A devastating report has disclosed that around 200 human rights defenders were murdered in Central America from 2012 to 2023, with a further 228 attempted murders. The study highlights systemic state-sanctioned violence, particularly targeting women defenders, and emphasizes the importance of networks for protection against these aggressions.
A recent harrowing report by the Mesoamerican Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders has unveiled a staggering and tragic truth: approximately 200 human rights defenders lost their lives in Mexico and Central America between 2012 and 2023. This chilling statistic, presented in Tegucigalpa, sheds light on the endemic violence and systemic oppression these courageous individuals face. “In more than a decade, 200 defenders (…) have been murdered, but there were 228 more attempted murders,” revealed Lidya Alpízar, a prominent Mexican activist, during the report’s unveiling. The 119-page document, aptly titled “Data that hurts us, networks that save us. 10+ years of aggressions,” meticulously compiles data from the five nations, documenting a staggering 35,077 acts of violence against 8,926 defenders and 953 organizations. Notably, it recalls the tragic assassination of Berta Cáceres, a beloved Honduran indigenous environmentalist whose 2016 murder ignited a wave of increasing threats against those, particularly women of various indigenous groups, standing against detrimental megaprojects meant to exploit their lands. The report alarmingly identifies that 45% of these aggressions are perpetrated by state-linked actors—entities such as the police, military, and local authorities. In addition, 5.3% of the aggressions are attributed to individuals associated with extractive industries, encompassing an array of violent tactics, including harassment and psychological threats. Cruz, another key figure in the initiative, highlighted the network’s crucial role in protecting nearly 8,000 threatened women across these five nations. Many have found safety only through the agonizing decision of forced displacement or seeking political asylum.
In a region plagued by violence and corruption, human rights defenders emerge as beacons of hope, tirelessly advocating for social justice and environmental protection. Yet, their noble endeavors often come at a severe cost. The ongoing legacy of colonialism and structural oppression in Central America has fostered a perilous environment leading to threats, violence, and murder against those who fight for human rights. The Mesoamerican Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders, established to provide solidarity and support, presents a grim account of the situation, highlighting the heavy toll on communities and activism in these countries such as Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
The tragic data outlined in the report presents a dire call to action for global awareness and intervention. With nearly 200 defenders slain and countless others facing hostility, the plight of activists in Central America unveils an urgent need for systemic change and protection measures. The statistics highlight not only the escalating violence stemming from state and corporate interests but also the resilience and solidarity among women defenders working tirelessly to safeguard their rights and communities. The formulation of networks for mutual protection is vital in combating this strife and nurturing a safer environment for advocates of human rights.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
