When: Tuesday, October 22, 2013; 12:00 – 1:30pm
Where: Social Sciences Tea Room (1126 E. 59th Street; Social Sciences Research Building)
About the speaker: Juan Almendares, MD, is an internationally known Honduran medical doctor, human rights activist, environmental leader, and alternative medicine practitioner. He also holds a Masters of Science degree in physiology from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He is recognized for his work in combating alcoholism, tobacco and drug abuse, malnutrition, ecological damage, and pesticide poisoning. Dr. Almendares has received recognition for his outstanding and courageous work with victims of torture in Honduras, including the Barbara Chester Award in 2001.
After the 2009 military coup in Honduras, mining concessions grew rapidly despite the lack of proper technical studies assessing the social impact. As a result of new mining projects, communities have been affected by water, soil and air pollution, leading to complex and multiple health problems for their residents. According to human rights advocates, the health and well-being of these communities are not a priority for the mining companies. In response, Hondurans have organized at the local level to fight against the violation of their land rights, health rights and environmental safety.
Free and Open to the Public. Water and soft drinks will be provided; please feel free to bring your lunch.
Presented by the Human Rights Program and the Center for Latin American Studies.
Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation in order to participate in this event should contact Yaniv Kleinman at ykleinman@uchicago.edu or 773-702-1114 for assistance. For events on the Student Events Calendar, please contact ORCSA at (773) 702-8787.
View or download the event flyer here.