The Government of Spain condemns the recent murders of two LGTBI activists in Honduras and expresses its concern about the cases of discrimination and violence against LGBTI persons registered in recent months in the country.
Spain shares what was expressed in the recent Statement from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Honduras which condemns the violent deaths of more than 20 activists in this year 2019.
The fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a priority of Spanish foreign policy on human rights. In the light of the latest information on hate crimes, violent deaths, attacks and threats denounced by Honduran civil society organizations, the situation of LGTBI people in Honduras is disturbing. To this is added the simultaneous condition of human rights defenders of the last murdered, one of them also a social communicator. The promotion of the legitimate activity of the Human Rights Defenders and their protection constitutes one of the priorities of the foreign policy of the Government of Spain in the matter of Human Rights.
Spain reiterates the urgent need to guarantee the protection of journalists and human rights defenders. Finally, we urge the competent authorities to investigate allegations of attacks and human rights violations so that they can purge the corresponding responsibilities before the national justice system.
The Government of Spain is ready to continue working with the Honduran authorities, civil society organizations and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to continue strengthening national mechanisms for the protection of human rights in order to prevent future violations to the rights of LGTBI people, Human Rights Defenders and journalists.