Members of Nicaraguan indigenous and African-Caribbean communities say deception was used to secure signatures from some of their leaders in authorizing the construction of a highly controversial US$40-billion trans-isthmus canal. While Nicaraguan officials say the signatures are sufficient to move the canal project forward, those complaining about the process have taken their case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. In a petition to the commission in May, leaders of the indigenous Rama and African-Caribbean Kriol communities in Nicaragua’s Eastern region claim they did not receive “free, prior and informed consultation” as required by law. Over half of the planned 170-mile (270 km) canal would occupy indigenous or African-Caribbean land. While canal officials say only 25 indigenous... [Log in to read more]