October 28th, 2024 

TRUSU sent a letter to Mr. Joel Antonio Zelaya Alvarez, the Attorney General of Honduras, urging for a thorough investigation into the murder of environmental activist, Juan López.  

“By demanding justice for Juan López, we are also advocating for all Honduran defenders risking their lives to protect their land and resources,” says Lalitha Dharmapuri, TRUSU LGBTQ+ representative. 

López, coordinator of the Municipal Committee for the Defense of Common and Public Assets (CMDBCP), was dedicated to protecting the Guapinol and San Pedro Rivers from harmful mining projects. Tragically, he was murdered on September 14, 2024, by an unidentified assailant, leaving his family and community searching for justice. 

This incident reflects a larger crisis faced by environmental defenders in Honduras, one of the most dangerous countries for activists. Since 2015, advocates like López have faced violence, arrests, and harassment for their work, with recent murders highlighting the high stakes of environmental activism in the region. Despite international calls for action, including the United Nations’ support for peaceful protest, Honduran authorities have yet to provide adequate protection for these activists. 

“It is crucial for the Attorney General to use his position to advocate alongside us for the safety of Honduran environmental defenders. His actions can ensure that activists like Juan López, who peacefully protest to protect their communities, do not face violence or death for their commitment to justice,” says Dharmapuri. 

The Union awaited a response from the Attorney General of Honduras.  

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows for the Union to consistently take solidarity action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator here.