COPINH was founded in 1993 to defend indigenous Lenca culture, territorial rights and natural resources. Through COPINH, Lenca communities have stopped logging corporations’ destruction of their homes, and have organized in a way that challenges patriarchy and builds women’s leadership. COPINH plays a key role in building a broader movement in Honduras and beyond, alongside other Grassroots partners like La Via Campesina and the Black Fraternal Organization of Honduras (OFRANEH).
In recent years, COPINH has endured tremendous repression, including death threats and assassinations of COPINH leaders (including co-founder Berta Cáceres), in retaliation for its nonviolent work organizing to defend Lenca territories and Mother Earth against megaprojects such as the Agua Zarca hydroelectric dam. We are humbled by COPINH’s continued courage and honored to deepen our relationship with COPINH by becoming partners.
With a broken heart but whole spirit, I remember the names of some of our friends, colleagues, allies and partners who have left us all too soon. They join the host of ancestors urging me onward, because the journey toward justice is not yet finished.
A look at the successes Grassroots International and our partners have had in 2018 — including a dramatic increase in our solidarity and impact.