Honduran Padre Melo Recognized
Phil Little, Ladysmith, BC
Volume 37 Issue 7, 8 & 9 | Posted: October 8, 2022
The one-year old new government of Xiomara Castro, with a reform mandate to eliminate pervasive corruption throughout all levels of government and society, has through the National Congress recognized the work of Padre Melo.
While this is a positive development, and the former president Hernandez and some of his cartel are jailed in the U.S.A., assassinations and disappearances continue, linked to the military and the oligarchy who are linked with international investors in sweatshops, mining and the illicit drug trade.
Padre Melo has been relieved of his position as director of the Radio Progreso and the human rights Center ERIC after 20 years. The Jesuit society has directed Melo to continue his work as an analyst and writer, working with community organizations and supporting the struggle to defend the human rights of Indigenous (Garifuna and Lenca) and campesino groups.
Rev. Ismael Moreno, SJ known as Padre Melo, former director of Development and Peace partner Radio Progreso/Fundacion ERIC, is awarded a prize by the Honduran Congress for his contribution to human rights, freedom of expression and conservation the environment.
His work will continue to situate him in opposition to the same people and groups who previously posted him on assassination lists and advocated for his expulsion from the country.
Phil Little, Ladysmith, BC