Honoring Juan López, a Honduran Catholic leader and human rights advocate murdered in the Tocoa municipality of the Bajo Aguán region of Honduras and commemorating one year since his assassination.
This House resolution (H. Res. 717) offers a formal, symbolic honoring of Juan Lopez, a Honduran Catholic leader and human rights advocate who was murdered in the Tocoa municipality of the Bajo Aguan region in Honduras. The measure commemorates the one-year anniversary of his assassination and recognizes his work defending land rights, community leadership, and environmental protection. It also expresses concern about impunity and criminalization of land defenders in the Bajo Aguan region and calls for concrete steps in Honduras and by the United States to support accountability and democratic governance. Specifically, the resolution urges the establishment of a new anti-corruption and impunity commission within the Honduran government and an international commission to provide technical aid for investigations into the masterminds behind Lopez’s murder. It also commends local defenders and asks the U.S. to deepen engagement with Honduran communities on human rights and democracy, ensuring their voices inform U.S. policy. As a non-binding, symbolic resolution, its impact is primarily diplomatic and normative: it signals U.S. congressional support for anti-corruption efforts in Honduras, accountability for violent crimes against human rights defenders, and enhanced U.S. engagement with frontline communities. It does not itself create funding or formal policy mandates, but it can influence diplomatic posture, highlight ongoing concerns (including related land defense struggles and mining-related threats), and bolster advocacy for protective measures and transparent investigations.
Key Points
- 1The resolution honors the life and legacy of Juan Lopez, notes his role as a community leader, environmental defender, and Catholic spiritual leader, and expresses mourning with his family and supporters.
- 2It supports establishing a new commission against corruption and impunity within the Government of Honduras.
- 3It supports creating an international commission to provide technical assistance (including scientific help) for investigating the criminal masterminds behind Lopez’s murder and for related judicial processes.
- 4It commends the Guapinol water defenders and others in the Bajo Aguan region who defend land, environment, and communities against threats from powerful interests.
- 5It calls on the United States Government to work with Honduras to strengthen security, democracy, and prosperity, and to increase engagement with frontline communities so their views influence U.S. decisions and actions related to Honduras.