ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the potential use of the geographical method known as ‘participatory mapping’ to produce evidence to support community land claims before international human rights courts. This method is based on knowledge produced at the grass-roots level and can combine oral memories and historical documents found in colonial archives. It can be used for the promotion and protection of the territorial rights of Afro-descendant communities in Latin America, contributing to their social empowerment. The chapter focuses on The Moiwana Community v Suriname case, decided by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in 2005. This judgment was a milestone in the struggle of the Afro-descendant people of Latin America for territorial reparation. It addressed the situation of a Maroon community in Suriname, who were forcibly displaced by a military operation conducted in their village. The Court ordered the State to compensate the members of the community and to adopt all necessary measures to return the territories to the community. The chapter explores how the territorial demarcation of Maroon communities in Latin America could be implemented by the use of geographical participatory research methods.
