Honduras, murders of human rights defenders: “No more impunity. EU must investigate”

During this morning's European Parliament debate on the “Situation of human rights defenders in Honduras”, Spanish MEP, Miguel Urbán called on the European Union to set up an independent international committee to investigate the murder of indigenous activist, Berta Cáceres, and to suspend agreements with Honduras for as long as it fails to fulfil its obligations on human rights.

Urbán, a member of the Parliament's Subcommittee on human rights, participated in an international mission to Tegucigalpa, capital of the Central American state, to seek clarification on the details of the assassination.

He expressed his deep concerns about the violations of human rights being perpetrated in Honduras and affirmed: “The murder of Berta Caceres is evidence that Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights activists.”

“Seven years after the coup, democratic guarantees, fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights are threatened, and impunity is protected by an alarming lack of political will” – he said.

He explained that the best tribute to Berta Caceres and many other activists who have been murdered is to continue their struggle.

“I want to remind all activists who risk their lives to defend a decent future for their people that their voice is heard in this Parliament. You are not alone. There will be no more murder with impunity,” Urbán concluded

 

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