Situation with regard to human rights defenders in Honduras

7.5.2015

Question for written answer E-007418-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lola Sánchez Caldentey (GUE/NGL)

Civil society is seen as a vital partner in the EU’s external relations. The EU is constantly pressing for more dialogue with social stakeholders in order to enhance the impact, predictability and visibility of EU action, as pointed out in the 2014-2017 EU Roadmap for Engagement with Civil Society in Partner Countries. This will is similarly expressed in agreements signed with third parties, such as the EU-Central America Association Agreement, which, in Article 11 and Articles 25(c) and 30(i), refers to the need for the EU and the Government of Honduras to promote the provision of information to, and the gathering of suggestions from, civil society.

How does the EU intend to respond to the repeated condemnations expressed by civil society in Honduras, and by human rights defenders in the country, in relation to human rights violations committed by the Government of Honduras, the failure to uphold the rule of law, the lack of an independent judicial system and the serious threat to minorities in the country?