Honduras: Environmental and Rights Activist Berta Cáceres Assassinated

photo: Photo: Goldman prize

The ITUC has condemned the brutal murder of environmental and land-rights activist Berta Cáceres yesterday, and demanded that the authorities allow an international investigation into her death. Cáceres was killed just four days after she denounced the murder of four community leaders.

“Berta Cáceres was an outstanding and dedicated advocate for justice and rights. Since the 2009 coup in Honduras, at least 111 environment activists and 31 trade unionists have been killed, and journalists, campesinos, people of African descent, and legal professionals have been subjected to innumerable acts of violence. The weak justice system and corruption are contributing to the climate of impunity and the terrorising of innocent people.

The international community, in particular governments in the Americas, must fulfil their duty to stand with the people of Honduras. Impunity has to end, and the only acceptable way forward is for a return to democracy in Honduras. The appalling campaign of violence and murder must end, and the perpetrators of the violence and those who have created and allowed it must be brought to justice.”