ACT Alliance

As a direct result of the current coup d’état in Honduras project activities have been stalled, ACT Honduras Forum members report. None of the planned work is being implemented.  No events with the participation of the community are being carried out, fearing that this may be taken as being directed against the de facto government. Also, members are concerned about the economic embargo, and about possible implications for future funding.

At the moment, the human rights of people are affected, restricting their mobility with curfews, their freedom of association, limited social guarantees, and police roadblocks for the identification of passengers.  The security situation is worsening. Police controls and damage to transport vehicles are preventing people from going to Tegucigalpa.  ACT Forum members report that some persons have either been arrested or are under the threat of arrest.  Some people who voiced their opinion in media are being harassed and intimidated.

Implementing members and their partners are concerned that the crisis is causing a delay in project development and, thereby, affecting mostly people in extreme poverty.  Moreover, ACT Forum members are afraid that project activities promoted by organizations related to empowerment and advocacy in the current situation can be seen as an incitement to the population.

Instead of normal project activities some of the ACT Forum members have provided humanitarian assistance to some of the communities.  Two ACT Forum members have provided food, water, and medicine to the most vulnerable people. Members underline that this is purely a humanitarian assistance.

ACT Honduras Forum members and implementing partners emphasize that they are acting not as followers or supporters of President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales or the political institution to which he belongs, but solely in respect for constitutional order and the rule of law in the country.

Christian Aid has decided to close its office situated close to the government building where the demonstrations have been taking place.

The ACT Honduras Forum, ACT Central America Forum, and ACT Coordinating Office continue to monitor closely the humanitarian situation in Honduras.