Gangs control some of the taxi services. The police, along with the Ministry of Defenses Military Public Order Police (PMOP), routinely establish checkpoints and review documentation (e.g. The Ministries of Security and of Defense both have human rights offices that coordinate human rights-related activities with the Secretariat of Human Rights. Persons with disabilities, Indigenous and Afro-descendant persons, LGBTQI+ persons, and persons with HIV or AIDS also faced discrimination in employment and occupation (also see section 6). CONADEH reported 31 cases of alleged torture or cruel and inhuman treatment by security forces through August, while the Public Ministry received 10 such reports through July. Honduras - United States Department of State Avoid traveling at night and always drive with doors locked and windows rolled up to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets. Cruise lines and port agencies offer approved tour companies offering packages. President Juan Orlando Hernndez of the National Party (PN) was subsequently reelected in 2017 by a narrow margin. The government did not effectively enforce the law. Avoid using. This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa. 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Honduras, An official website of the United States Government, https://www.state.gov/religiousfreedomreport/, https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/findings/. Both the secretariat and the commission focused on developing policies to address IDPs. Restrictions of Freedom of Expression, Association, or Peaceful Assembly: There were no restrictions of freedom of expression, association, or peaceful assembly regarding LGBTQI+ matters or events. Administration: The judicial system is legally responsible for monitoring prison conditions and providing for the rights of prisoners. Review OSACs report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. NOTE: OSAC RESOURCE TASK GROUP (RTG . Although the country experiences one of its lowest homicide rates in the last decade, authorities recorded 3,496 violent . While hurricane winds are a concern, much of the damage to infrastructure comes as a result of the ensuing flooding and rock/mudslides. The following diseases are prevalent in Honduras: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Zika. The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels. The government allocated a budget of 20 million lempiras ($796,000) to operate a protection mechanism for journalists, human rights defenders, and judicial sector operators. Child, Early, and Forced Marriage: The minimum legal age of marriage for both boys and girls is 18. The four were accused of the 2020 killing of Flix Vsquez, leader of the Union of Field Workers, a member of the Lenca community, an environmental activist, and a LIBRE Party candidate for Congress. World Report 2022: Honduras | Human Rights Watch The law provides for criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but authorities did not implement the law effectively, and officials continued to engage in corrupt practices with impunity. They had limited representation in the national government and consequently little direct input into decisions affecting their lands, cultures, traditions, and the allocation of natural resources. The law was not effectively enforced, and weak public institutional structures contributed to the inadequate enforcement. The media also engaged in self-censorship to avoid losing lucrative advertising contracts with the government. Animals and people wander onto the roads. The Institute for National Statistics put net enrollment for primary school at 77 percent in 2021, but the National Center for Social Sector Information stated that in 2020, 43 percent of persons with disabilities received no formal education. The purpose of the labor stoppage and demonstrations was to denounce the nonpayment of wages by the Secretariat of Health and other issues. Indigenous and ethnic minority communities are frequently located in rural areas, which enjoy lower levels of criminal activity. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor, c. Prohibition of Child Labor and Minimum Age for Employment, d. Discrimination with Respect to Employment and Occupation. Honduras and U.S. Relations. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. Abuse of Migrants and Refugees: Transiting migrants, forcibly displaced populations, and asylum seekers with pending cases were vulnerable to abuse and sexual exploitation by criminal organizations. OSAC is a free service to U.S.-based or incorporated private sector organizations with overseas operations. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. Most cruise line passengers experience no problems, but there have been reports of associated armed robbery and carjacking. He was allegedly killed while antigang unit officials tried to arrest him for assaulting a police officer at a soccer match on May 29. Honduras - United States Department of State However, visitors have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches. Driving in Honduras can be dangerous. The murder trial of police officer Jarol Rolando Perdomo Sarmiento concluded on October 17. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. The limited capacity of the government to enforce international standards related to natural resource exploitation has resulted in higher levels of conflict in the extractive and electrical generation industries. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report Since 2010, there have been approximately 60 murders of U.S. citizens reported in Honduras. The Honduran National Polices Special Victims Investigations Unit, formerly known as the Violent Crimes Task Force, investigated crimes against high-profile and particularly vulnerable victims, including journalists as well as judges, lawyers, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community. LGBTI+ travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. Persons with HIV and AIDS continued to be targets of discrimination, and they suffered disproportionately from gender-based violence. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. The law permits fines, and the penalty is commensurate with those for other laws involving denials of civil rights, such as discrimination. Many employers discriminated against women. On December 2, the court found Aarn Jeriel lvarez Pavn guilty of Rodrguezs murder. Honduras: Freedom in the World 2021 Country Report | Freedom House International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and USAID implementing partners have reported threats and violence when visiting some rural communities. On February 2, the National Congress passed a retroactive amnesty law that absolved public officials who worked during the Zelaya Administration (2006-09) of crimes. About. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. In addition to complying with local laws, companies involved in natural resource extraction or energy generation should ensure they fully consult with communities in accordance with international standards. The government is implementing similar programs for other locations (e.g. Honduras is one of the Western Hemisphere's deadliest countries for journalists, with security forces representing their biggest threat, Reporters Without Borders noted in 2021. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. The Secretariat of Labor may levy a fine against companies that fail to pay social security obligations, but the amount was not sufficient to deter violations. Long periods of pretrial detention remained common, with many pretrial detainees held with convicted prisoners. There was no information available on any major industrial accidents. The government maintained the Interinstitutional Commission for the Protection of Persons Displaced by Violence and created the Directorate for the Protection of Persons Internally Displaced by Violence within the Secretariat of Human Rights. There were no reports of political prisoners or detainees. Honduras - United States Department of Justice The government cooperated with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other humanitarian organizations in providing protection and assistance to refugees, returning refugees, and asylum seekers, as well as other persons of concern. Counterfeit medicines are available inpulperas (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported inFarmacias del Ahorro. There is street crime even in gated communities commonly referred to locally as. Would you like to continue with this session or log out? The Secretariat of Labor had an insufficient number of inspectors to enforce the wage, hour, and OSH laws effectively. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this reports publication assesses Honduras at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel due tocrime. Following anticorruption protests in 2015, President Hernandez signed an agreement with the Organization of American States to form the Mission Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH). There have been multiple incidents of gang members destroying city buses and taxis, and reports that gang members rob, assault, rape, kidnap, or murder passengers. Despite being considered the best private hospital in Tegucigalpa, it is not Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited; JCI is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Todd J. U.S. organizations and citizens report corruption in the public sector and the judiciary is a significant constraint to investment in Honduras. Penalties were sometimes applied against violators, but the failure of the government to collect fines facilitated continued violations. The government has a police investigative unit dedicated to investigating violent crimes against the LGBTI+ and other vulnerable communities, composed of Public Ministry prosecutors, members of ATIC (prosecutors investigative agency), and the Honduran National Police; however, it has limited resources and functions primarily in the major urban areas. Survivors of domestic violence are entitled to certain protective measures, such as removing the abuser from the home and prohibiting the abuser from visiting the victims work or other frequently visited places. Fire Department operations: +504-2231-1667. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. Honduras Is the Most Violent Country in Central America the Copan Mayan ruins and Roatn). The penalties for rape range from nine to 13 years imprisonment. 04 Jan. fire department utv grants 1 Comment. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. The government considers rape a crime of public concern, and the state prosecutes suspected rapists even if survivors do not press charges. The following day, protesters started a fire outside of one of the U.S. Embassys entrances during demonstrations against public-sector reforms in the country. See the Department of States International Religious Freedom Report at https://www.state.gov/religiousfreedomreport/. Impunity for such crimes remained high, as was the impunity rate for all types of crime. The most recent national and local elections were held in November 2021. There were no reports of antisemitic acts. The law requires prisoners to work at least five hours a day, six days a week. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) - United States Department of Public-sector trade unionists raised concerns regarding government interference in trade union activities, including its ignoring or suspending collective agreements and its dismissals of union members and leaders. Honduras is a signatory to the International Labor Organizations. Inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions. Observers noted several significant improvements in transparency procedures, including electoral reforms, an updated voter registry, new national identification cards, and new technologies that included a biometric verification system and a preliminary results transmission system. Also see the Department of States Trafficking in Persons Report at https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. On January 13, National Police officials in Trujillo, Coln Department, allegedly detained and tortured Luis Alberto Gutirrez and Leonard Brown, beating Gutirrez and Brown in the police station. in the past 12 months, 32% twice, 6% three times, and 3% more than three times. The Directorate of Disciplinary Police Affairs investigated abuses by police forces. Corruption: On June 10, Marco Bogrn, former director of INVEST-H, the government entity tasked with making COVID-19 pandemic relief contracts with private firms, was found guilty of aggravated fraud and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of 1.475 billion lempiras ($58.7 million). Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining, b. Police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime or may not respond at all. Please review OSAC's Honduras-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, Consular Messages, and contact information. International observers generally recognized the elections as free and fair. at the date of this reports publication assesses Honduras at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel due tocrime. The municipalities in which kidnappings were reported include: Districto Central (4), Jacaleapa (1), Trojes (1), Siguatepeque (1), Puerto Cortes (1), Lejamani (1), Tocoa (1), Tela (1), and Comayagua (1). According to 2021 Secretariat of Labor figures, approximately 75 percent of workers worked in the informal economy, equivalent to approximately 2.7 million persons, while a 2020 UN Development Program report estimated that 82 percent of workers were part of the informal economy. There were reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses. This is a common practice for most automobile accidents where personal injury occurs, and for cases in which someone is accused of a criminal act. There is also a Human Rights Committee in the National Congress. On September 6, the Public Ministry charged former Minister of National Risk and Contingency Management Gabriel Rub and two other government officials with fraud and violation of official duties for the nearly six million lempira ($239,000) purchase in 2020 of a mobile hospital and COVID-19 isolation unit that was only a tent. Powerful special interests, including criminal groups, exercised influence on the outcomes of some court proceedings. Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. During 2019, multiple vehicles belonging to U.S. and Honduran employees of the U.S. Embassy were burglarized and/or vandalized on side streets around the Embassy compound. Gangs control some of the taxi services. Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband? Children, including from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, particularly Miskito boys, were at risk for forced labor in the agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, mining, construction, and hospitality industries. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. -threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Government Human Rights Bodies: A semiautonomous commissioner for human rights, Blanca Izaguirre, served as ombudsperson and investigated complaints of human rights abuses. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. Birth registration was provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. In July, police arrested two men. The country was a destination for child sex tourism, particularly in the tourist area of the Bay Islands. Local law allows the police to detain someone for up to 24 hours for administrative processing. In 2019, there were 1,500 traffic fatalities throughout the country. Transgender women were particularly vulnerable to employment and education discrimination; many could find employment only as sex workers, increasing their vulnerability to violence and extortion. Women, children, and LGBTQI+ individuals were especially vulnerable to abuse. Employers frequently penalized agricultural workers for taking legally authorized days off. On June 20, the National Tribunal Court sentenced Roberto David Castillo Meja to more than 22 years in prison for his role as one of the alleged coauthors of her murder. The law provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, with some restrictions, and the government generally respected this right. The reported killings took place during law enforcement operations or were linked to criminal activity by government agents. Several anonymous social media sites, possibly linked to political parties, criticized journalists (as well as activists and civil society organizations) who were critical of the government or of opposition party policies. The trial on murder charges of Josu Exequiel Martnez, Siriaco Meja Santos, Francisco Lpez Lazo, and Mario Anbal Lpez Velsquez began on November 25. Mental-health professionals expressed concern regarding social stigma by families and communities against persons with mental disabilities and a lack of access to mental-health care throughout the country. U.S. Department of State. Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. The sentencing hearing was scheduled for January 2023. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. Litigants may sue a criminal defendant for damages if authorized by a criminal court. The law prohibits employment discrimination based on gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, political opinion or affiliation, marital status, race or ethnicity, national origin, language, place of residence, religion, family or economic situation, disability, or health, including HIV or AIDS status. PDF Honduras 2018 Crime & Safety Report - WordPress.com The final verdict was pending a constitutional appeal. Despite incremental progress, government capacities remained relatively nascent and limited. The prosecution may request an additional six-month extension, but many detainees remained in pretrial detention much longer, including for more time than the maximum period of incarceration for their alleged crime. While there are no areas in major urban cities free of violent crime, notably dangerous locations in Tegucigalpa include the areas surrounding Suyapa Cathedral, downtown Comayagela, downtown Tegucigalpa, and neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city that are generally controlled by gangs. The government generally respected these provisions. Cruise ship industry contacts report that approximately one million U.S. citizens enter the country by ship every year, primarily in Roatn, but also in La Ceiba on the northern coast. The OSAC information exchange mechanism also . The law requires that persons with disabilities have access to buildings, but few buildings were accessible, and the government did not effectively implement laws or programs to provide such access. Honduras Travel Advisory - United States Department of State ; and read the State Departments webpage on, Passengers on public buses have been the victims of robbery at roadblocks and bus stops, during daytime and nighttime hours. As of August, it provided protection to 11 journalists and 16 social media communicators, among other types of activists and human rights defenders. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. The following day, protesters started a fire outside of one of the U.S. Embassys entrances during demonstrations against public-sector reforms in the country. Cable signal theft and counterfeit products are the most prevalent violations of intellectual property rights in Honduras. Under the inspection law, the Secretariat of Labor has the authority to temporarily shut down workplaces where there is an imminent danger of fatalities. There is street crime even in gated communities commonly referred to locally asBarrio Seguros; these are generally safer areas in which to reside because of their heightened security measures. The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. Spurred by anger with the government over accusations of public corruption, allegations of involvement in narcotics trafficking, and efforts to pass controversial education reform, protests and demonstrations were near-daily occurrences at times during 2019. The armed forces, which report to the Secretariat of Defense, are responsible for external security but also exercise some domestic security responsibilities in support of the national police and other civilian authorities. Meanwhile, 59% reported having been assaulted at least once while a passenger in a taxi (. ) -threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Civil society groups reported that women often did not report domestic violence or withdrew charges because they feared, or were economically dependent on, the aggressor. The government did not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content, and there were no credible reports that the government monitored private online communications without appropriate legal authority. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Occupational Safety and Health: Occupational safety and health (OSH) standards are appropriate for the main industries in the country, and OSH experts actively identified unsafe conditions, including lack of personal protective equipment against COVID-19, in addition to responding to workers OSH complaints. The legal age of consent is 18. for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Criminal groups, such as drug traffickers and local and transnational gangs including MS-13 and the 18th Street gang, committed killings, extortion, kidnappings, human trafficking, and intimidation of police, prosecutors, journalists, women, human rights defenders, and others.
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osac crime and safety report honduras