More than one month after the coup in Honduras, the prospects of a negotiated settlement of the crisis are, unfortunately, fading. The repression and violence have been continuing, with severe restrictions on freedom of association and expression, as well as stifling of all forms of demonstration against the de facto government.
No one knows what the outcome of the crisis in Honduras will be. What we do know is that the Honduran people have showed incredible courage in the face of vast uncertainly and their determination to create a society based on solidarity and justice. To support the courage of the Honduran people living in limbo and fight back against attacks against democracy and human rights, hundreds of organizations throughout the U.S. and abroad have responded to the call from the Via Campesina International to make August 11 the International Day of Solidarity with Honduras.
In an August 5, 2009 letter organized by USLEAP, seven U.S. trade unions, including SEIU, urged Members of Congress to condemn the military coup in Honduras and support democracy by co-sponsoring the Delahunt-McGovern-Serrano House Resolution (H.R. 630). As the situation in Honduras seems to worsen, the letter asks Representatives to join efforts supporting the reinstatement of democratically-elected President Zelaya, who was ousted from his position by military officials of the de facto government on June 28. Here's an excerpt from the letter:
We are gravely concerned about violence against civilians who have protested the coup, the suspension of basic rights, including freedom of association, and the military takeover of radio and television stations. The continuing intransigence of the de facto government coupled with strong resistance to the coup within Honduras is creating the potential for further violence.The last coup in Central America was in 1993. Coups in Latin America belong in the past. If this coup is not reversed, it will have dire consequences for democracy and stability in the region, as well as for rule of law, democracy, and stability in Honduras itself.
On the same day this letter was sent, thousands of people started marching from the provinces towards the two main cities of Honduras, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. These activists have walked around 15 kilometers a day since starting the non-violent march on August 5, to demonstrate all the strength and the determination of the resistance against the bloody coup. This march culminates today, on the International Day of Action for Honduras.
« Click here for a list of actions around the world in Solidarity with Honduras today.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), the Global Union Federations (GUF) and the Unitary Central of Honduran Workers (CUTH) are all supporting this International Solidarity Day with Honduras, and strongly urging international intervention to protect the safety of Honduran civilians and the restoration of democracy to Honduras by returning President Zelaya. Many farmers movements, labor and teachers' unions, student groups and other social movements and ordinary citizens have also been demonstrating to show support against the coup in Honduras.
Urge your representative to condemn the military coup and to support the Delahunt-McGovern House Resolution (H.Res. 630) on Honduras at www.change.org.
More Information:
« Myths and Facts about the Coup in Honduras
« Text of H.Res.630
« TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Take Stance Against Coup in Honduras
« List of actions around the world in Solidarity with Honduras today
-- includes a peace vigil in Washington, DC that members of 1199 SEIU NY will be participating in.
« SEIU's statement to protect democracy in Honduras
RSS FEEDS
You people really are something.
Zelaya was illegally trying to extend his term, which was forbidden by the Honduran Constitution. (Apparently they have a real problem with that in Latin America.) In the event that a president should try a power grab, the military is authorized to remove him. Everyone in Honduras did was they were legally required to do, except Zelaya.
I read your myths and facts post, which is really lacking in the facts department.
Do you all really think in the information age you can boldly state something like this which is so obviously false? My question is, where does your union fit into caring about Honduras? Don't tell me injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. I guess we can just start following the money.
Kate
I have lived in Honduras for the last 28 years and have lived through this circus that Zelaya is putting on for the world. What you are leaving out of your story is that the Supreme Court ruled that what Zelaya was doing was illegal. Only the Honduran Congress (which is elected by the people every four years)can propose changing the constitution. He publicly came out and said he wasn't going to listen to the Supreme Ct.. I think that at that point he was breaking the law??
He proceeded with this "poll" using taxpayers money even after the courts told him he was not authorized to do so. Don't you think he was kind of out of hand doing what ever he wanted without the consent of the courts nor Congress. By the way Congress voted against him 123-8. That seems like a majority to me. Now these congressmen were elected by the people to represent them. This means that there was a majority of the representation against his "poll". I always wondered why he was in such a hurry to get this "poll" done before he left office. It always seemed that this could have been a project for him to pursue once he left office. He still would have had plenty of connections to work with and get his "poll" put out to the people. Maybe he thought he could get it done cheaper by using taxpayers money without their consent. Oh, I almost forgot. He never presented a budget for 2009 which was also against the law. He was spending money on projects and none of it was authorized. I don't think that is a good sign.
I just thought you might want some facts from someone who lives here. I would like you to check up on these facts and let me know if I got my story right.
Sincerely
Bob