14th anniversary: A solidarity message from FEDEFAM, Latin America
Dear Friends
The struggle for the desaparecidos is a never ending source of inspiration to the human spirit in the search for justice, truth and solidarity. The phenomenon itself shows the radical failure of the system dominating the world to care for all its members. By consenting to the disappearance of those who struggle for justice, equality and a more democratic society, that regime is directly confessing to its total failure because it blatantly subverts those very values it purports to uphold.
That we see now happening when governments engaging in the fight against terrorism utilise those same terrorist methods they supposedly condemn. If a country says it upholds dignity, freedom, democracy and the rule of law and then goes away and facilitates the forced disappearances of people who are critical opponents, that regime is writing its own death warrant which will sooner or later be delivered. In Latin America no regime that has engaged in the practice of disappearances has survived. There always comes a moment when it succumbs to the garbage dump of history.
The Biblical image of the struggle is of the colossal Goliat against the young shepherd David who combats the giant with a simple sling. The disappeared represent the poor, the downtrodden, the powerless who rise up in resistance. They will win because of the desperation of the giant to crush them which means he tries to literally obliterate them. No reason, no law, no humanity is left on the side of the oppressor.
Dear Friends of AFAD
You are celebrating your 5th Anniversary. And you have much to be proud of. You have brought families and victims across the immense continent of Asia. No religion, no language, nor ethnic difference has been able to impede your building together of the movement. Although you are facing powerful and ruthless opposition as we have seen in the recent attacks against the families in Indonesia you continue defending your loved ones and demand full accountability.
Fedefam wishes to share your achievements in wishing you the very best. You inspire us with your commitment and dedication. We know there is much remaining to be done but we are in this endeavour all together. And that is most encouraging.
Brave Mothers of Tiananmen, China
It seems only yesterday when your sons and daughters were brutally cut down because of their struggle for dignity and freedom. Yet 14 years have gone by. It is certainly too much as you have not been able yet to achieve even a recognition of justice. But you are maintaining the message of your children aloft and their light will shine forth.
Paraphrasing the poet Stephen Spender, our message for you is:
What is precious, is never to forget.
Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields, See how those names are feted by the waving grass And by the steamers of white cloud And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life.
Who wore at their hearts the fires centre.
Born of the sun, they traveled a short while toward
the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.
Your loved ones, mothers of China, are not forgotten.
Finally, what good news of the AFAD Website! We can visit you when we wish no matter how far away you are.
And we can be more effective in our struggle. Well done!
Hasta Encontrarlos!
With every best wishes
Patricio Rice (Adviser) and Marta Vasquez
(President)
FEDEFAM - Latin American Federation of Associations of Relatives of Disappeared Detainees
