10 December 1992

Nobel Prize for Rigoberta Menchú

The Nobel Prize for the Guatemalan peasant's daughter Rigoberta Menchú (* 1959) on 10 December 1992 thrilled people world wide. Menchú's fight for social justice and the rights of Indians was now officially acknowledged. Some years later, Menchú's autobiography caused great commotion as it turned out to be largely fabricated. Contrary to what Rigoberta had made people believe, she had received a thorough education at a catholic boarding school. Nor her father, nor her brother had been executed by the paramilitary, as Menchú had told. The Committee for the Nobel Prize judged that this did not diminish the quality of her work and she could keep the honourable distinction.

See also:

•  Ana Maria Rumayor collection
•  Human Rights in Guatemala collection

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