Secretary-General, in Message at Opening of Honduras Truth and Reconciliation

Commission, Urges Sensitive Approach to Task of National Healing Ahead

Following is UN Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-moon’s message to the opening ceremony of the Honduran Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in Tegucigalpa today, 4 May:

Honduras has gone through a difficult and divisive period in its history and the process of national healing must now begin.  I am heartened that Hondurans today are taking an important first step toward reconciliation.  I am hopeful that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will contribute to mending the wounds of the recent past and to bringing the people of Honduras together once again.

The Commissioners have a grave responsibility before them, but theirs is only one small part of the effort needed to heal the Honduran nation.  We encourage all of those in leadership in Honduras to take a sensitive, comprehensive and sustained approach to the task ahead.  Truth telling is a necessary but not sufficient basis for reconciliation.  Bringing the Honduran nation together will also require sustained efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote respect for human rights, and provide social and economic opportunity for all Hondurans.  I wish you every success down this path.

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For information media • not an official record