On May 9, 2022, Ms. Xiomara Castro, President of Honduras, publicly acknowledged the responsibility of the State of Honduras for the murder of Vicky Hernandez, a transgender activist, on the night of June 28, 2009 during the curfew resulting from the coup d'état against then President Manuel Zelaya.
In March 2021, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights declared that the State of Honduras was responsible for the death of Vicky Hernandez, a trans woman, sex worker and recognized activist within the Colectivo Unidad Color Rosa, and ordered the State to issue a public acknowledgement of the crime and compensation for her family.
In accordance with the Court’s ruling, among the reparation measures, President Castro recognized the State’s responsibility for this crime, committed against Vicky Hernandez and her family, as a flagrant violation of human rights and publicly requested forgiveness.
The president also announced the adoption of a procedure for the recognition of gender identity and the design of a system for the collection of data and figures related to cases of violence against LGBTI persons; a permanent training plan for law enforcement agents; and the adoption of a protocol for investigation and administration of justice during criminal proceedings for cases of LGBTI victims of violence, among other actions.
In March 2020, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) submitted an Amicus brief to the Court in support of the case filed by the national Red Lésbica Cattrachas and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights on the applicability of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Convention of Belém do Pará) in the murder of Vicky Hernández.
President Castro vindicates the struggle for human rights 100 days after taking office. Justice for Vicky Hernandez, executed 12 years ago as part of the 2009 coup d’état, is fundamental to begin the process of guaranteeing respect for the rights of the LGBTI+ community in Honduras. PGA Board Member, Dip Jorge Cálix, National Congress of Honduras
We are very pleased with the State’s response to the case of Vicky Hernandez. The President of the Republic is taking a leading role in ensuring that the sentence is complied with. We are moving forward. In this sense, a week ago, accompanied by Deputy Victor Grajeda, we introduced the bill to recognize May 17 as the National Day against homophobia, lesbophobia, transphobia and biphobia.
This news caused an increase in violence against LGBTI+ people. We must continue to fight the fight with a clear and firm strategy to confront discrimination and violence. I remain firm and open to meeting with all groups in the LGBTI+ community to advance equality, dignity and respect for LGBTI+ people. PGA Member Dip. Ligia Ramos, Vice-President of the Human Rights Committee, National Congress of Honduras
