Sectors Seek Legal Framework for Environmental Defender Protection in Honduras

In Honduras, a critical push is underway to establish robust legal protections for environmental defenders, a group increasingly facing violence and threats. Political, human rights, and civil society sectors have converged at the National Congress, signaling a unified effort to address this urgent issue.

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The National Human Rights Commissioner (Conadeh), Blanca Izaguirre, thanked the invitation from the Justice and Human Rights Commission of the National Congress for allowing them to socialize the report 'Between Law and Abandonment'.

The National Human Rights Commissioner (Conadeh), Blanca Izaguirre, highlighted the significance of the report 'Between Law and Abandonment,' a joint effort with the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ). This comprehensive study meticulously documents the perilous reality confronting those who champion environmental rights across 12 departments. The data is stark: Colón, Yoro, and Atlántida bear the brunt, accounting for 65% of the violent deaths of environmentalists.

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One of the cases we have followed is that of Juan López, and a week before his murder, CONADEH issued an 'Early Warning' identifying risks and issuing recommendations that authorities ignored.

Izaguirre specifically referenced the case of Juan López, an environmental defender whose murder was preceded by an 'Early Warning' alert issued by CONADEH. Despite these warnings and recommendations to authorities, they were tragically ignored. While acknowledging the Public Ministry's diligence in investigating López's case—a rarity compared to others—Izaguirre stressed that such diligence should be the norm, not the exception.

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With this openness with the National Congress and achieving the identification of legislative reforms, it is much easier for us as a National Human Rights Institution to promote them and have an ally.

This initiative represents a crucial step for Honduras, where environmental activism often comes at a deadly cost. The collaboration between the Congress, Conadeh, and ASJ demonstrates a shared commitment to aligning national legislation with international human rights standards. From a Honduran perspective, this isn't just about legal reform; it's about safeguarding lives and ensuring that those who protect the nation's vital natural resources can do so without fear. The report and subsequent discussions aim to translate into concrete legislative action, providing a much-needed shield for environmental defenders and holding accountable those who perpetrate violence against them. This effort underscores the profound local understanding that environmental protection and human security are inextricably linked.

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Between 2015 and 2025, at least 111 environmentalists were murdered.