IACHR follows up on precautionary measures granted in favor of rights defenders and their families in Bajo Aguán, Honduras

May 7, 2025

Washington, DC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Follow-Up, Extension, and Lift Resolution 37/2025 on May 1, 2025. This resolution concerns members of the Tocoa Municipal Committee for the Defense of Common and Public Property and of the organization Bufete Justicia para los Pueblos in Honduras (MC-137-23).

After monitoring the implementation of these precautionary measures, the IACHR decided to extend measures granted in favor of 13 individuals who continue to be at risk. These individuals are still being subjected to threats, surveillance, tracking, intimidation, and other acts of violence in connection with their efforts in defense of the environment. The risks that had been identified in these precautionary measures materialized in the murder of Juan López in September 2024.

The 13 beneficiaries of the extension of these precautionary measures are environmental rights defenders and/or members of the Committee or relatives of Juan López. They all face serious risks in their search for justice for the murder of López and for their defense of the environment in the Bajo Aguán region.

The IACHR noted that most acts of violence perpetrated in the area in recent years—including threats and even murders of human rights defenders—have remained unpunished. The IACHR highlighted delays in efforts to comprehensively implement protection measures granted by the National Protection Mechanism, which acknowledged the risks faced by beneficiaries. Finally, the IACHR condemned the homicide of Juan López, decided to lift the relevant precautionary measures, and called on the State of Honduras to promptly and diligently investigate these events.

The IACHR commended the State on measures adopted to ensure domestic institutions can adequately protect defenders, as well as on progress made in investigations of the murder of Juan López. The IACHR noted the action taken to enable platforms for dialogue with beneficiaries, as well as the implementation of some protection measures in their favor. However, the IACHR found that the State must improve compliance with protection measures and ensure that investigations make additional progress and enforce accountability.

The Commission therefore decided to take the following action:

1. Retain precautionary measures that had been granted in favor of Juana Ramona Zúniga Martínez, Gabriela Ofelia Sorto Cruz, David Lemus, J.M., D.M., Olayo Méndez, Juana Esquivel, A.C., D.S., Esly Emperatriz Banegas Ávila, Rita Isabel Romero, Aida Rodríguez, Mario López, Gregorio Vásquez, Ernesto López, Dinora Castro, A.A., José Abelino Cedillo, Reynaldo Domínguez, Eugenio Esquivel, J.S.H., O.H., José Daniel Márquez, Marco Tulio Ramos, Kelvin Romero, Porfirio Sorto, Edy Alexander Tábora Gonzales, Kenia Oliva, and Carlos Jiménez
2. Extend precautionary measures granted in favor of Telma Pena, Claudia López, Julia López, Melvin Darvin Espino López, Enma Iveth Gutiérrez Velásquez, Roxana Yamileth Romero Ruiz, Gloria Dubon, Antonio Alvarado, Miguel Ángel Vásquez, José Nuncio Veliz Alfaro, Limbor Otoniel Velásquez Sarmiento, Jose Juan Cedillo Martínez, and Angel Augusto Centerero
3. Lift precautionary measures granted in favor of Juan Antonio López
4. Improve the implementation of protection measures granted in favor of beneficiaries and assessing as soon as possible the risks they face, in order to adopt suitable, effective measures to protect their lives and personal integrity
5. Reinforce the presence of State institutions in the area, to enforce environmental protection and disarmament policies adopted to mitigate the risks faced by beneficiaries
6. Investigate alleged risks with due diligence to prevent impunity and recurrence, particularly murders like that of rights defender Juan Antonio López

The IACHR is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is based on the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly who serve in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 090/25

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