IACHR grants precautionary measures in favor of Rodsman Saadik Molina Ortez, trade unionist in Honduras

August 27, 2024

Washington, D.C.- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 56/2024 on August 26, 2024 to grant precautionary measures in favor of Rodsman Saadik Molina Ortez after considering that he is at serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to his rights in Honduras.

According to the request, the proposed beneficiary is president of the Union of Workers of the Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency (Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Agencia Hondureña de Aeronáutica Civil, SITRAAHAC). He is reportedly at risk due to threats and acts of violence by third parties allegedly in response to his union activities. Despite having a security detail in his favor, consisting of a police liaison and self-protection training, its adequacy was questioned due to implementation failures that were reportedly not addressed by the State. In addition, the request mentioned the persistence of the situations which placed him at risk, which included his family members. For its part, the State confirmed the granted security detail and stated that it is coordinating with the relevant authorities on the investigations.

Upon analyzing the submissions of fact and law, the IACHR considered the role of union leader that the proposed beneficiary fulfills, the ongoing situations that have been placing the proposed beneficiary at risk over time, the lack of investigation into these situations, and the absence of adjustments or new risk assessments to accurately outline the protection measures needed. In light of the current context in Honduras, and under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requested that Honduras:

1. adopt the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of the beneficiary and his family unit;
2. implement the necessary measures to ensure that the beneficiary can exercise his functions as president of the Union of Workers of the Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency (SITRAAHAC), without being subjected to threats, intimidation, harassment, or acts of violence;
3. consult and agree upon the measures to be implemented with the beneficiaries and his representatives; and
4. report on the actions taken to investigate the alleged events that led to the adoption of this precautionary measure, so as to prevent such events from reoccurring.

The decision to grant this precautionary measure and its adoption by the State do not constitute a prejudgment of any petition filed with the inter-American system alleging violations of the rights protected in the American Convention and other applicable instruments.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 194/24

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