Honduras, dubbed the most dangerous country for environmentalists, is under fire for it’s violent and even deadly offenses against environmental activists. Over the course of the past decade, an expansion of mining, agribusiness and energy projects in the area has caused tensions between the government and those who wish to protect the land. Many Honduran politicians and businesspeople have escaped prosecution despite a violent crackdown against local communities and environmentalists. Investigations into these attacks have proved that the violations have failed to be properly investigated and reports made by the victims are often ignored. Perhaps one of the most well known Honduran environmentalists, Berta Caceres, was murdered in her own home last March. Caceres, an outspoken critic of the destruction of the Honduran land, was repeatedly threatened for years which led to the recommendation by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that she be protected. The Honduran government, therefore, was required to protect her but on the day of her death, they were suspiciously absent. This occurrence is a direct example of the negligence of the Honduran government and overall lack of concern for the environment and those who fight for it. Global Witness, an international NGO focused on environmental issues, has become increasingly involved in the wrongdoings occurring in the country, blaming Honduran elites for the so-called ‘epidemic’ of violence. GW released a report on the violations against environmentalists and the Honduran President refused to comment on the matter. This refusal to comment, along with the continuing deaths and violence in the country lead to the conclusion that the government is, in fact, choosing to ignore/privately encouraging these happenings (including beating, abduction, shooting and imprisonment of several activists battling to protect local land from development for mining, hydro-electric schemes, a new five star hotel complex and logging). There is no justifiable reason for murders and attacks against people who are merely protesting the theft and destruction of land. Foreign investors and those who provide aid to the Honduran government should reconsider their involvement while the violence continues.
