April 17 is the International Day of Peasant Struggle On April 17, 1996, federal military police opened fire on landle
ss workers conducting a march in the state of Pará. On that day, 19 landless workers were killed. Subsequently, 3 more landless died from their wounds. Dozens more were injured and some carry their wounds to this day. Justice for the victims of this massacre, their families and the social movements has not been forthcoming. For information on this massacre, please follow this link.
Out of the mourning for the victims of Eldorado dos Carajás, peasant organizations throughout the world, including the MST and La Via Campesina, have declared April 17 to be commemorated through an International Day of Peasant Struggle. Now, 15 years after this massacre, peasant organizations honor all those who died in the struggle for a better life by maintaining and renewing the struggle for agrarian reform, equality, justice and peace. In Pará, activities are being planned to commemorate this event. Click here for more informaion.
In the United States, we too will honor those who have sacrificed through demonstrations, programs and celebrating together to renew the struggle for food sovereignty - production for consumption, not for fuel; pesticide and hormone free food; no GMOs; cooperative production and distribution of food products and agrarian reform.
Please check this page for information on April 17 programs in your community.