[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]
With the diplomatic relationships that exist between Canada...and the guidelines Canada has with regard to defenders, it's very important that these visits between countries and dialogues take place so that you can verify what is happening to us.
The most significant attacks against defenders happen against those who are defending their lands due to the presence of transnational companies linked not only to the government but also to oligarchs. So, providing follow-ups when there are Canadian businesses in Guatemalan territory where we are saying that we need water for life and not for mines, for example.
Mining companies have created a lot of conflict in our land. Licences have been given without consultations.
It's also important to have follow-up missions to verify in the territories, and also to follow up on international commitments such as international conventions and treaties that Guatemala has ratified.