Author: Angelika Albaladejo
It has been more than three months since Berta Cáceres, the renowned Honduran environmental and indigenous rights activist, was murdered.
Since her tragic death, there has been a wave of international solidarity to fight for justice for Berta. LAWG and countless other organizations, social movements, and activists from around the world have joined together in support of justice in Honduras.
The Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), the indigenous Lenca organization that Berta led before her death, has issued a call for a Global Day of Action Demanding Justice for Berta on June 15, 2016.
Today, COPINH is calling for a worldwide protest that will bring all of our voices together to demand justice for Berta Cáceres; justice for Nelson García, another active member of COPINH murdered just two weeks after Berta; justice for COPINH; and justice for the people of Honduras.
Berta’s family members and fellow COPINH activists are continuing to call for an independent investigation with experts chosen by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The Honduran government has not responded to this request. In addition, the Ministerio Público has continually failed to keep Berta Caceres’ family and members of COPINH updated on the case as is legally required.
So far, five suspects have been arrested. They are believed to be the hitman and intermediates, but not the intellectual authors who ordered Berta’s murder. It is crucial to continue pressing for a transparent, thorough, and comprehensive investigation of the intellectual authors.
On this Global Day of Action Demanding Justice for Berta, we call for:
- The immediate establishment of an independent group of experts led by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
- The investigation of the intellectual authors who ordered the murder of Berta Cáceres.
- The Ministerio Publico in Honduras to grant access to information about progress in the case to Berta’s family and COPINH colleagues.
- The immediate and definitive cancellation of the concession granted to DESA company, constructor of the Hydroelectric Project “Agua Zarca” in Rio Blanco.
Join us as we call for #JusticeForBerta
and show solidarity with Berta’s family,
colleagues, and the global community of activists
fighting for justice in Honduras.
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Follow LAWG’s advocacy on the case and continue taking action with us. A constant call at protests and vigils around the world has been: “Berta did not die, she multiplied!” Visit lawg.org/BertaCaceres for updates on the case and to get involved with advocacy, actions, and solidarity.
- Raise awareness with your friends and family. Email this action alert to friends, family, colleagues, or classmates to update them on the case and get them involved in the ongoing push for justice and the defense of human rights in Honduras.
- Join a march or protest. On June 15, protests will be held around the world. If you are interested in joining a local gathering, visit COPINH’s webpage on the Global Day of Action for more information on local protests, actions, and messages of solidarity from around the world. For example, there will be a march in Washington DC at 5pm.
- Lift up your voice in solidarity. Post messages on social media in support of Berta’s family and COPINH colleagues. Be sure to highlight the importance of an independent investigation, investigating the intellectual authors of the murder, definitively halting construction of the Agua Zarca dam, and making sure Berta’s loved ones stay updated about the case.
Share this Facebook post to show your solidarity & call for action in the case.
Tweet out one of these suggested messages to say you stand with COPINH and Berta’s family in their calls for justice:
