Obama: stand up for women's rights in Honduras

The nationwide movement of women that came together to oppose the coup and protect women’s human rights had also clearly stated its position: “It is impossible to have free and fair elections in a context of violence and repression, when the perpetrators of the violence – the police and military – are mandated with running the elections.” 

Countries throughout Europe and Latin America, the Organization of American States (OAS), and many international agencies said, unequivocally, that they are not willing to recognize as legitimate the elections carried out by the coup government in the current context. 

Not only is the crisis having a negative impact inside Honduras, it is already causing significant rifts in this hemisphere – and human rights violations continue to go ignored.

This has rewarded lawlessness and brutality. “We urge you to condemn the orchestrated campaign of violence against women being waged by the current de facto regime,” four members of the Nobel Women’s Initiative and 175 other women leaders wrote in a recent letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. “Please step forward, as you have done elsewhere, and work to stop the violence now.” 

Restoring American credibility

With its long history of backing repressive regimes throughout the hemisphere, US actions vis-à-vis Honduras could have long-term ramifications for its relations in the region. 

Instead of undercutting its credibility on support for democracy in Honduras, and by implication in other countries in Latin America, the US should demonstrate its support for the people’s calls for a return to constitutional democracy since the coup. 

The Obama administration should work diligently for Zelaya’s immediate reinstatement to finish out his term. 

Equally important, Secretary Clinton should meet with the women’s organizations working for democracy there. Clinton should also consider a major speech at the OAS on violence against women throughout the hemisphere – including Honduras. 

With violations of women’s rights on the rise in the region, tangible action on her part would re-inforce the efforts of women everywhere working for equality, justice, and democracy.

Much of the Honduran population and the international community view the November elections as illegitimate. 

The US needs to live up to the expectations the Obama administration has raised in making support for women’s rights a pillar of its foreign policy and stand with Honduran women in their fight for democracy and human rights. 

Jody Williams received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for her leadership of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and cofounded the Nobel Women’s Initiative with fellow women peace laureates in 2006. Lisa VeneKlasen is the founding executive director of Just Associates (JASS), a global women’s rights organization working in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. They codirected the Nicaragua-Honduras Education Project.

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