VENEZUELA: Peasants to be compensated

November 17, 1993
Issue 

Venezuelanalysis.com reported on July 11 that the government of socialist President Hugo Chavez has set aside $10 million to compensate the families of campesino (peasant) leaders assassinated in the period since Venezuela's land reform program began in 2001. Assassins hired by landowners have murdered more than 170 peasant leaders, peasant organisations claim. According to agriculture and land minister Elias Jaua, the funds will be spent on projects to improve the standard of living of the victims' families and to make sure that "those guilty for the killings pay for their crimes". Since the launch of the land reform program, some 1.5 million people have received plots of land, sometimes in areas of state-owned land claimed by large landowners who have violently resisted the redistribution.

From Green Left Weekly, July 19, 2006.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.


You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.