Qhana Pukara Kurmi
Qhana Pukara Kurmi is an association of indigenous peoples and peasants in Bolivia founded in 2008. It is a grassroots indigenous organisation, autonomous and self-managed by the associated communities themselves and led by indigenous authorities. Its work focuses on accompanying, defending and promoting the human rights of indigenous peoples, with an emphasis on defending environmental and territorial rights and indigenous justice.
The environment for human rights defenders in any sector in Bolivia can be quite hostile. Human rights defenders face continuous attacks, threats and acts of intimidation in the country. The lack of response from the government is particularly worrisome and organisations – especially those which work to denounce human rights violations and abuses by the State – have suffered constant harassment and stigmatisation. Civil society has also denounced the lack of actions taken by the Bolivian State in the search for truth, justice and reparation for the serious human rights violations committed during the 18 years of military rule.
