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Rigoberta Menchú

9 January 1959 – present

Rigoberta Menchú Tum is a K'iche' Maya human rights activist from Guatemala. She rose to international prominence for her advocacy on behalf of indigenous peoples during and after Guatemala's civil war, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992.

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Life events

Born in Laj Chimel, Guatemala
9 January 1959

Menchú was born into a poor K'iche' Maya family in the highlands of El Quiché.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Family members killed during the civil war
c. 1979 – c. 1980

Her father, mother, and brother were killed amid the violence of Guatemala's armed conflict.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Went into exile in Mexico
1981

Facing persecution, Menchú fled Guatemala and settled in Mexico.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relocation ✓
Publication of 'I, Rigoberta Menchú'
1983

Her testimonial memoir brought international attention to the plight of Guatemala's indigenous people.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
16 October 1992

Menchú received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her work for social justice and indigenous rights.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
1996

She was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her humanitarian advocacy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Ran for President of Guatemala
2007

Menchú stood as a presidential candidate, becoming the first indigenous woman to do so in Guatemala.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓