WASHINGTON OFFICE ON LATIN AMERICA

Promoting Human Rights, Democracy, and Social and Economic Justice in Latin America 

July 6, 2009 

RE:  The crisis in Honduras, which way forward? 

Dear Member of Congress: 

As you know, the Honduran military forcibly removed elected President Manuel “Mel” Zelaya from the presidential palace, put him on a plane and took him out of the country on June 28.  The international community reacted quickly to condemn the coup and on Saturday July 4, the Organization of American States voted to suspend Honduras’ membership to the organization.  Yesterday, Mr. Zelaya unsuccessfully attempted to return to Honduras, and a clash between the military and the thousands of demonstrators that were reported to have been at the airport to greet his return left at least one person dead and many more injured.  

The situation in Honduras is not only very complex but also tragic.  To help you understand the complexity, we are linking to a background piece written by WOLA’s Program Director, Geoff Thale.  

Honduras is one of the poorest countries in region, with at least 50.7% of the population living below the poverty line and 20% living in extreme poverty.  Over half the population doesn’t vote in presidential elections because they perceive the differences between the two main political parties to be minor, and concerns about corruption abound.  While the June 28 coup d’état struck a blow against the fragile democratic process in Honduras, the political and economic repercussions of the coup will hurt the most vulnerable sectors of society the most severely. 

With a very polarized situation, the way forward is not clear.  As Congress engages on Honduras in the coming days, three issues should be paramount.   

First, Manuel Zelaya must be restored to the presidency; not to do so weakens democracies throughout the hemisphere. If President Zelaya committed crimes while in office, he should be held accountable for them under the rule of law in Honduras.

Secondly, while WOLA applauds the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. government and the OAS in negotiating a resolution to this conflict, the administration must be unequivocal that this was a coup, requiring by law the suspension of aid.  

Lastly, all should condemn press censorship and human rights abuses against peaceful protesters, social leaders and members of the media in Honduras and call on the de facto government to respect civil liberties.  

In the long term, processes will have to be implemented to address the endemic poverty in Honduras and the political exclusion of large sectors of the Honduran population.  If not, Honduras will erupt again. 

If you have any questions, please contact us (202) 797-2171. 

Sincerely,

Vicki Gass                                                                   Joy Olson

Senior Associate for Rights and Development                 Executive Director