Named in honor of Rigoberta Menchú Tum (1959– ), a Mayan Indian from Guatemala who has campaigned for human rights, especially for indigenous people. Menchú, whose parents and brother were killed by government troops, became a symbol of peace and reconciliation in a country devastated by civil war. She was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1992. According to Nobel Committee Chairman Sejersted, Menchú belongs to “...the shining individual examples of people who manage to preserve their humanity in brutal and violent surroundings. Such people give us hope that there are ways out of a vicious circle.” (M 34354) _ _.