Despite being one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources, Honduras has high levels of inequality in land ownership and there has been a considerable increase in extractive projects in the country. The exploitation of natural resources and the concentration of land in the hands of few have forced communities to defend their territories.
Attacks on human rights defenders, journalists, and others exercising their right to free speech in Honduras have increased in the first months of 2019. Below are some selected incidents illustrating a trend toward a continued closing of space for dissent.
December 20, 2018
Honduras is full of natural riches: coral reefs, mountains covered in trees, clear rivers, and abundant flora and fauna. However, defending these natural resources can be a high-risk activity. According to an investigation by Global Witness, since 2010 more than 120 environmental defenders have been killed in Honduras.
Every day, more women all over the world are taking action to promote equality, peace and justice. It is these women who, whether they mean to or not, are transforming traditional gender roles and power structures by dedicating their lives to defending fundamental human rights. More and more, these extraordinary women are identifying themselves as human rights defenders. In general, it is said that women are doubly vulnerable, for being women and for defending human rights. However, they are strengthened by their determination to create positive change in our societies.
On the 20th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, defenders accompanied by PBI reflect on the importance of the Declaration as well as the accompaniment and international solidarity provided by organizations such as PBI.
Human rights defenders in Honduras are experiencing an increase in repression, including intensified stigmatization of human rights defenders, both foreigners and nationals, as well as continuing killings and attacks. Some incidents of note in recent weeks:
PBI-Honduras has been accompanying the LGBTI organization Arcoíris since 2015. Donny Reyes, the current coordinator since 2016, was also the coordinator between 2006 and 2008, and one of the organization’s founders some 15 years ago. Donny has participated in PBI-organized speaking tours in the U.S.
On October 16, President Donald Trump threatened to suspend all funding and aid to Honduras if a migrant caravan originating in Honduras and headed north is not stopped. When he made the statement, the caravan of some 3,000 immigrants had already crossed into Guatemala. "The United States has strongly informed the President of Honduras that if the large Caravan of people heading to the US is not stopped and brought back to Honduras, no more money or aid will be given to Honduras, effective immediately!" Trump tweeted.