My time at the Transnational Justice Clinic was a period of significant learning, particularly during the two months marked by challenges, discoveries, and personal growth. It was, in fact, the first time I lived in a country other than my own. My first impression of Montreal was that it’s a truly beautiful city—a place where diverse cultures intersect, with a wide variety of international cuisine, impressive architecture, and many social and cultural activities. Over time, in addition to appreciating all these admirable aspects, I also began to notice some of the challenges the city faces. One that particularly impacted me was drug addiction. I was moved to learn that, in some cases, this issue significantly affects Indigenous peoples and can, in many ways, be understood as a legacy of colonialism.
As a Peruvian, this reality led me to reflect on how different countries face similar challenges in protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples, each from its own unique context. In Peru, especially in Lima, it’s common to see people asking for money on the streets—many of them from the highlands, wearing traditional clothing that reflects their cultural identity. Unfortunately, many arrive in the city hoping for a better future, but reality often fails to meet those expectations. Seeing Indigenous peoples struggling with addiction in Canada filled me with deep sadness. Both in Peru and Canada, Indigenous peoples remain marginalized by society in many cases.
During my work at the Clinic, my teammate, Luis, and I had the opportunity to analyze and discuss various topics, including two bills—at the federal and provincial levels—that have been criticized for potentially weakening environmental regulations and negatively impacting Indigenous peoples’ rights, including the right to prior consultation. We also addressed the case of an oil spill in Peruvian territory involving a Canadian company that has severely affected Indigenous communities, their territories, ways of life, and health. Respect for Indigenous peoples’ rights continues to be one of the major challenges today. This experience deepened my understanding and strengthened my commitment to contribute, through my future profession, to defending and promoting these rights.
Finally, I would like to share that, as I write this, I have already returned to Peru. Recently, I participated in a youth meeting (Enjuves Escazú Local – Perú) in the city of Puno, focused on the Escazú Agreement—a regional treaty aimed at ensuring that ratifying States guarantee access to rights related to participation, information, and justice in environmental matters. It’s worth noting that Peru has not yet ratified this agreement, which also promotes greater protection for environmental defenders and Indigenous peoples. Having lived this international experience, which allowed me to learn about a reality different from my own country’s, and then participating in a national experience in a Peruvian region I hadn’t known before (Puno), helped me answer many questions I had about my vocation and my role as a lawyer defending the environment and Indigenous peoples’ rights. These experiences have strengthened my convictions and desire to actively contribute to building a more just future where Indigenous peoples’ rights are truly respected—something especially urgent in today’s context, where Peru’s democratic system has been severely weakened in recent years.
Born in Huancavelica, Peru, RocÃo Mancha Villa is a recent graduate of the Law School at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), with a focus on Environmental Law and Indigenous Rights. She is an alumna and current volunteer at the PUCP Environmental Law Clinic and has worked as a Legal Intern at the Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA). She currently works at an environmental legal consulting firm in Peru and is a member of the Peruvian Youth Collective Against Climate Change (JPCC). Her areas of interest focus on Indigenous Peoples' rights, climate change, and forest protection and governance.