Stand with Chile
Donation protected
All funds will go to Unidad Social, a conglomerate of over 100 Chilean organisations which have taken part in Chile's protests.
A portion will be destined for efforts currently underway to create a new constitution, specifically, it will be given to the Mapuche community Pu lov Lavkeche who will form Mapuche assemblies that will take their unique proposals to the creation of a possible new constitution.
All funds will be delivered through reliable channels
The beneficiaries can be contacted directly:
Unidad Social - [email redacted], Instagram y Twitter: @unidadsocialch, Unidad Social (Facebook)
Javiera (Pu lov Lavkenche) - Javi Antvllanka (Facebook)
Chile awakened
There have been massive protests happening all over Chile due to widespread dissatisfaction with the country's extreme inequality. While it is considered one of the strongest Latin American economies, Chile is the most unequal major economy in the world, according to figures of the World Bank. For decades, since the collapse of the Pinochet dictatorship, Chileans has had several presidents who have done little to improve the living standards of the majority of Chileans and create the reforms needed to form a more equitable society. In fact, the opposite has occurred. In October 2019, current president Sebastian Pinera announced an increase in public transport. Chile took part in a massive fare-evasion campaign, primarily led by students. In response, the government declared a state of emergency and instructed military, along with policy and other special forces, to brutally repress the people. The consequences are unclear, however, it is speculated that at least 40 people have been killed by authorities, a dozen have been sexually abused and hundreds of people are currently missing. Over 3000 have been detained. Many have been tortured and humiliated.
On top of this, the government is blatantly attempting to foment chaos - instructing the armed forces to turn a blind eye to looting, housebreak-ins, acts of arson and other destructive acts so they can both blame protesters and have an excuse to restore "peace" with a firm hand... a phenomenon that some call "the doctrine of shock".
The media, both national and international, have not accurately covered the events. Instead, People, inside and outside the country, have relied on social media as countless videos and accounts are posted depicting the horrifying human rights abuses and other shady actions by authorities.
Chileans are enraged. They know the government is attempting to scare them into submission, but they defiant, showing no fear, as they continue to participate in protests in record numbers.
In a cowardly act of retraction, Pinera cancelled the transport price increase. He also offered a public apology for not meeting the needs of Chileans, made cabinet changes and offered a few modest improvements in areas including health, education and the pension system and raised the minimum wage... mere crumbs of the overhaul that is actually needed to ensure a dignified living standard for all Chileans.
We are not so easily fooled!
It is clear, this is not JUST about increased metro fares and a bit of extra cash of the month. Chileans have had enough, "Chile desperto!" (Chile awakened) is being chanted at the demonstrations.
This image by Chileans academic Alejandra Villanueva sums it up well.
What is being demanded is nothing less than significant reforms to address inequality in the areas of health, education, income distribution and pensions. Also, the scrapping of the current constitution - a legacy of Pinochet's military years - and the creation of a new inclusive and just constitution.
What your donation will mean for me
I feel shaken by the events that are stirring the latent rage I contain deep inside. A rage that has accompanied a life defined by the violence and trauma caused by the murderous Pinochet regime, and its arduous process of healing and recovery... The ghost of a mass murderer and his henchmen are prowling the cities and towns of Chile, terrorising my people who dared to demand change towards real democracy. They demand equality, better standards of living, health and education - the things I am now privileged to enjoy as a resident of Australia, where my family fled during the military dictatorship.
The government responds with fire and death. They attempt to create fear in my people and fear they create, but it is not paralysing because the spirit is stronger. Rage and spirit, conquer fear as if they were the right hand of love.
I despair, thinking that I am here, unable to fight alongside my people and confront the soldiers who torture and kill them. I’m in my comfy unit, cuddling my husband who I know will not be shot and killed while travelling to work, enjoying my safety, pursuing my endeavours, advancing a promising career, expanding my knowledge with affordable education... what can I do? I despair, the body trembles...
Being on the opposite hemisphere, the only things I can do is bring awareness to the struggle and give funds to help keep the struggle alive and help bring to justice the human rights abuses that have been committed.
Please donate! Better still, please join me with this campaign, by spreading the word and reaching out to your community. I will happily make you an admin of this campaign and together we can direct to new heights.
Help me help my people, our people - our human brothers and sisters - who stand up for dignity and improved living standards.
Sigan luchando!
Roxana
Sydney
A portion will be destined for efforts currently underway to create a new constitution, specifically, it will be given to the Mapuche community Pu lov Lavkeche who will form Mapuche assemblies that will take their unique proposals to the creation of a possible new constitution.
All funds will be delivered through reliable channels
The beneficiaries can be contacted directly:
Unidad Social - [email redacted], Instagram y Twitter: @unidadsocialch, Unidad Social (Facebook)
Javiera (Pu lov Lavkenche) - Javi Antvllanka (Facebook)
Chile awakened
There have been massive protests happening all over Chile due to widespread dissatisfaction with the country's extreme inequality. While it is considered one of the strongest Latin American economies, Chile is the most unequal major economy in the world, according to figures of the World Bank. For decades, since the collapse of the Pinochet dictatorship, Chileans has had several presidents who have done little to improve the living standards of the majority of Chileans and create the reforms needed to form a more equitable society. In fact, the opposite has occurred. In October 2019, current president Sebastian Pinera announced an increase in public transport. Chile took part in a massive fare-evasion campaign, primarily led by students. In response, the government declared a state of emergency and instructed military, along with policy and other special forces, to brutally repress the people. The consequences are unclear, however, it is speculated that at least 40 people have been killed by authorities, a dozen have been sexually abused and hundreds of people are currently missing. Over 3000 have been detained. Many have been tortured and humiliated.
On top of this, the government is blatantly attempting to foment chaos - instructing the armed forces to turn a blind eye to looting, housebreak-ins, acts of arson and other destructive acts so they can both blame protesters and have an excuse to restore "peace" with a firm hand... a phenomenon that some call "the doctrine of shock".
The media, both national and international, have not accurately covered the events. Instead, People, inside and outside the country, have relied on social media as countless videos and accounts are posted depicting the horrifying human rights abuses and other shady actions by authorities.
Chileans are enraged. They know the government is attempting to scare them into submission, but they defiant, showing no fear, as they continue to participate in protests in record numbers.
In a cowardly act of retraction, Pinera cancelled the transport price increase. He also offered a public apology for not meeting the needs of Chileans, made cabinet changes and offered a few modest improvements in areas including health, education and the pension system and raised the minimum wage... mere crumbs of the overhaul that is actually needed to ensure a dignified living standard for all Chileans.
We are not so easily fooled!
It is clear, this is not JUST about increased metro fares and a bit of extra cash of the month. Chileans have had enough, "Chile desperto!" (Chile awakened) is being chanted at the demonstrations.
This image by Chileans academic Alejandra Villanueva sums it up well.
What is being demanded is nothing less than significant reforms to address inequality in the areas of health, education, income distribution and pensions. Also, the scrapping of the current constitution - a legacy of Pinochet's military years - and the creation of a new inclusive and just constitution.
What your donation will mean for me
I feel shaken by the events that are stirring the latent rage I contain deep inside. A rage that has accompanied a life defined by the violence and trauma caused by the murderous Pinochet regime, and its arduous process of healing and recovery... The ghost of a mass murderer and his henchmen are prowling the cities and towns of Chile, terrorising my people who dared to demand change towards real democracy. They demand equality, better standards of living, health and education - the things I am now privileged to enjoy as a resident of Australia, where my family fled during the military dictatorship.
The government responds with fire and death. They attempt to create fear in my people and fear they create, but it is not paralysing because the spirit is stronger. Rage and spirit, conquer fear as if they were the right hand of love.
I despair, thinking that I am here, unable to fight alongside my people and confront the soldiers who torture and kill them. I’m in my comfy unit, cuddling my husband who I know will not be shot and killed while travelling to work, enjoying my safety, pursuing my endeavours, advancing a promising career, expanding my knowledge with affordable education... what can I do? I despair, the body trembles...
Being on the opposite hemisphere, the only things I can do is bring awareness to the struggle and give funds to help keep the struggle alive and help bring to justice the human rights abuses that have been committed.
Please donate! Better still, please join me with this campaign, by spreading the word and reaching out to your community. I will happily make you an admin of this campaign and together we can direct to new heights.
Help me help my people, our people - our human brothers and sisters - who stand up for dignity and improved living standards.
Sigan luchando!
Roxana
Sydney
Organizer
Roxana Bestrin Fuentes
Organizer
Dulwich Hill NSW
