UN Experts Condemn Killing of Juan López, Demand Independent Investigation

Businesses must also ensure that their operations do not contribute to violence or reprisals against human rights defenders, the experts said.

UN experts have condemned the murder of human rights defender Juan López in Honduras, calling for an independent investigation into his death and the potential involvement of businesses and politicians. López, a member of the Comité Municipal de Defensa de los Bienes Comunes y Públicos (CMDBCP), was an advocate for environmental protection in the Montaña de Botaderos Carlos Escaleras Mejía national park, opposing the negative effects of mining activities on the Guapinol and San Pedro rivers.

López's murder is the latest in a series of attacks and intimidation against CMDBCP members, who have been vocal critics of mining company Inversiones los Pinares and steel company Inversiones ECOTEK, both part of EMCO Holdings. The experts emphasized the urgent need for an investigation to determine the role of these companies and local politicians in the killing, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The experts also highlighted ongoing harassment of CMDBCP members, following the Court of Appeal of Tocoa's decision to revoke the dismissal of charges against defenders who had been illegally detained for nearly three years. They urged authorities to address patterns of human rights violations against defenders and to ensure protection for López’s family and the community.

Businesses must also ensure that their operations do not contribute to violence or reprisals against human rights defenders, experts said.