IRTF News

Hundreds of thousands of Salvadorans still lack access to potable water in their homes and many more go days without water due to existing scarcity and contamination of rivers, lakes, and streams—all of which would be exacerbated by renewed mining operations, now allowable due to the government’s repeal of its ban on large-scale metallic mining in December 2024. Since that time, the government has increased its use of the penal system to persecute those who peacefully exercise their right to organize for environmental protections of the nation’s drinking water.

Since December 2024, Catholic and Protestant churches and faith-based civic organizations have been mobilizing their opposition to the repeal. In March 2025, the archbishop of San Salvador presented petitions signed by 150,000 people urging repeal of the December 2024 law. In May, the Episcopal Conference of the Catholic Church in El Salvador reiterated its opposition to metallic mining in a pastoral letter, emphasizing that access to water is a fundamental human right and a shared inheritance entrusted to all people by God.

We echo the popular social movement in El Salvdaor—backed by church leaders—and urge that the government:

(1) reinstate the ban on metallic mining

(2) heed the call of church leaders and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor to  end the persecution and criminalization of those defending the right to clean water

(3) drop all criminal charges against water defenders and human rights lawyer

The United Nations has documented a crisis of press freedom in Honduras, noting systematic attacks on journalists as a means of obstructing accountability and weakening democracy. The case of Jorge Posadas is emblematic of this broader crisis for journalists who continue their vital work under threat.

Based in Santa Rosa de Copán, Copán Department, Jorge Posadas has been reporting on corruption allegations and environmental destruction linked to Aníbal Erazo Alvarado, mayor of Santa Rosa de Copán. In recent weeks, he has been victim to escalating threats, surveillance, and harassment. He has reported being followed by unidentified vehicles observed near his home and workplace. In a news article published on September 1, Jorge Posadas stated: “I am very worried about my life and that of my family because strange vehicles are following us.”

We remind authorities in Honduras of their obligation to address the entrenched impunity surrounding attacks on journalists.

The Córdoba Controversial Social Foundation-Cordoberxia coordinates the Human Rights Platform of the Colombian Caribbean, covering several departments in the Caribbean zone of Colombia. One of its leaders is Nestor Moreno Ríos. In addition to his work with Cordoberxia, Nestor is also active in several other human rights organizations, including Southern Córdoba Human Rights Network and Observatory of Human Rights of Southern Córdoba (OBDEHSUC). Moreover, Nestor directs the Sociopolitical Think Tank of Córdoba and the Corporación Córdoba Diversa, a nonprofit that works on civil rights and inclusion of the sexual diversity community in his home city of Montería.

When he went to his gym for his 6am morning work out on August 5, a gunman entered and tried to shoot him. Thankfully, the gun jammed after repeated tries, which allowed Nestor just enough time to find refuge and call for help. The rapid action of the police avoided a tragedy.

We urge authorities in Colombia to consult with Nestor Moreno Ríos to devise protection measures, in strict accordance with his wishes.