For over four years, members of local communities in Honduras, organized by the Broad Movement for Dignity and Justice (MADJ), have peacefully maintained an encampment defending the Jilamito river against the construction of a hydroelectric project. The project threatens the water sovereignty of surrounding communities and has been rejected in two municipal referendums held in 2015 and 2019 respectively. Violence and threats against the defenders have been repeatedly denounced by MADJ as has the serious allegations of corruption associated with the project.

In May, the U.S. Development Finance Corporation that it would no longer fund the proposed dam because of public concern. This decision came after over 60 U.S. and Honduran organizations signed a calling for its cancellation and another signed by Rep. Ilhan Omar and more that 25 other Congress people.

Ingelsa, the Honduran company that owns the project intends to move forward and a major U.S. company stands to benefit. Simonds International, a Massachusetts based sawmill corporation, owns close to 40% of Hermacasa, the parent company of Ingelsa. They stand to profit from a project that has clearly demonstrated responsibility for violence inflicted upon Honduran communities.

TAKE ACTION! On November 15th, join the Global Day of Action calling on Simonds to immediately divest from Hermacasa and for the definitive cancellation of the project.