July 2, 2009 - The Institute Justice Team of the Sisters of Mercy of the America joins our voices to many faith-based and human rights groups in the United States and in the Americas calling for the return of Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a military coup on June 28^th, and for a restoration of constitutional order in Honduras.  We also call for human rights to be respected, in light of the curfew that has been imposed in Honduras, which suspends  the right of peaceful protest and permits authorities to detain citizens administratively, without time limits.  We are concerned for the safety of social and political activists, including leaders of indigenous, labor, rural and community organizations who have expressed their opposition to the coup, and we will remain vigilant to their situation.

The international community, including the United Nations and Organization of American States, has been united in calling for return of the elected president and respect for the rule of law.  

The return of the President is an important first step, yet long-term stability will depend on strengthening political institutions within the country and ensuring that the poor and marginalized sectors of society be included in the economic and political life of the country.  Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere.  (For more information and background on the Honduran coup, see Foreign Policy in Focus article: http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/6225).

We have been in communication with our Sisters of Mercy in Honduras during this period of political upheaval for their country. The sisters have asked for prayers for the Honduran people at this time. They also have elevated the important role of the international community in supporting democracy.

Please keep our sisters and the Honduran people in prayer.  And please take a moment to call the White House and/or send a letter to President Obama asking his Administration:

• to work multilaterally, with the United Nations and Organization of American States, to return President Zelaya to Honduras and support the restoration of constitutional order;
  
• and to express unequivocal support for democracy and that human rights be respected.