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HUMAN RIGHTS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION ACT

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Since the 2009 military coup in Honduras, ever increasing levels of militarization and the steady weakening of oversight mechanisms and constitutional guarantees has stimulated systemic corruption in the government and the collapse of rule of law. Honduras has become an effective narco-state and the most dangerous country in the world to defend human rights, where civil society members are criminalized, attacked, disappeared and murdered in overwhelming numbers. 


The Honduras Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Act of 2021 (S388) would suspend United States support for the Government of Honduras until endemic corruption, impunity, and human rights violations are addressed.

It would also hold Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández and members of the police and military accountable for the human rights abuses and the deeply alarming level of corruption they are responsible for. 

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In February 2021 the bill was introduced by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkely with 8 initial co-sponsors: Senators Bernie Sanders (VT),  Patrick Leahy (VT) , Ed Markey (MA), Elizabeth Warren (MA), Dick Durbin (IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and Chris Van Hollen (MD).

The History

  • What are the qualifications for joining a trip to Latin America?
    Anyone with a commitment to, or willingness to learn about, social justice should apply for a delegation. We encourage participation of people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Is there a minimum age requirement?
    The minimum age for a delegation is 18, and some exceptions may apply. Most trips are inter-generational (age 18-80+). Reach out if you have any questions.
  • How many people will be on the trip?
    Typical trips range in size from 10 to 20 individuals, with 14 as the average number.
  • What are the accommodations like?
    Delegates will stay together in modest, but safe and clean guesthouses. This typically involves dormitory style rooms (2-6 people per room), and private baths for each room. When staying with a family, the homes are usually humble and rustic. Though conditions may be much different from those to which delegates are accustomed, delegates consistently rate home stays as one of the highlights of their trip.
  • What does my delegation fee cover and how much will it cost?
    Your delegation fee covers just about everything except airfare: food, lodging, translation, accompaniment, facilitation, reading and preparation materials, orientation and on-the-ground transportation (in Colombia, internal airfare is also covered in the price). The prices of delegations vary depending on length of stay and country you’re visiting. By checking the online delegation page you can find the price of the specific delegation that interests you. Also you can contact the delegation coordinator, this email address is given for each delegation on the delegation schedule page as well.
  • What happens if I am not be able to go on the delegation? Is my delegation fee refundable?
    If you cancel more than 30 days prior to departure, your delegation fee is usually fully refundable, less the $300 non-refundable deposit. If you cancel closer to the departure date than 30 days, you are subject to cancellation fees, which may result in a refund of less than 100%. Contact liz@solidaritycollective.org for more information.
  • Are Sliding Scale prices and fundraising support available?
    Sliding scale prices are available for every delegation and are included in the delegation application. Extensive fundraising support is provided in terms of raising funds online and thinking about raising funds through your local community. Contact liz@solidaritycollective.org or the delegation coordinator for more information. Delegates seeking financial assistance have a very successful track record of raising the needed funds. Unfortunately at this time, we have little to no scholarships available.
  • Is there any training or orientation before or during the delegation?
    Preparation for the delegation is an important part of your experience. Before departing for your trip, you will receive reading materials that cover health precautions, items to pack, what to expect from your delegation, and a reading packet. An extensive orientation and training session takes place prior to travel and on the first day of your delegation. This includes cultural awareness, health and safety guidelines, a non-violence workshop, and an introduction to consensus based decision-making. You will also become familiar with international development policies as well as the historic and current political reality of the country you’re visiting.
  • I would like to coordinate a delegation for a group of people. Can you customize a delegation for my group?
    We can custom design delegations for organizations, universities, and religious groups. If you are interested, and can recruit a group of 10 or more, contact us.
  • Can I get academic credit for my delegation experience?
    Some colleges offer credit for participation in a WFP delegation. Inquire with your school or contact liz@solidaritycollective.org
  • What type of skills will I learn on a trip with the WFP Solidarity Collective?
    On your delegation, you will gain invaluable experience that will serve you personally, academically, and professionally for years to come. By going on a delegation, you will learn about grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, international peacemaking, conflict mediation and group process, cross-cultural sensitivity, diplomacy and much more.
  • Who sets up the trip and accompanies the group?
    All delegations are set up and facilitated by International Program Directors, who are based in our program sites for 2-4 years. These coordinators accompany the groups, providing translation and facilitation; Program Directors are extremely experienced leading delegations and can serve as a valuable resource in answering questions regarding U.S. foreign policy in the country you are visiting.
  • Is it dangerous to travel to Latin America?
    The safety of our delegates is of the utmost concern to the Collective. We have been hosting delegations to Latin America since 1983 and have extensive networks in the countries in which we operate. This experience has allowed us to responsibly and safely coordinate delegations. Before beginning any delegation, participants receive an extensive security and health briefing, and go over common sense precautions. By following such measures, delegations are generally very safe. In Colombia and Honduras, the level of political violence requires a much more extensive training and these delegations are not for everyone. Contact liz@solidaritycollective.org.

Act Now

Key Provisions

The legislation includes the following provisions:

 

  • Sanctions for President Hernández

  •  $2 million for the Honduras office of the United Nations High Office on Human Rights.

  • A new MACCIH anti-corruption commission, to be negotiated by the United Nations, and strengthening of UFERCO, the special prosecutor's office.

  • Prohibition of US munitions sales to the Honduran police and military.

  • Suspension of (1) US funds for Honduran security forces and (2) US support for funds from multilateral development banks to Honduran security forces until a series criteria have been met, laid out in the bill.

Co-Sponsors in the Senate

Resources

See the press release here: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/.../merkley-leahy-durbin...

 

Guardian article:    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/23/us-democratic-senators-honduras-sanction-president-bill 

 

Full text of the legislation is available in English: here

 

Para ver el texto completo del proyecto de ley: aqui

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