R. Menchú

Rigoberta Menchú from Guatemala was the first Indigenous and youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Her award was anything other than undisputed. For some critics her relationship to the violent resistance movement in her native country, which can be counted among one of the leading violators of human rights, was not clear enough. The success of her autobiography entitled "Yo, Rigoberta Menchú" and published in 1983 proved to be a milestone in paving the way towards international recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples worldwide. Her book also served in directing international attention towards the catastrophic situation in Guatemala.

Life and work: Her parents and her brother were murdered by the military - two of her other brothers died at a young age through poverty - Rigoberta Menchú fled to Mexico.		Quotes and speeches: In addition to her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, this section also features an interview with Rigoberta Menchú.
Background: The history of Guatemala from the colonial rule under Spain to the modern unjust regime form the background to the life and work of Rigoberta Menchús.		Materials: Some short portraits and press articles, especially from 1992 emphasize the importance of this Quiché Indian. She is still fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples today.
Link list: We have chosen a few links to further websites offering information on Rigoberta Menchu.	Quote	"Rigoberta Menchú stands for peace and conciliation above ethnic, cultural and social divisions in her own country, on the American continent and worldwide." [Sejersted, Chair Person of the Nobel Committee 1992]