Rigoberta Menchú October 20, 2005

"Human Rights, Democracy and Reconciliation in Guatemala"

Rigoberta Menchú Tum, an internationally renowned advocate of democracy and indigenous rights, will speak on the subjects of human rights, the democracy movement and reconciliation in Guatemala at Stanford University on October 20, 2005.

At a noontime presentation, Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchú will discuss ?Human Rights, Democracy and Reconciliation in Guatemala? at Memorial Church. The themes of her address have broad implications for an America that is confronting dilemmas and international criticism as a result of its choices to pursue an international war on terror and in Iraq. Immediately following the talk, Rigoberta will answer audience questions in a moderated Q&A session. Admission will be free and open to the public.

Born in 1959 and raised in the Quiché branch of the Mayan culture, Rigoberta Menchú was a leader in the indigenous resistance to massive military oppression in Guatemala. Her involvement in this resistance movement gave rise to threats upon her life which eventually forced her to leave her native land. In exile, Rigoberta has continued to be an effective advocate for the people of Guatemala and has forged powerful connections with indigenous movements throughout the hemisphere, while raising awareness of their plight in the Americas. In 1992, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; the Nobel Committee recognized her ?as a uniquely potent symbol of just struggle.?