An international network of human rights organizations will be sending 180 official election observers to Honduras from November 17-27 to observe the upcoming general election, which will be taking place on November 24. Common Frontiers Canada is coordinating the Canadian based portion of the delegation which will be composed of representatives from various labour organizations, community groups, academics and a former chief of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nations. The mission will travel to various parts of the country to meet with communities and groups impacted by Canadian investment in mining, maquiladoras and the mega tourism sector. Honduras is widely viewed as the murder capital of the world, reaching a record high of 7,172 homicides in 2012 (source: United Nations).
Since 2010, there have been more than 200 politically motivated killings and Honduras is now widely regarded one of the most dangerous places for journalists.
According to a 2013 Human Rights Watch report, Honduras has the region’s highest rate of journalists killed per population.
The leading Honduran human rights group COFADEH has documented that at least 16 activists and candidates from the main opposition party LIBRE have been assassinated since June of 2012.
Full Article: International election observers head to Honduras | rabble.ca.
