What is International Day of Peasant Struggles?

International Day of Peasant Struggles is observed annually on April 17, recognizing the vital role of peasants and small-scale farmers in the global fight for food sovereignty, land rights, and sustainable agriculture. The day emphasizes the struggles faced by rural communities worldwide, including the fight against land grabbing, exploitation, and policies that undermine the rights of small farmers and indigenous peoples.

This day was established by La Via Campesina, an international movement of peasant farmers, in memory of the 1996 massacre in Brazil, where 19 landless peasants were killed while fighting for land reform and better living conditions. Their deaths highlighted the violent repression that peasants often face when they stand up for their rights, and International Day of Peasant Struggles honors their memory while reinforcing the need for justice and equity in rural areas.

History and origin

The origins of International Day of Peasant Struggles trace back to April 17, 1996, when 19 landless peasants were killed by military police in the Brazilian state of Pará. The farmers, part of a movement for land reform, were protesting against the privatization of land and its concentration in the hands of a few wealthy landowners. Their deaths brought global attention to the harsh realities faced by peasant communities and their struggles to secure land rights.

La Via Campesina, a global movement of peasants, farmers, and agricultural workers, declared April 17 as the International Day of Peasant Struggles in honor of those who lost their lives and to highlight the ongoing struggles for land reform and food sovereignty. Since then, the day has been marked by protests, rallies, and educational events worldwide, calling for greater support for small farmers and sustainable agricultural practices.

Who participates in International Day of Peasant Struggles?

• Peasants and small-scale farmers who are advocating for their land rights and a more equitable food system.
• Grassroots organizations and social movements that focus on rural development, land rights, and food sovereignty.
• Indigenous groups who are involved in defending their land and cultural heritage.
• Activists and human rights organizations working toward justice for peasant communities and rural workers.
• Communities affected by land grabs, exploitation, and climate change, who take to the streets to demand their rights.

Slogans and themes

International Day of Peasant Struggles highlights the ongoing fight for justice, equity, and sustainability in agriculture. Common slogans include “Land for the People,” “Defend Peasants’ Rights,” and “Food Sovereignty Now!” Themes focus on the struggles of small farmers, the impact of land grabs, the rights of peasants to have control over their land, and the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and the planet.

Colors, symbols, and patterns

Colors

• Green: Represents agriculture, growth, and sustainability in farming practices.
• Red: Symbolizes the blood shed by peasants in their fight for justice and land rights.
• Yellow: Signifies the hope for a future where peasants can thrive without exploitation.

Symbols

• The plow: A symbol of farming and the labor that sustains the land.
• The raised fist: Represents resistance and solidarity among peasants and rural workers.
• The earth: Represents land and the natural resources peasants rely on to sustain their livelihoods.

Patterns

• Agricultural tools: Representing the everyday struggle of peasants working the land.
• Circular designs: Symbolizing unity and collective action within peasant movements.
• Root patterns: Reflecting the deep connection between peasants and their land.

How to observe International Day of Peasant Struggles

• Attend rallies and protests that advocate for land rights, food sovereignty, and rural justice.
• Support peasant movements and organizations that focus on the rights of small-scale farmers and indigenous communities.
• Raise awareness on social media about the struggles of peasants and the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture.
• Educate yourself and others about the importance of land reforms and food sovereignty for a more just and sustainable world.
• Participate in or organize events that highlight the role of peasants in global food systems and the importance of land rights.

Most used hashtags

• #InternationalDayOfPeasantStruggles
• #LandForThePeople
• #FoodSovereignty
• #SupportPeasantsRights
• #EndLandGrabbing

Why is International Day of Peasant Struggles important?

International Day of Peasant Struggles is important because it highlights the ongoing struggles of millions of peasants, small farmers, and rural communities who face systemic challenges such as land grabbing, poor working conditions, and the degradation of natural resources. The day serves as a reminder that peasants are not just workers;they are vital custodians of the land who provide food for the world, yet their rights are often ignored or violated.

By observing this day, we acknowledge the contributions of peasants to global food systems and the need for policies that promote food sovereignty, protect their land rights, and support sustainable agricultural practices. It is a call to action for justice, equity, and a more sustainable food system that works for everyone, not just the powerful few.