GENEVA – “In a region historically marked by conflicts surrounding land use, the oil palm industry and the activities of criminal networks operating in the area, this atrocity requires an immediate, effective, and transparent State response, in line with international human rights standards.
“The loss of these lives affects not only their families and communities, but Honduran society as a whole,” said Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
“I urge Honduran authorities to carry out a prompt, independent and effective investigation, in accordance with the principles set out in the Minnesota Protocol to ensure those who carried out these crimes, as well as those who planned, ordered or facilitated them, be identified and held accountable,” he said. “No person, group or institution that participated directly or indirectly in these crimes should remain beyond the reach of justice.”
Tidball-Binz urged comprehensive reparations for survivors and the relatives of those killed. “The affected communities have the right to effective support from the State to rebuild their lives, overcome the consequences of trauma and enjoy conditions of security that allow them to live free from fear,” he said. “Reparation cannot be limited to financial compensation; it must comprehensively address the material, moral and social harm caused by these events.”
The Special Rapporteur also called for guarantees of non-repetition. This requires the adoption of structural measures aimed at preventing further human rights violations, including strengthening protection mechanisms for peasant communities, preventing violence in areas affected by agrarian conflict, effectively combating impunity and ensuring independent oversight of the actions of authorities involved.
“The memory of those killed demands truth, justice and reparation,” the expert said. “Their families and communities have the right to know what happened and to see those responsible held accountable.”
“Honduran society cannot accept that a tragedy of this magnitude remains unresolved and unpunished. I reiterate my call on the national authorities and the international community to monitor compliance with these demands,” Tidball-Binz said.
