Affirming the importance of the survival of Garífuna culture and identity, condemning the violent and illegal appropriation of Garífuna territory, urging the Department of State and multilateral development banks to respect the rights of the Garífuna people, and calling on the Government of Honduras to fully comply with the resolutions of multilateral human rights bodies which mandate the return of Garífuna land and territory, and for other purposes.

International Affairs

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Introduced on June 5, 2024 by Cori Bush

Cosponsors

Legislation Details

Affirms the importance of Garifuna culture and identity.
Condemns the violent and illegal appropriation of Garifuna territory.
Urges the Department of State and multilateral development banks to respect the rights of the Garifuna people.
Calls on the Government of Honduras to comply with resolutions from multilateral human rights bodies mandating the return of Garifuna land and territory.
Highlights the historical and ongoing contributions of the Garifuna people to cultural diversity in the United States and Honduras.
Denounces the dispossession and violence against Garifuna communities, including killings, criminalization, and forced disappearances.
Criticizes the involvement of Honduran military and security forces in human rights abuses against Garifuna and other Indigenous peoples.
Expresses concern over the impact of climate change, organized crime, and development projects on Garifuna communities.
Calls for the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the disappearance of Garifuna individuals and the restoration of land rights.
Disapproves of financing from multilateral development banks for projects that undermine Garifuna land rights or contribute to human rights violations.
Requests a suspension of funding for projects harmful to Garifuna communities from the World Bank Group and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Urges a comprehensive review of past projects impacting Indigenous land rights and human rights in Honduras by these institutions.
Encourages the U.S. government to engage with Honduras and international entities to ensure compliance with human rights resolutions and to oppose investments that threaten Garifuna rights.

Last updated 8/8/2024