ISDS Case Map
CAFTA
US - Central America Free Trade Agreement
Local resisters are calling for a different economic model — one that prioritizes clean water and soil, healthy communities, peace, dignity, and self-determination.
In accordance with the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement, Honduras Próspera Inc. and its affiliates submit to the Republic of Honduras this written notice of their intention to submit claims to arbitration.
US senators argue that abolishing special economic zones known as ZEDEs would violate the provisions of CAFTA-DR, including the provision ensuring “fair and equitable treatment and full protection and security.”
However, locals feel latent tension that the imminent consultation process or the arbitration suit could revive earlier threats, violence, and legal persecution from company employees and contractors.
A recent report lays out several changes that lawmakers could consider to the CAFTA-DR free trade agreement between the US and six Latin American countries, but as yet there is no clear path forward on any such measures in Congress.
Joe Biden's government is analyzing the possibility of launching "strong measures" against Managua at the invitation of external armies, especially "one that has invaded another country," says a US official.
Honduran President wants to review her country’s 2004 trade agreement with the United States, known as the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA).
Mining companies are continuing to face political and community headwinds in Guatemala, as authorities push on with consultations needed to lift suspensions that have crippled the industry in recent years.
The ZEDEs are free from import and export taxes, but could set up their own internal forms of government, as well as courts, security forces, schools and even social security systems.
An attempted assassination, criminalization, and violent eviction in 2014 didn't stop the Peaceful Resistance of La Puya in Guatemala, which won legal action suspending harmful mining activities.
