Ecobreves – HONDURAS: Human Rights Charges Against Gas Company

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

TEGUCIGALPA, Jun 23 2008 (IPS) - Environmental organizations of the Caribbean region of Omoa, in an effort to oust a polluting Mexican gas company, have knocked on the doors of the Honduran Human Rights Commissioner. “We have exhausted all governmental instances and nobody will listen to us. (On Jun. 16) we came to the Commissioner to guarantee us access to public information and respect for our lives,” Massimo Parisi, member of Fundaambiente, a group that aims to push the Gas del Caribe company out of Omoa Bay, told Tierramérica.

According to independent studies and the Ministry of Environment, the company has polluted the bay and for the last 18 months has operated illegally, as its two environmental permits — granted six years ago — have expired.

The emissions of gases and the irregular construction of one plant are putting in danger more than 800,000 residents who live around the bay, according to an official report.