Posted: Thursday, 2 July 2009

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) condemns the overthrow of democracy by the military in Honduras and supports the call of the Organization of American States (OAS) for the immediate, safe and unconditional return of its democratically-elected constitutional president, Manuel Zelaya. The CLC urges Prime Minister Harper to add our nation's voice to the growing calls from governments around the world for the Honduran military and public institutions to respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the Honduran constitution by ensuring President Zelaya's safe return to power.

The Honduran military kidnapped President Zelaya and forced him into exile in Costa Rica on the weekend. President Zelaya's plan to hold a non-binding national referendum on possible constitutional changes was opposed by the country's military and its elites and the Supreme Court had ruled it illegal. But President Zelaya's efforts enjoyed widespread support from broad sections of Honduran society, including the majority of its trade unions.

The CLC stands in solidarity with our sister unions in Honduras, and is concerned for the safety of trade union leaders, civil society leaders and protesters, as constitutional rights have been suspended, the media has been shut down, and arrest warrants have been issued for popular sector leaders. We call on the Canadian government to demand the de facto authorities of Honduras to respect the human rights of the country's citizens who are expressing their opposition to the military's coup d'état.