The coup d’état that took place in Honduras on 28 June 2009 provoked a strong reaction on the part of civil society organisations which defend the principles of democracy. These include citizens’ virtual community Avaaz.org, which is currently conducting many consciousness-raising campaigns in pursuit of a peaceful world. Following the coup, Avaaz calls on all the people of Latin America to prevent the rupture in the democratic system in Honduras repeating itself in other countries in the region. *“If constitutional order is not restored, the fragile democracies in neighbouring countries could suffer a domino effect,”* the Avaaz team declares.
Through a huge dissemination campaign run mainly via the internet, the organisation explains: *“The political crisis in Honduras could put the democratic progress it has taken several years to achieve in Latin America at risk. Sign the petition pressing for a return to constitutional order and let’s raise our voice to the negotiating tables”*. The issue of whether or not the deposed president, Manuel Zelaya, made mistakes does not concern Avaaz; it argues that it is unacceptable for any government to gain power by force.
*“Let’s present a mass declaration by the people, urging a return to constitutional order and sending a clear warning to those military leaders in the region who might want to follow Honduras’ example,”* the organisation explains in its recent communiqué. At the same time, it stresses the importance of international bodies such as the OAS and those heads of state condemning the de facto Honduran government, which is headed by one of those involved in the coup, Roberto Micheletti, who has not been recognised by the international community.
More information is available at http://www.avaaz.org/es/honduras_democracy
