Rep. Johnson Commemorates the Death of Berta Cáceres

Tomorrow, we commemorate the death of renowned Honduran indigenous leader and environmental activist Berta Cáceres. Three years ago, Berta Cáceres was murdered in her home by people connected to the state security forces at the behest of dam construction company DESA.

Berta was a champion in the fight against the invasion of indigenous lands by corporate entities, and a co-founder of the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH) – an organization dedicated to the defense of the indigenous Lenca people.

Her death was a tragedy that rattled both her community and advocates worldwide. On this third anniversary of Berta's murder, Congress must redouble its efforts to ensure that U.S. funds are not going to foreign governments who use our aid to silence labor, human rights, and indigenous activists with their military and police forces.

I stand alongside the countless advocates and champions fighting on the front lines every day for the protections of Hondurans, and as a Member of Congress, I will continue standing with them to achieve a better, safer Honduras.

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