Democrats voice frustration over US approach in Honduras

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Richard Lardner, Associated Press
 Updated 5:35 pm, Monday, August 7, 2017


WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of Senate Democrats voiced frustration on Monday over the Trump administration efforts to address corruption and violence in Honduras, urging Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to link continued U.S. aid to the country with improvements in human rights.

In a letter to Tillerson, the lawmakers warned that the situation in Honduras remains grave despite U.S.-backed programs to strengthen and professionalize key government institutions, such as law enforcement and the judiciary.

Led by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the Democrats said there is "credible evidence" that not all Honduran officials support serious efforts to combat organized crime and corruption. They also told Tillerson that social activists continue to be the target of threats and attacks and the government of Honduras' "engagement with civil society has not materially improved."
 
The letter to Tillerson comes three months after Senate Democrats called for a tougher approach with Honduras. They wrote to Tillerson in early April and said they were concerned U.S. financial assistance was being provided to Honduras "despite recurring threats and assassinations of human rights defenders and environmental activists."

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Democrats-voice-frustration-over-US-approach-in-11740235.php

[geek tragedy]

1. the big challenge in Honduras is that civil society/governance has been completely hollowed out.

Need the streets patrolled? Send in the military.

Need to guard against poachers in nature reserves? Send in the military.

The civil state is too weak to do much about the rampant corruption and privatized human rights abuses, even if (and that's a giant 'if') there's the political will to do so.

[melm00se]

2. Raleigh woman still held in Honduras

http://abc11.com/raleigh-woman-still-held-in-honduras/2282769/

[roomtomove]

3. Let's remember the coup in 2009

Where were the democrats then???? The US may or may not have been complicit in or aided the coup, but they said nothing, of course (perhaps) because the leader was trained in the infamous School of the Americas, and our dear corporatist Hillary supported the coup. My comments of course have nothing to do with the current violence and corruption......or do they?

[burrowowl]

5. Very good question!

[Sunlei]

4. Honduras may be better off if they boot out the USA financial "help" & just accept food, medicine &

education packages.

[potone]

6. Yes, I think that might be best.

Our history in Latin America is an ugly one. In fact, I wouldn't trust any "education packages" that we would send them. Food, clothing and medicine should be the extent of our involvement.

[Sunlei]

7. They need classroom supplies. These fine days, each child needs a small laptop the teacher can

hold book software and install books. A local internet connection and every school childs entire family will benefit from that laptop.

Education is the key in any society. Nothing like the internet to open doors to the entire world for every family & child in every country.