Ten years have passed since the brutal murder of Berta Cáceres, a Lenca Indigenous leader and environmental activist in Honduras, yet full justice remains elusive. The anniversary, marked on March 2nd, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by those defending land and environmental rights in the country. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations continue to condemn the lack of accountability and call for a thorough investigation, bolstered by recent findings from the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI), established under the auspices of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The case of Berta Cáceres has turn into a symbol of the struggle for environmental justice in Latin America, highlighting the risks activists face when challenging powerful interests. Her death, and the subsequent slow pace of the investigation, underscores a systemic problem of impunity for crimes against human rights defenders in Honduras. Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International, poignantly asks, “Ten years after the brutal killing of Berta Cáceres, her family and COPINH have only seen partial justice. Those who ordered the crime remain unpunished, and the structural conditions that led to this tragedy have not changed: each year we continue to witness violence and killings of people defending water and forests in Honduras. How much longer?”
Cáceres, a leader and co-founder of the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), was assassinated on March 2, 2016, in her home in La Esperanza, Intibucá. She was a vocal opponent of the Agua Zarca hydroelectric dam project, which COPINH argued would displace Indigenous communities and damage vital ecosystems. The project, developed by the Honduran company Desarrollos Energéticos S.A. (DESA), became a focal point of conflict, and Cáceres received numerous death threats prior to her murder. The lack of progress in identifying and prosecuting those who ordered the killing has fueled international outrage and demands for justice.
The GIEI Report: A Turning Point?
The GIEI, established in February 2025, was tasked with analyzing and strengthening the investigation into Cáceres’ murder and related crimes, as well as proposing measures for reparations and guarantees of non-repetition. Its final report, released in January 2026, concluded that the murder was not only foreseeable but preventable, citing serious omissions in the initial investigation that continue to hinder the pursuit of justice. The report identifies concrete lines of inquiry to identify those who planned and financed the crime, and outlines structural failures that allowed the tragedy to occur. Crucially, the GIEI also proposes a comprehensive reparations plan for Cáceres’ family and for COPINH.
According to Amnesty International, the devastating findings of the GIEI report should serve as a catalyst for expedited criminal investigations and enhanced protection for human rights defenders throughout Honduras. Piquer stated, “The devastating findings of this report must serve as a turning point to expedite criminal investigations and to effectively protect all human rights defenders in the country.” The report’s recommendations urge Honduran authorities to address the obstacles that have impeded full accountability for the murder, and to pursue investigations into the intellectual authors of the crime until criminal responsibility is established for all involved.
Beyond the State: Corporate and International Responsibility
The struggle for justice in the Berta Cáceres case extends beyond the Honduran state. Amnesty International emphasizes that states with financial institutions involved in the Agua Zarca project also bear a responsibility to review the GIEI’s findings and take appropriate action. This highlights the growing recognition of the role corporations play in human rights abuses and the need for greater accountability.
Honduras consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental defenders. Global Witness reported in 2023 that Honduras saw at least four environmental defenders killed that year, continuing a pattern of violence against those protecting natural resources. Global Witness has documented a long history of attacks against land and environmental defenders in the country, often linked to conflicts over land, resources, and development projects. The organization’s research demonstrates a clear link between the exploitation of natural resources and the targeting of those who oppose it.
Amnesty International stresses that states have an obligation to protect human rights, even in relation to the actions of private actors like corporations. This includes thoroughly investigating allegations of corporate-related abuses, bringing those responsible to justice, and ensuring effective remedies and full reparation for victims and their families. There is a growing international consensus that companies have a responsibility to respect human rights and to cooperate in remediation efforts when they have caused or contributed to abuses.
The Agua Zarca Project and International Financing
The Agua Zarca hydroelectric project, at the heart of the conflict that led to Cáceres’ murder, received financing from several international financial institutions. Even as the specifics of the financing arrangements are complex, the involvement of these institutions raises questions about their due diligence and their responsibility to ensure that their investments do not contribute to human rights abuses. The GIEI report calls for a thorough review of the project’s financing to determine whether any institutions failed to adequately assess the risks and impacts of the project.
A Legacy of Struggle and a Call for Action
Berta Cáceres’ legacy extends far beyond Honduras. She became an international icon of environmental and Indigenous rights activism, inspiring countless others to fight for justice, and sustainability. Her murder served as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need to protect human rights defenders and to address the root causes of environmental destruction.
Ana Piquer concludes, “It is essential that all Honduran authorities, including those recently elected, commit to implementing the roadmap set out by the GIEI and to guaranteeing full justice, truth and reparation. Honouring Berta Cáceres’ memory means ensuring that a tragedy like this never happens again.” The call for justice resonates globally, demanding accountability not only from the Honduran government but also from corporations and international actors involved in the Agua Zarca project.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) continues to monitor the situation in Honduras and to advocate for the protection of human rights defenders. The IACHR’s recent statement emphasizes the importance of autonomous and independent international investigation mechanisms in supporting efforts to ensure the right to justice and to prevent future abuses.
The next key development in the case is expected in April 2026, when Honduran authorities are scheduled to provide an update to the IACHR on the progress of the investigation. This update will be a critical opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice and to address the concerns raised by the GIEI and international human rights organizations.
The fight for justice for Berta Cáceres is far from over. It requires sustained pressure on the Honduran government, increased scrutiny of corporate practices, and a renewed commitment to protecting those who defend our planet. Share this article to raise awareness and join the call for accountability.