It has been close to a month since Greengrants sent out a request for emergency support to help environmental and social justice groups that are calling for an end to the coup and a renewed commitment to environmental reform and civil liberties in Honduras. The needs of these organizations have been basic: cell phone minutes for movement leaders to communicate, food and shelter for protestors, and resources to meet and develop a national environmental agenda in the midst of intense political change and oppression. Since that time, Greengrants has received over $5,000 dollars for this emergency fund. Thank you for your contributions to aid this urgent issue.
On September 20th, President Manuel Zelaya, ousted from his position three months ago, came back into Honduras, taking refuge in the Brazilian Embassy in Honduras’ capital city, Tegucigalpa. In retaliation, the Honduran government has cut water and electricity supply to the embassy. In addition, troops sent by the de facto government have taken over and shut down radio stations and television stations that they considered pro-Zelaya. Other restrictions of civil liberties authorized this past Sunday include prohibiting unauthorized public meetings and allowing the police to arrest anyone deemed to be a threat. Last week, security forces used rubber bullets, clubs, and tear gas to disperse a group of supporters outside the Brazilian Embassy. A report issued by Amnesty International documented physical and gender based violence and abuse of protesters by the Honduran police.
The international community has condemned the de facto government’s violent crackdown on protesters and the suspension of citizen’s rights. The United Nations and Organization of American States are calling for a peaceful dialogue. The Brazilian Prime Minister spoke at the United National General Assembly in New York City, saying that the international community demands President Zelaya return to the Honduran presidency. The international community is also asking for dialogue between Zelaya and the de facto president, Roberto Micheletti, to end the crisis. Micheletti made a statement that while open to discussion, he will not recognize Zelaya’s position as president.
Supporters of President Zelaya and the Honduran National Front are increasing their pro-democracy organizing efforts and have decided to boycott the elections in November. The United Nations has withdrawn all support for the November elections citing that the organization does not believe conditions are right for “credible elections.”
Greengrants’ Central America Advisory board is committed to supporting the grassroots movements in Honduras to keep a democratic environmental agenda at the forefront during this time of political conflict and extending additional resources to local organizations facing intimidation and violent repression from the de facto regime.
Read more about the crisis in Honduras:
The New York Times
The Guardian
Amnesty International Report