Honduras: Coup affects the poorest most

Hondurans take to the streets in Tegucigalpa following the ousting of President Manuel Zelaya in a coup [REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas, courtesy alertnet.org]

If the political crisis in Honduras continues, the poorest communities will be hit hardest as our partners begin to suffer from withdrawals of funding from overseas

One of our partners (which cannot be named) has been forced to make 25 members of staff redundant because their project was funded by the World Bank, which has frozen its support.

Our partner says: “We are worried that if the crisis goes on, we, together with many others, will continue to lose funds channelled through state sources, and be forced to cease work with other poor communities.”

Talks broke down

Following the removal of President Manuel Zelaya at gunpoint in a coup on June 28, democracy has still not been reinstated.

Talks between Zelaya and interim leader Roberto Micheletti broke down when the interim government said it would not allow Zelaya to return as president under any circumstances and has vowed to arrest him if he returns to the country.

“As both sides continue defending their positions with patriotic speeches, it is the Honduran people who are worst affected,” says a representative from one of our partner organisations.

Many international governments have withdrawn aid to Honduras in the hope this will encourage the government to re-instate Zelaya as the democratically elected president.

Clare Dixon, CAFOD head of Latin America, says: “In a country where 58% of the population live under the poverty line, international cooperation is vital. However, as yet these measures have failed to move either side.

“Many Hondurans are street vendors and the night curfew imposed by the coup government is restricting their earning potential. “Plus, many have been put off working since the coup d’état for fear of violent clashes on the streets.”

Despite such problems, mass mobilisations organised by the Resistance Front have seen thousands of Hondurans blocking roads so as to have their cause heard.

Supporters of the de facto government have also taken to the streets, highlighting the polarisation this crisis is having on society.

It has also been reported that two leading activists from the Resistance Front have been killed, which shows the high level of insecurity for those opposing the coup.

Clare Dixon adds: “The Honduran people are standing up for their rights and are making their voices heard in pro-democracy protests. They are not losing heart.

”We believe it is crucial a negotiated solution is sought which avoids bloodshed and further suffering of those most affected - the poorest people of Honduras.”

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