The National Association of Peasants (ACAN), particularly when and where formed, its years of activity, its Secretaries of Agrarian Conflict from 1990 to 1995, and its operations in Tres Ceibas, including land occupations it led in 1995 [HND29804.E]

The information that follows was provided by a representative of the Asociacion Campesina Nacional (National Peasant Association, ACAN) during a 30 July 1998 telephone interview.

ACAN was formed in El Progreso in 1981, although it only gained legal recognition in 1987. In 1990 it was joined by a large part of the National Peasant Union (UNC) and expanded to a nationwide presence. It has headquarters in Tegucigalpa, and approximately 520 affiliated groups and organizations throughout the country. ACAN has not ceased its activities since it was formed. In the period 1990-1992 Santos Aquileo Alvares held the post of Secretary of Agrarian Conflicts; the next two years, Hernan Medina held the post, and in 1995 Santos Aquileo again occupied the position.

The staff at ACAN headquarters was uncertain of the existence of a place or group called Tres Ceibas, and was unable to verify its existence or that of a land occupation in 1995 during the telephone interview.

The only published references to ACAN found among the sources consulted state that in February 1996 it joined other labour and peasant organizations in a campaign of roadblocks to protest and press for various demands before the government (Tiempo 13 Feb. 1996).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References


Asociacion Campesina Nacional (ACAN), Tegucigalpa. 30 July 1998. Telephone interview with vice-president.

Tiempo [San Pedro Sula, in Spanish]. 13 February 1996. "Honduran Protesters Block Highways for Wage Increases." (FBIS-LAT-96-032 13 Feb. 1996/WNC)

Additional Sources Consulted


Boletin Conadeh [Tegucigalpa]. June 1997-May 1998.

Central America NewsPak [Austin, Tex.]. 1995-June 1998.

Central America Report [Guatemala City]. 1995-June 1998.

La Prensa [San Pedro Sula]. 1996-June 1998.

Latinamerica Press [Lima]. Weekly. 1995-June 1998.

Latin American Regional Reports: Central America & the Caribbean [London]. Monthly. 1995-June 98.

Electronic sources: IRB Databases, Global NewsBank, NEXIS, Internet, Refworld, WNC.

Note:

This list is not exhaustive. Country-specific books available in the Resource Centre are not included.