S.E. Carlos Roberto Reina Idiaquez
Presidente de la Republica de Honduras
Casa Presidencial
6a Avenida, 1a Calle
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Dear President:

I am writing to express my concern for the safety of Benigno Ramirez Garcia, a human rights activist in Honduras who has been in hiding since an attack late last month in which his young son, Edwin Ramirez, was killed.

On 30 September 1997 three men carrying AKA 47 and FAL 7.62 mm weapons opened fire on Benigno Ramirez Garcia, his wife and 3-year-old Edwin as they were leaving their farm in Dora near "Camp 45" in Yoro. The truck they were riding in was riddled with bullet holes. One bullet went through the boy's head and then through his father's right hand. In spite of his injury, his father managed to get Edwin to a medical clinic in Urraco Pueblo, but it was too late – the child was pronounced dead on arrival.

I am very troubled by the senseless killing of this young boy and urge you to ensure that a prompt and thorough investigation into his death is conducted. The people who committed this terrible crime must be held accountable for taking the life of an innocent child.

I am also concerned for the safety of Edwin's father, Benigno Ramirez Garcia. This man's human rights work has made him the target of death threats and attacks in the past, and now one of those attacks has taken the life of his son. I believe his own life is still in danger and so I urge your government to take immediate measures to keep him and other members of his family from harm.

Respectfully yours,