Members of Congress Urge Secretary Kerry to Push for Investigation of Murder of Honduran Human Rights Defender Berta Cáceres

Statement

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) -- co-chair of a bipartisan Congressional human rights commission -- and Representatives Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Sam Farr (D-CA), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) are joined by 55 Members of Congress in calling for the involvement of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in the investigation into the March 3, 2016 killing of Honduran human rights defender Berta Cáceres.

In an effort to ensure justice and accountability in the case, the Members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday, after the Honduran Public Prosecutor's Office announced the arrests of four individuals in connection with the case. Click here to view the letter to Secretary Kerry.

"America has a responsibility to stand up for human rights at home and abroad. Berta Cáceres was a tireless champion for the most vulnerable in Honduras and her death in March was a terrible loss. Today, I am joining my colleagues in calling on the Honduran government to allow the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to examine the case," Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) said. "By supporting a full and independent investigation, the Honduran government can send a strong message that they are committed to finding the truth and achieving justice for the family."

"I am encouraged by the arrests made yesterday, but in high-profile human rights cases like this, we know that initial arrests do not always lead us to the true perpetrators," said Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (D-CA), the founder and co-chair of the Central America Caucus. "Allowing the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to look into this case would be a clear sign that the government is truly serious about getting to the bottom of what happened."

"The loss of Berta Cáceres is felt not only in Honduras but around the globe," said Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA). "The international community must do everything possible to bring her murderers to justice to demonstrate our commitment to human rights and the people she championed."

"The Honduran government must urgently address the human rights crisis developing within that country. In the wake of the murder of Berta Caceres and the ongoing violence and threats facing activists, the Honduran government has refused to take meaningful action to address the lack of rule of law," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). "This is why I signed a letter calling for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to get involved in the investigation and ensure due process. The victims of this violence deserve justice and the Honduran government must respect the rights of all of their people."

The letter is the latest expression of significant and sustained congressional interest in this emblematic human rights case. As Congress considers President Obama's Fiscal Year 2017 request for more than $750 million in new assistance for Central America, the letter underscores the depth of concern about the human rights situation in Honduras. Click here to view the letter to Secretary Kerry.

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