UN Experts Urge Honduras to Halt Mass Evictions of Rural Communities

Geneva-based UN experts have issued a stark warning regarding the rapid implementation of Decree No. 107-2026 in Honduras. According to the specialists, this legislation effectively shields large-scale agro-industrial projects from historic tenure claims, resulting in the issuance of over 1,000 eviction orders. These orders target communities that have cultivated the land for subsistence food production for generations. The experts argue that a law drafted without consultation with affected populations cannot serve as a valid legal basis for displacing thousands of families.

The concern is compounded by the perceived irreversibility of these actions. The specialists note that while executing evictions is administratively simple, reversing the loss of ancestral territory is nearly impossible. By reallocating land to agri-business, livestock, and energy sectors, the state is undermining access to productive resources essential for food security. This development raises serious questions about Honduras' obligations under international law to respect and protect the right to food for rural populations.

Recent Displacements in Coastal and Central Regions

Specific incidents have drawn particular attention from the international community. On June 6, authorities carried out an eviction against the Garifuna community of San Juan in the Atlántida department. This territory had previously been recognized by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights as belonging to the community. Five human rights defenders detained during the operation continue to face criminal charges for aggravated usurpation, a move the experts describe as a reprisal for their legitimate advocacy work.

Further displacement occurred on August 6 in the El Tulito community in Choluteca, where more than 40 peasant families were removed from their homes under the same decree. These events are part of a broader pattern where rural communities report suffering violence amid land disputes. The experts emphasize that the use of criminal law against defenders of land rights poses undue risks and obstructs the peaceful resolution of tenure conflicts.

Legal Obligations and Accountability for State Actors

The UN specialists have urged the Honduran government to halt further evictions and engage in meaningful consultation with affected communities regarding outstanding land claims. They also called for a prompt and independent investigation into the killing of 20 people in Rigores, Colón, in May. According to reports, the victims included members of peasant organizations who had recently denounced the confiscation of their property by security forces. Ensuring accountability for these actions is critical to restoring trust in the judicial system.

In addition to state responsibilities, the experts have addressed private sector actors. Companies involved in these land deals are urged to implement robust human rights due diligence processes. This includes ensuring that communities and defenders are not exposed to risks through the misuse of legal mechanisms. The goal is to prevent the deliberate closing of legal avenues that allow families to challenge dispossession, a process the experts describe as a systematic erosion of rights.

Looking Ahead to Diplomatic and Legal Responses

The situation in Honduras now hinges on the government's response to these international appeals. Observers will watch whether authorities implement the Inter-American Court’s 2023 judgment regarding the San Juan territory or if they proceed with the enforcement of Decree No. 107-2026. The coming months are likely to see increased legal challenges and diplomatic pressure, particularly from groups such as La Via Campesina, as they seek to protect the livelihoods of rural populations against the backdrop of expanding commercial agriculture.