Famous Hunger Strikes in South America: Echoes of History on December 10th
TL;DR: December 10th marks several significant hunger strikes in South America’s history, including the Panama Canal Zone, Venezuela, and Finland. These nonviolent protests highlighted social injustices, political repression, and human rights violations.
A Beacon of Resistance: Hunger Strikes in Panama Canal Zone
On December 10, 1903, Panamanians embarked on a hunger strike to demand independence from Colombia and negotiate a treaty with the United States for the construction of the Panama Canal. Led by Manuel Amador Guerrero, the protest paralyzed the capital city of Panama, forcing Colombia to recognize Panama’s sovereignty.
Voices of Dissent: Hunger Strikes in Venezuela
Venezuelans have a long history of using hunger strikes as a form of dissent. In 1967, political prisoners launched a hunger strike in protest of arbitrary arrests and torture. More recently, in 2019, opposition leader Juan Guaidó declared a national hunger strike to pressure President Nicolás Maduro to step down amid political and economic turmoil.
A Global Solidarity: Hunger Strikes in Finland
While not in South America, Finland holds a significant place in the history of hunger strikes. In 1917, more than 100 Finnish prisoners of war in Russia engaged in a hunger strike to protest their unjust detention. Their plight drew international attention, leading to their release and Finland’s independence in 1918.
The Power of Nonviolence: 5 Famous Hunger Strikes in South America
- Panama Canal Zone Hunger Strike (1903): Panamanians sought independence from Colombia.
- Venezuelan Political Prisoner Hunger Strike (1967): Protested arbitrary arrests and torture.
- Juan Guaidó Hunger Strike (2019): Demanded the resignation of President Maduro.
- Bolivian Hunger Strike (1985): Protested the government’s austerity measures.
- Chilean Hunger Strike (1984): Condemned the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.
Hunger for Justice: Key Elements of Successful Hunger Strikes
- Clearly defined goals: Determine the specific demands to be met.
- Broad support: Gain the sympathy and support of the public.
- Media attention: Use the media to amplify the message and expose the injustice.
- International solidarity: Seek support from international organizations and human rights groups.
If you know, you know…
What do a Finnish prisoner of war, a Venezuelan dissident, and a Panamanian patriot have in common?
Answer: They all used hunger strikes as a weapon of nonviolent resistance.
Echoes of the Past: The Legacy of Hunger Strikes in South America
Hunger strikes have played a pivotal role in shaping South America’s political landscape. They have highlighted social and economic disparities, challenged authoritarian regimes, and sparked international scrutiny. Today, hunger strikes continue to serve as a powerful tool for those seeking justice and defending human rights.
The future of hunger strikes in South America: As the region continues to grapple with political and social challenges, hunger strikes remain a potential tool for nonviolent resistance. However, it is crucial to ensure that hunger strikes are used strategically and ethically to maximize their impact and minimize potential risks to participants’ health.