In its first year in office, President Xiomara Castro’s government has not been decisive in fulfilling its international human rights obligations. Although it has taken some timely actions that advance its commitments in this area, the Honduran government will have to be more forceful to counteract the dark legacy of previous governments, said Amnesty International upon sending an open letter to the president.
“The last few years in Honduras have been characterized by state violence, repression and impunity, with governments that have completely ignored human rights. The arrival of Xiomara Castro’s government a year ago represented a historic opportunity to change the course of the nation and revindicate human rights, but there has been insufficient change to address the grave crisis facing the Honduran population. Now is the time to change course,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International.
In the context of the November 2021 presidential elections, Amnesty International sent a letter to the presidential candidates with seven minimum points to build a government program based on human rights, including respect for the right to peaceful protest; ending impunity; creating a safe environment for the defense of human rights; guaranteeing the right to health, including sexual and reproductive health; and eliminating discrimination and gender-based violence.
‘Xiomara Castro’s government must take action immediately and prioritize their protection and the investigation of attacks and threats against human rights defenders and community leaders.’
Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director, Amnesty International
One year after the inauguration of President Xiomara Castro, Amnesty International has sent a new open letter outlining some of the human rights concerns that the organization considers urgent, as well as a series of recommendations for the Honduran state to fulfill its international human rights obligations.
“The violence that human rights defenders continue to face in Honduras, particularly those who defend territory and care for the environment, is extremely serious. Xiomara Castro’s government must take action immediately and prioritize their protection and the investigation of attacks and threats against human rights defenders and community leaders. It must also urgently stop the intervention of militarized forces in the streets and protect the human rights of historically marginalized groups, such as women, LGBTIQ people, Indigenous Peoples and Afro-Hondurans, among others,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas.
“Thousands of people continue to be displaced outside and inside the country, fleeing the devastation of the climate crisis, violence, poverty and inequalities. Addressing the structural causes of these issues with a human rights perspective is key for people to live with dignity in Honduras.”
Amnesty International reiterates its interest in engaging in direct dialogue with President Xiomara Castro and her government and requests a meeting as soon as possible to discuss the human rights challenges facing Honduras.
