HONDURAS – GARIFUNA COMMUNITY
Jessica Garcia © Private
In February of 2006, two young men from the Afro-descendant Garífuna community in the village of San Juan Tela were detained and killed for attempting to protect the land their community has inhabited for generations. Such land is increasingly coveted by real state companies seeking to build tourism complexes which could damage or even destroy the Garífuna?s traditions, culture and way of life, as well as their environment. In an attempt to pressure the Garífuna people to sell their land, these companies employ private security guards to attack and intimidate members of the community. Since 2006, three more members have been subject to death threats, abduction, beatings, harassment and arson attacks. No one has been brought to justice for these attacks and the authorities have yet to implement protection measures for the members in any meaningful way. The lives and physical and mental integrity of the members continue to be in danger.
Please send messages of support to the following three members of the community who have suffered attacks and intimidation from private security forces employed by real estate companies: Santos Feliciano Aguilar Alvarez, Jessica Garcia, Wilfredo Guerrero, as well as all members of the Garifuna Community of San Juan Tela.
Please send letters to show your support to:
[name of man/woman/community]
Organización Fraternal Negra Hondureña (OFRANEH)
Apdo. Postal 341
La Ceiba, Atlántida
HONDURAS
Email: ofraneh@yahoo.com
For more information on human rights in Honduras
