Honduras: Can the EU help overcome impunity of crimes against human rights defenders and LGBTI activists?

Homophobia, discrimination and social exclusion are part of the day-to-day life of LGBTI persons in Honduras. Discrimination, however, is not limited to the societal sphere; it is also practiced by governmental and institutional officials. Impunity and violence by civil servants limit the access of LGBTI persons to basic human and citizen rights and endanger their integrity and life.

Arcoíris, Honduras’s largest LGBTI-Rights organization, points out an alarming situation, reporting 222 killed LGBTI persons since the coup d’état in 2009. Five of them occurred in the last six months. The level of impunity is very high: at least 92% of these killings have not been well investigated and resolved. On 14th of April 2016, the European Parliament has reacted to the extreme violence against LGBTI persons in Honduras, expressing its deep concern and calling for “immediate, thorough and impartial investigations into the killings of active members of different LGBTI human rights organisations”.

What can be done to support the compliance with Human Rights in Honduras? How can the EU make sure that the Criminal Code reform (supported by the EU-project “Programa de Apoyo al Sector de Seguridad") will not be subject to last-minute changes by the Honduras government? How does the EU evaluates the existing EU-initiative to reduce impunity in Honduras? Does the Association Agreement EU-Central America have adequate provisions to protect people in danger?

Date: Monday, 23rd of May 2016, 12.30 – 14.30  (light lunch 12:30 – 13.00)         

 Speakers                

• Frenessys Sahory Reyes, Trans*women, Activist for LGTBI-rights from Arcoíris Honduras
• Andreu Bassols, EEAS, Deputy Head of Division Mexico, Central America and Caribbe
• Ernest Urtasun, Member of the European Parliament
• Leiske de Krijger* Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Latin America & Caribbean

* To be confirmed

No admittance without confirmed registration. E-mail registration only. The venue will be communicated after registration.

Please send the reply form to Teresa.Oberhauser@eu.boell.org. The meeting is held under Chatham House Rule.