of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., in 1982. With a number of volunteers from throughout the United States, Sister Alice and her staff first published bi-monthly Updates on the human rights situation in Guatemala and coordinated urgent actions in emergencies on behalf of human rights leaders and others suffering harasment and intimidation. Sister Alice has recently retired from the GHRC but, as recognized by the Guatemalan community worldwide, she has not stopped in her devotion to the Guatemalan people and her drive for justice in Guatemala.


Link for general map

University of Illinois campus, Lecture Center B2

for information:
call FHRG: 773-250-3407
or email: info@fhrg.org