Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Honduran history

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July 20, 2026

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A truth commission is an official body established to investigate human rights violations, war crimes, or other serious abuses. These commissions aim to identify the causes and consequences of such abuses and conclude with a report that includes recommendations for reform to prevent future occurrences.1

In Honduras, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established by the Organization of American States to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 2009 ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. The commission determined that Zelaya's removal from power was an illegal coup, not a constitutional succession. However, it also found that Zelaya's insistence on holding a referendum, which had been declared illegal by the Supreme Court, was also unlawful.2

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Manuel Zelaya
In July the Honduras Truth and Reconciliation Commission established by the Organization of American States to investigate the circumstances of Zelaya’s ouster determined that his removal from power was indeed an illegal coup and not a constitutional succession, as some had argued. At the same time, the commission found…
Read More
In July the Honduras Truth and Reconciliation Commission established by the Organization of American States to investigate the circumstances of Zelaya’s ouster determined that his removal from power was indeed an illegal coup and not a constitutional succession, as some had argued. At the same time, the commission found…
Read More