Canadian human rights delegation to speak about first-hand experience of violence during fact-finding mission to Honduras

A Canadian human rights delegation just back from a fact-finding visit to Honduras will hold a press conference to make public:

  • How international observers came under attack as they walked with Indigenous people after commemorating the life of murdered Indigenous leader Berta Cáceres beside the river she had sought to protect from the proposed Agua Zarca dam project.
    Ongoing deadly threats to community activists seeking to defend their lands, livelihoods and human rights
  • Concerns regarding the investigation into Berta Cáceres’ murder
  • Denunciations of abuses surrounding Canadian firm Aura Minerals’ San Andrés gold mine
  • Recommendations to Foreign Minister Stephane Dion and Canadian MPs

The press conference will take place:
Thursday April 21 at 10 AM
Charles Lynch Room, Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Speakers:

  • Alex Neve, Secretary General, Amnesty International Canada
  • Bev Sellars, Counsellor and Former Chief Xat’sull/Soda Creek First Nation, BC
  • Mary Hannaburg, Mohawk Nation Director, Quebec Native Women
  • Catherine Morris, Research Director, Lawyers Rights Watch Canada
  • Amelia Orellana, Committee for Human Rights in Latin America (CDHAL)

Background:
The delegation went to gather first-hand testimony about the threats community activists face. Since a military-backed coup in 2009, Honduras has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world to defend Indigenous and human rights. The murder of Berta Cáceres on March 2 has brought international attention to this dire situation. Despite this climate of fear and impunity, the Canadian government struck a free trade agreement with Honduras in recent years and provided technical assistance to a new mining code that provides little protections for people and the environment.

For more information:

Jen Moore, Latin America Program Coordinator, MiningWatch Canada, (613) 569-3439, jen(at)miningwatch.ca
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