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INITIATIVE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

2009-2014

Nexos Voluntarios (NeVo) started its work on the Initiative against

Discrimination in 2009 following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation

Commission’s Report (2003).1This report indicated that the majority of the victims were

born in the Andes and/or Quechua2 speakers. It also noted that despite the fact that

terrorist acts were not against this population, they were clearly the majority of the

victims of the crimes perpetrated by the terrorist groups3 and the Peruvian Military

Forces.

Discrimination in Peru is a complex subject due to its history, the difference

among races, the complexity of the economic development and other factors. As an

organization working towards community development, we acknowledge that

discrimination is one of the greatest sources of inequality that obstructs integral

development. Discrimination is based on different factors such as: gender, race, social position, group affiliation and others. It hinders equality in all aspects of life – equality,

which is required for universal access to health system for all the citizens, for equal

treatment by any public agency, and for many other reasons.

It is based on the importance of addressing discrimination for ethical and

development purposes that we have become the only non-government organization in

Peru to lead the way on this issue. This has been done through an awareness initiative

that began in 2009 and we are now in the process of evaluating its progress.

This report will present a chronological summary of the initiatives organized by

NeVo since 2009, emphasizing the objectives, methodology and general findings of some

of the main components of this initiative.

1 For more information on their work: http://www.cverdad.org.pe/ingles/pagina01.php

2 One of the few indigenous languages from the Andes that is still widely used today. For more

information: http://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/~pah1003/quechua/Eng/Main/i_ABOUT.HTM - A__Contexts___Geographical__Historic 3 The most sanguinourious terrorist group was called Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) followed by MRTA – Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru (Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement).

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2009 – 2010

Nicole Kreisberg (volunteer) develops framework for workshops and

Wilfredo Ardito Vega (lawyer) helps pass the Ordinance Prohibiting

Discrimination in the Province of Urubamba.

Ordenanza Municipal Contra el Racismo:

This document resulted from the combined effort of NeVo, Wilfredo Ardito

Vega and the Municipality of Urubamba. It prohibits social discrimination within the

province of Urubamba and affirms the duty of the Municipality in combating

discrimination. The ordinance also asserts equality before the law and prohibits

discrimination based on origin, race, sex, language, religion, opinion, economic condition

or any other disposition. The implementation of this ordinance confirms that

discrimination is a social problem that it must be confronted by state institutions,

organizations and civil society.

The implementation of the Municipal ordinance ensures that discrimination is

recognized as prohibited offense under the municipal and provincial jurisdiction of

Urubamba. It also represents a significant step forward in terms of recognition of

discrimination as an issue in Peru and specifically in Urubamba. This document helps to

confirm the Municipality’s obligation to actively combat racism as well as to persecute

those who act contrary to the ordinance.

1st “Día Contra la Discriminación” in 2009 when lawyer, Wilfredo Ardito

Vega, helped pass the anti-discrimination ordinance.

This half day event consisted of two main activities where NeVo staff and

volunteers made banners with positive statements about diversity and did face painting

for young children to get them engaged in the activity.

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2011

2nd “Día Contra la Discriminación” in collaboration with local secondary

school and the Ombudsman office from Cusco.

Three NeVo volunteers organized a parade with La Salle, a local secondary

school, and invited the ‘Defensoria del Pueblo’ (Ombudsman) to participate. The

Defensoria del Pueblo setup a stall to provide information on their services and people’s

rights. They were primarily invited due to their crucial role in combating discrimination,

given that they are the sole office that has the jurisdiction to take action in cases of

discrimination and thus have a direct impact in challenging the status quo.

The parade consisted of volunteers going around the Plaza de Armas, talking to

the public, asking general questions about discrimination such as: “Have you ever felt

discriminated against?” “Do you know where to go to file a complaint?” “Do you know

how to file a grievance?” “Are you aware that Urubamba has an Ordinance Against

Discrimination?” “Do you believe there should be more promotion of the Ordinance?”

There was also a petition available to the public to express desire from the

public to have more action and more awareness of the ordinance in public places. This

petition was then given to the Municipality.

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Volunteers from Canadian Universities (Carleton University, McGill

University, and the University of Waterloo) assessed history of

discrimination in Peru and developed educational workshops to be facilitated

at two local schools.

Workshops:

Emphasising the importance of raising awareness and understanding of

discrimination in the daily life of Urubambinos, NeVo volunteers developed three

workshops to be taught at two local schools. Each workshop centered on an element of

discrimination; the first workshop introduced themes of racism and examined the issue as it exists in the history of Peru. The second focused on instilling the importance of

human rights globally by discussing examples of racism around the world. The third and

final workshop explored the Municipal Ordinance against Discrimination in Urubamba,

as well as stereotypes and different cultures. In each workshop, the students were

engaged using case studies, group activities and discussion opportunities. There were

also provisions for alternative activities depending on the age of the students involved in

the workshop.

The school workshops helped raise public awareness of discrimination by

explaining histories of discrimination-based conflicts, ensuring an understanding of

human rights, and offering opportunities for open discussion on the topic of

discrimination. These workshops were then implemented by volunteers in 2012.

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2012

3rd “Día Contra la Discriminación” organized with contributions from the

Municipality of Urubamba and Maras, UGEL, Radio La Salle, artisans from

Urubamba’s artisan market and documentary filmmaker Roberto de la

Puente.

This event was much bigger than the two previous days against discrimination

due to the support and collaboration of local partners. This event was divided in two

days, where on April 24th NeVo screened the documentary “Choleando” by Roberto de

la Puente. It was hosted in the Salon Municipal (adjacent to the Muncipality) for the

public and local authorities. Many secondary and post-secondary students from

Urubamba were invited. The majority of the attendees were youth, with two people

from the Municipality and four secondary school teachers. There was a Q&A session

after the screening for the public to ask questions to the filmmaker.

The next morning, NeVo organized a radio discussion at La Salle Radio station

between Profesor Aristides (Head of Social Development in the Municipality at the

time), Profesora Delfina Zuniga (Education Counsellor), Roberto de la Puente, and Jean-

Gabriel Tarassenko (NeVo’s Urubamba Director). The radio show was based on general

issues of discrimination and the content of the documentary.

After the radio show on the morning of April 25th, NeVo staff and volunteers

began the “awareness day” in the Plaza de Armas with the aims of increasing people’s

consciousness about discrimination.

Those participating in the day were: two primary schools (Villa Marcelo and

Wiñayninchis), two secondary schools (La Salle and Genral Ollanta), the Municipality of

Urubamba, the Municipality of Maras, local artisans from the Urubamba market, local

Urubambinos and foreigners who live in Urubamba and local actors from a local theatre

who put on a mime show depicting various forms of discrimination and promoting the

positive aspects of having a diverse society.

Students from the primary and secondary schools spoke in public, in Spanish and

Quechua, about the pride of their cultural, ethnic and linguistic heritage and of the

problems of discrimination in Urubamba. The artisans of Urubamba made specific

bracelets highlighting the colours of Peru and the colours of the indigenous flag

intertwined together; they also taught passers-by and children from the schools present

how to make their own.

NeVo organized a cooking competition whereby a foreigner living in Urubamba (ranging

from Irish, British, Dutch, Canadian and Israeli nationalities) partnered with a local

Urubambino and had to create a dish that represented a mix of both of their cultures.

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In the end, it was estimated that approximately 400 people from Urubamba participated

in the awareness day.

Carleton University (Canada) volunteers investigated the impact of

discrimination in public services (municipality, schools, health centres, and police) and carried out educational workshops at two local schools.

Llaqtakanuq atipayninwan teqsimuyuta kuyuchisunchis: La discriminación

afecta: explorando los servicios públicos en Urubamba

NeVo conducted an investigation with the help of students from a Canadian

university on discrimination within public services in the province of Urubamba. These

included municipal services, as well as education, health and police services. The

investigation was conducted in order to gain preliminary knowledge and statistics on the

prevalence and recognition of discrimination in terms of ethnicity, gender, language, or

place of origin, emanating from or against working members of the public sectors.

Data was collected through a total of 112 surveys, which were circulated to

employees in each of the four aforementioned public sectors. These surveys were

evenly distributed and followed a similar structure albeit with questions adjusted to each

sector. Surveys asked for demographic information such as age, gender, first language,

and self-identified ethnicity. They then focused on the topic of discrimination, asking

whether or not the respondent: had experienced discrimination; believed discrimination

existed within the public sector being evaluated; had used the public service; as well as

what they believed to be the reason most likely for discrimination in a given service.

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Similarly, a total of 106 surveys were conducted within the general public. These

surveys were distributed in the most random way possible, to a wide range of citizens,

based on availability, etc. These surveys followed the same structure as those used in

the public sector, but asked respondents to identify the public sector where they

believed that discrimination was most prevalent. This survey also asked for records of

respondents’ personal experiences and the kinds of services that were available to them

in Quechua if they asked for them.

Recognizing that the main form of discrimination accounted in the surveys was

that towards people of high Andean communities, the researchers decided to do a case

study of Cuncani, a high Andean community four hours away from Urubamba. This case study consisted of 28 surveys in the form of interviews to evaluate the differences in

services provided to those living in rural communities outside of the city, and those who

actually reside in, or close to, Urubamba. The interviews were conducted in Quechua,

using a translator to assist in the communication between the interviewees and

researchers. A prevalent topic from the interviews was health care of mothers and

women within the Cuncani area. Questions were asked about accessibility and how

respondents believed their services compared to the services provided within

Urubamba. The survey also asked for demographic information;, what public services

had been used and how comfortable respondents had felt in using those services.

Respondents were then given the opportunity to share, if desired, any specific instances

of discrimination that they had witnessed or been a victim of.

The 2012 investigation concluded with a report that compiled all of the information

collected from each of the projects and presented it in a statistical manner. This report

found that within each sector there seemed to be a certain level of discrimination,

especially against people from Andean communities.

In the Education sector, results most interestingly found that 100% of teachers did not think that discrimination existed within the school system, while 26% of

parents reported that their children had experienced some level of

discrimination at school. Around 58% of the general public surveyed believed

that there is discrimination within the education system.

In the Police service there was a gender gap found in the number of staff

employed by police services. Fewer women held a policing occupation than were

demanded by the public. However, this inequality gap cannot be directly

attributed to discrimination.

It also appeared that most people do not have confidence in the police force and

that the poor are discriminated against in terms of charges as well as accusations.

Those with higher economic status were accused of paying off the police to have

their charges dismissed.

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In the Healthcare sector, over 62% of the public felt that there is discrimination on behalf of healthcare practitioners towards those from high

Andean communities. Examples of this include: making individuals wait longer for

treatment; derogatory comments or disrespectful care, especially directed at

women; and a lack of treatment explanation or inclusion of traditional Andean

medicine practices during patient care. In Cuncani, over 60% of patients felt that

they do not receive equal medical treatment to those who are treated within the

city, and that access to medical care from their community is a very large

problem. Within the city of Urubamba, those of Andean origin reported that

they had much longer waiting times and would be asked to go to the back of the

line more often than any other ethnic group.

Within the Municipality, both persons from Urubamba and persons from

Cuncani agreed that discrimination existed mostly against the citizens of high

Andean communities. For this reason, the final report focuses on findings

specifically from the region of Cuncani. In summation, 63% of citizens in Cuncani

did not feel that they were properly represented within the municipal

community on decisions that concerned them directly. 54% of the population in Cuncani also did not believe that they had access to municipal services; these

services are not offered in Quechua so they cannot communicate to get the help

they need.

The report concluded with a number of suggestions, which are summarized as the

following:

That a complaint mechanism be developed in conjunction with the ordinance for

Urubambinos to voice their concerns

That the municipality takes leadership over the social issue of discrimination

That a community working board be organized to address issues of

discrimination

That more awareness events be implemented to educate citizens on their rights

in the public services

That further and more in-depth investigations be conducted regarding this topic

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A Radio-novela series and radio show are also broadcasted this year to

increase public awareness of the topic.

Radio Program:

NeVo’s radio program was aired on July 7th, 2012 based on the documents Plan de

Radio and Hoja informativa del Reporte. The show was broadcast by Vox Populi, a local

radio station that has geographic coverage of the whole of Urubamba; the Nevado

Chicon and surroundings in the North, the locality of Cruzpata in the South, Yanahuara

in the West and Sillacancha, and the town of Calca in the East. The purpose of the

program was to disseminate information about the issue of discrimination in Urubamba, to communicate the range of variations of discrimination, and to increase the visibility of

this issue in order to better combat it. The program took the form of a radio play with

two young protagonists from Lima and Urubamba encountering discrimination in the

following forms:

Discrimination based on physical features

Discrimination based on language / way of speaking

Discrimination based on the type of dress

Discrimination based disability

Discrimination based on place of origin

Discrimination based gender

The radio-novela offered situational examples of discrimination as well as some

effective dialogues that had the potential to help solve disputes based on discrimination.

For those witnessing or promoting discrimination, as well as victims, this program

proposed alternatives to the norm through non-violent dispute resolution and

mediation.

This radio show was also accompanied by a 40 minute recording of local

“Urubambinos” (local men) discussing their perspectives and opinions on the topic of

discrimination. This initiative, Racismo, o no, en Peru, contained information regarding local experiences with discrimination and appeared to provide an informal, comfortable

discussion of this theme.

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2013

Volunteers from Carleton University (Canada), University of Waterloo

(Canada) and the University of Bristol (UK) conducted a case study

investigation of the impact of discrimination in a local school.

The weapon of the weak. A case study on discrimination in a public school in

Cusco:

Based on the findings of the high prevalence of discrimination in educational

institutions, NeVo conducted a case study in one of the local secondary schools with

the help of students from Canadian and British universities. The group’s main task was

to understand the perception of discrimination within the school, how discrimination

was used as a tool and resource by the children to defend themselves while at the same

time being perpetuated by the teachers and institution itself. It also concluded with a

few recommendations to the school on how to combat discrimination.

Information was collected through a number of different channels. NeVo’s

volunteer group conducted interviews with four teachers, eight students from the upper

years (5th grade of secondary school – between 16 and 18 years of age), the school

psychologist, and students’ parents. The purpose of these interviews was to understand

the individual’s perceptions of discrimination, whether or not discrimination had been

encountered at school, and how discrimination was dealt with by the school

administration. The research group also went into several classes with pictures of

famous historical moments in Peru depicting discrimination in order to spur class

discussion and determine whether or not students felt this type of discrimination still

exists in Peru. This activity attempted to determine students’ general thoughts about

racial discrimination. Students from the lower years in the school were also observed

both in and out of the classroom to get a fuller grasp on how students perpetuated

discrimination and how the school system handled this.

NeVo’s findings were indicative of institutional discrimination within the school

system. Institutional discrimination is one of the most prevalent aspects in racial

discrimination, as well as racial discrimination perpetuated by the students. With the

exception of one teacher, all teachers interviewed believed that there was no

discrimination within the school system, and any type of discrimination coming from

students was classified using the umbrella term of “bullying”. They stated that they had

never discriminated against students in their classes and that discrimination did not exist

in the school system. However, the observational report indicated situations where

teachers had less patience for students who had problems reading and speaking audibly

in Spanish. There were also reports that auxiliaries would speak about children’s

hygiene and parental control in front of other children. This is a clear example of how

teachers picked on the most vulnerable in the groups and made no connection between

their vulnerability, hygiene, unfinished homework, etc.

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Students were interviewed, observed and included in part of class discussions.

Similar to results from interviews with teachers, all but one student respondent

perceived that there was no racial discrimination by teachers or students. However,

they did believe that socio-economic discrimination did exist. Most of the students

interviewed who claimed to have been discriminated against said it was due to their

lower economic status. Only one of the students made the link between socio-

economic discrimination and racial discrimination, stating that most people in a lower

socio-economic class came from rural backgrounds and are seen as indigenous by

others. However, this was the only student to see the link between the two. The

majority of students also stated that they find the colloquial term “cholo”4 offensive in

certain situations and usually use it as a derogatory term to offend other kids.

Only one of the parents interviewed believed that discrimination is present

within schools. This respondent explained how some children live alone in cities because

their families live too far away from schools; these children in particular are harshly

discriminated against and display reclusive behavior that can lead to alcoholism. The

respondent also stated that their own children face more mockery by students and

receive more discipline from teachers in comparison to other students.

Analysis of these findings showed the institutional problems of discrimination

within the school system. First, that teacher’s did not recognize discrimination between

students as well as their interaction with students. Second, that there is nowhere within

the institution to process complaints about discrimination that are fair and confidential.

This creates an unwelcoming educational environment. This lack of awareness of what

discrimination looks like and the perceptions both teachers and students are seen as the

main problems. Additionally, the fact that students have no venue for reporting acts of

discrimination is due to the inherent institutional discrimination perpetuated within the

schools.

The report included the following recommendations:

That schools have more traditional activities taught in class

That schools create a more secure environment for teaching

That schools create institutional confidence in which students can

communicate concerns and report abuses of power

That schools take a harsher stand on discrimination between students

That schools promote the scheme that teachers should receive capacity

building in training in interculturality

That schools promote more awareness on behalf of the institution to recognize and understand the background of those students who come

poorer families and take into account their lack of resources

4 The term cholo refers to people that move from the country to the city, or are of mixed indigenous and criollo blood. It is also a derogatory term used to insult people of indigenous blood by insinuating that they will never be equal to criollos – people of more direct Spanish descent.

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2014

Carleton University (Canada) group assesses the impact and limitations of

the initiative against discrimination (2009-2014) in Urubamba.

This has been the latest stage of NeVo’s discrimination initiative. Three students

from Carleton University began a second study of the impact of discrimination in public

services. The project began with the idea of using the 2012 report as a baseline report

to measure any changes in people’s perceptions since the inception of this initiative in

2009. However, given the realization over the years that there has been little to no

positive change in terms of discrimination, the group changed research focus. Instead of

doing a quantitative analysis, the group now sought a qualitative analysis through

interviews and questionnaires. The main focus of the research was based on what

people understood as discrimination, the role people see themselves playing in

combating discrimination in their community, and how discrimination affects community

development. The purpose of this was to gain a greater understanding of ‘why’ there has

been little to no change in discrimination in the public services as well as to serve as a

specific case study for the Peruvian context. This is a very significant study considering

that much national research has been done in a quantitative basis, thus limiting a deeper

analysis that can only be attained through qualitative methods.

In order to do carry out this investigation, 20 interviews were conducted with

public functionaries in the Municipality of Urubamba, three educational institutions, two

health centers, and the police station. Similarly, 40 questionnaires were distributed in

these institutions and another 40 questionnaires were distributed among the general

public. In terms of the questionnaires, which followed the same format as the ones in

2012 with the exception of an additional section, the results were fairly uniform in

describing the discrepancy between the public’s perceptions and public servant’s

perceptions of discrimination. Analogous to the results in 2012, the public was open in

discussing instances of discrimination that they have experienced or witnessed, while for

the most part, people in the public services claimed that discrimination happens, but not

except in Urubamba. The interviews, however, gave valuable insight into the minds of

public servants that hold leadership positions within the community and, as such, have

the potential to influence the system and the social interactions that feed discrimination.

There were various ranges of answers, levels of understanding, awareness, ownership,

comfort, and willingness to take action.

Upon finishing data collection, the group thematically codified the answers from

the questions, quantified the answers from the questionnaires and identified noteworthy

comments to be added in the final report. This report is expected to be finished by the

end of July 2014, at which time more detailed analysis will be made available to the

public.

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Concluding remarks:

Discrimination has been recognized as a major problem by the Truth and

Reconciliation Commission but it has failed to be given the required importance by the

Peruvian government at national and local government levels. Although some legislative

measures have been taken, evidence shows that discrimination is still a major roadblock

in Peruvian society. NeVo’s experience since 2009 has allowed us to gain a better

understanding of discrimination and its hindrance to development. Our initiatives have

allowed us to raise public awareness, but the lack of people’s interest, political will and

commitment to change has impeded positive progress towards a more respectful and

egalitarian society. It has been evident to us that although most recognize discrimination

as a problem in their communities, not many are willing to change it, simply accepting it

as a natural part of society.

As a development organization, NeVo believes that communities must give local

solutions to local problems. We believe that there needs to be local leadership for

sustainable change to occur in terms of discrimination in the community. If the

community is not invested in creating fair and equal opportunities for all, then any

efforts made by any NGO will be in vain. It has been our goal to raise awareness of the

issue in the hope that local leadership will take place both from the general public and

the public functionaries. However, given the limitations of work in this research, we

have dedicated this last year of the initiative in understanding why change has not

occurred, which can hopefully give us a better insight on how to address this issue.

What has been made clear to us throughout the years is that without local leadership,

local sustainable solutions will not be attained. As part of our development model we

believe that addressing the issue of discrimination and its impact on community

development will be best addressed through the incorporation of an interculturality

framework in all of our projects. It is through promoting respect, dialogue, and

horizontal relationships among all peoples that we will be able to obtain successful

community and individual development. We believe in advocating for social inclusion so

that services and opportunities are given to all members of the community.