OFRANEH receives two awards in recognition of work in support of Garífuna communities and the environment

Publish Date: 
Wednesday, October 26, 2016

In October 2016, two important awards were bestowed upon the Organización Fraternal Negra Hondureña (OFRANEH), represented by OFRANEH president Miriam Miranda, in recognition of its work in support of Afro-Caribbean minorities in Honduras.

The first award, the Premio Nota SOL, is given "to recognize and encourage groups that are carrying out, or have already carried out actions, initiatives, and projects designed to strengthen the culture of indigenous peoples, foster sustainable development, and defend their universal human rights." The prize was awarded to OFRANEH based on the organization's efforts to protect the Garífuna people, who are facing multiple threats, including climate change, environmental vulnerability, deterritorialization, and acculturation. 

The Carlos Escaleras environmental award was given to Miranda by the Centro de Derechos de Mujeres, the Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación and the Fundación San Alonso Rodríguez in recognition of her work with OFRANEH to protect and defend ancestral territories in Honduras. The award - which included a trophy and a cash prize of $2,500 - was granted to Miranda in the context of the event launching the "Defender sin Miedo" campaign, which aims to confront the criminalization, persecution, and murders of human rights defenders in Honduras. 

Miriam Miranda has been defending the rights of the Garífuna people for more than 30 years. As the president of OFRANEH, she has advanced a variety of initatives to promote respect for diversity in Honduras, including litigation in defense of ancestral lands, the development of a network of community radio stations, advocacy for intercultural and bilingual education, and strengthening a network of organizations among the Garífuna people. 

Photo credit: Giorgio Trucchi.