Listed below are the the main items from our April 2014 Honduras Human Rights Summary:
*Honduras featured in a number of reports by international organizations: IACHR, PBI Honduras, Global Witness.
*Government under criticism for continued failure to implement IACHR precautionary measures and for proposal to withdraw them from some beneficiaries.
*Carlos Mejía Orellana of Radio Progreso, recipient of IACHR precautionary measures, was found dead with multiple stab wounds at his home in El Progreso, Yoro on April 11.
*Impunity, threats, and intimidation continue against journalists throughout Honduras.
*Four lawyers killed so far this year, an average of one a month.
*Threats and intimidation against opponents of mining in La Nueva Esperanza continue, despite IACHR precautionary measures.
*Murderers of three Tolupans in Locomapa, Yoro continue at large in the community despite IACHR precautionary measures.
*COPINH members subject to murder allegations
*World Bank Loan to Facussé’s Dinant Corporation under strong scrutiny.
*Defense lawyer for José Isabel ‘Chabelo’ Morales lodges an appeal following guilty verdict.
*Case of four judges sacked in 2010 for opposition to the coup was referred to the Inter-American Court.
*Supreme Court ruled that the trial of the ex-commander of the COBRA Special Forces, Elder Madrid Guerra, and five other police officers should continue – for illegal detention and ill-treatment of anti-coup protesters.
*Eight police officers will be tried for the death in custody of Mario Sequeira Canales.
*The size of the PMOP (Public Order Military Police) will double in May. TIGRES trained by U.S. and Colombian instructors in April.
*UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution, and Child Pornography presented preliminary findings of her mission.
*Controversy generated by ‘Guardians of the Homeland’ scheme for children at risk.
*Fierce debate on proposal to lift ban on emergency contraceptive pills.
*Government forms commission for the protection of people displaced by violence – 17,000 Hondurans forced to flee their homes since 2008.
*UNHCR survey shows that 5% of Honduran migrants leave their country because of threats and insecurity, amid reports of the dangers of the journey to the US.
*National Lawyers Guild report on November 2013 Elections in Honduras cites serious problems that undermine claims that the election was “free and fair” and “transparent.”