In addition, the law limits strikes in a wide range of sectors that the government designates as essential services or that it considers would affect the rights of individuals in the larger community to security, health, education, and economic and social well-being. The government lacks resources to investigate and prosecute cases; police often lack vehicles/fuel to respond to calls for assistance. The government considers rape a crime of public concern, and the state prosecutes suspected rapists even if survivors do not press charges. Most women in the workforce engaged in lower-status and lower-paying informal occupations, such as domestic service, without the benefit of legal protections. The law does not authorize pretrial detention for crimes with a maximum sentence of five years or less. The government failed to control pervasive gang-related violence and criminal activity within the prisons. For fire and public safety emergencies, dial 911. The law prohibits employers from requiring pregnancy tests as a prerequisite for employment. Honduras and U.S. Relations. Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. These reporting centers were in addition to the 298 government-operated womens offices one in each municipality that provided a wide array of services, focusing on education, personal finance, health, social and political participation, environmental stewardship, and prevention of gender-based violence. La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels; other tourist installations have increased private and police security. Title insurance is not widely available in Honduras and approximately 80% of the privately held land in the country is either untitled or improperly titled. Nevertheless, discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons throughout society persisted. 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. The Directorate of Disciplinary Police Affairs investigated abuses by police forces. The court found the accused guilty of the murder of Vsquez; at years end a date for sentencing was pending. drivers licenses, vehicle registration). Discrimination: Although the law accords women and men the same legal rights and status, including property rights in divorce cases, many women did not fully enjoy such rights due to barriers in access to justice and lack of information regarding legal protections. On July 14, alleged members of the MS-13 gang wearing antigang unit uniforms killed Said Lobo Bonilla, son of former President Porfirio Lobo, and three other persons in a targeted attack in Tegucigalpa. However, protesters will also block, key intercity transportation routes and intracity intersections with burning tires, rocks and other debris, to include the roads leading to the international airports in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and the CA-5 and CA-11 highways. In July, police arrested two men. 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. 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. The Secretariat of Labor has the power to declare a work stoppage illegal and grants employers the ability to discipline employees consistent with their internal regulations, including by firing strikers, if the secretariat rules that a work stoppage is illegal. These deaths included several in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba involving U.S. citizens murdered shortly after arriving in the country. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. According to the Honduran National Police, there were 12 kidnappings reported nationwide during 2019. According to data (most recent available) from the government and UNHCR, more than 247,000 persons were displaced by violence between 2014 and 2018, of whom 43 percent were children and adolescents. Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining, b. The government had a nascent system to provide legal protection to refugees. Gangs control some of the taxi services. The constitution provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and the government generally respected these rights. There were numerous reports of government corruption. The government has also begun implementing a series of police reforms; it has formed groups such as the National Inter-Agency Security Task Force (FUSINA) and the National Anti-Gang Task Force (FNAMP) to combat crime. The law establishes an independent and impartial judiciary in civil matters, including access to a court to seek damages for human rights violations. Review OSACs report, If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa. Victims were primarily impoverished individuals in both rural and urban areas (see section 7.c.). Persons from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities continued to experience discrimination in employment, education, housing, and health services. The murder trial of police officer Jarol Rolando Perdomo Sarmiento concluded on October 17. Civil society organizations criticized the governments failure to investigate threats adequately. The government did not effectively enforce the law. OSAC encourages travelers to, to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Honduras. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Bureau of Diplomatic Security Nearly 46 percent of incarcerated individuals were in pretrial detention. The constitution prohibits practicing clergy from running for office or participating in political campaigns. There is no information to suggest that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners. The law requires overtime pay, bans excessive compulsory overtime, limits overtime to four hours a day for a maximum workday of 12 hours, and prohibits the practice of requiring workers to complete work quotas before leaving their place of employment. Credible observers noted problems in trial procedures, such as a lack of admissible evidence (i.e., prosecution failed to submit sufficient evidence of guilt), judicial corruption, witness intimidation, and an ineffective witness protection program. There are few U.S.-educated physicians in Tegucigalpa. Sexual Harassment: The law criminalizes sexual harassment, including in employment, and stipulates penalties of one to three years in prison and possible suspension of the abusers professional licenses. The U.S. Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) keeps Diplomatic Security Service representatives connected with private-sector security professionals from U.S. organizations operating abroad for ongoing threat awareness and crisis support. OSAC has developed into an enormously successful joint venture, with U.S. companies and organizations receiving the tools they need to cope with security issues in a foreign environment. NGOs and other civil society groups generally considered the commissioner independent but at times ineffective. Birth registration was provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. These conditions contributed to an unstable, dangerous environment in the penitentiary system. The Honduran government is modernizing some of the main transportation road networks to four-lane highways, which can lead to increased travel times because of ongoing construction. The law allows the release of other suspects pending formal charges, on the condition that they periodically report to authorities, although management of this reporting mechanism was often weak. The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. On January 10, unknown assailants shot and killed transgender activist Thala Rodrguez in her home in Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazn Department. Airlines estimate that approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens flew into Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or Roatn in 2019. On May 31, members of the National Anti-Gang Unit shot and killed Wilson Ariel Prez Hernndez in San Pedro Sula, Corts Department. Profile. In the security and domestic service sectors, workers were frequently forced to work more than 60 hours per week but paid only for 44 hours. Government officials were somewhat cooperative and responsive to their views, but some human rights organizations criticized government officials for lack of access and responsiveness. On May 1, unknown assailants killed Alonso Salgado, a former member of the neighborhood council of the Ro Tinto Garfuna community and a member of the Garfuna rights organization OFRANEH, in Tela, Atlntida Department. International observers generally recognized the elections as free and fair. 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). Participation of Women and Members of Minority Groups: No laws limit the participation of women or members of minority groups in the political process, and they did participate. The Ministries of Security and of Defense both have human rights offices that coordinate human rights-related activities with the Secretariat of Human Rights. how to horizontally center a div in bootstrap. 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. On January 9, unknown assailants killed Pablo Hernndez in San Marcos de Caiqun, Lempira Department. According to a November 2019 study entitled Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility for the Central District and Comayaguela, 48% of passengers reported having been assaulted one time in the past 12 months while traveling on a Rapidito, 31% twice, 11% three times, and 10% more than three times. You can add more than one country or area. On March 1, the National Congress repealed the Law for the Classification of Public Documents Related to National Security and Defense, better known as the Secrets Law. 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. NGOs also reported the government did not make sufficient efforts to comply with Inter-American Court of Human Rights rulings, specifically cases related to territorial rights for Garfuna communities. Under the inspection law, the Secretariat of Labor has the authority to temporarily shut down workplaces where there is an imminent danger of fatalities. Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government, Section 5. Review OSACs reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, Im Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Donts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad. Nine significant tropical storms/hurricanes since 1995 have affected Honduras. A significant percentage of vehicles are in disrepair, underpowered, beyond their lifecycle, and would not meet U.S. road safety standards. 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. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. Major cities connect via an inconsistently maintained, two-lane system of paved roads, with many unpaved secondary roads. There were credible complaints that police occasionally failed to obtain the required authorization before entering private homes. Meanwhile, 59% reported having been assaulted at least once while a passenger in a taxi (. ) Some companies also delayed appointing or failed to appoint representatives for required Secretariat of Labor-led mediation, a practice that prolonged the mediation process and impeded the right to strike. Major cities (e.g. , which requires free prior notice and informed consent from indigenous communities before any development projects can begin; the congress has not approved a law regulating this process. Review the State Departments webpage on security for travelers with disabilities. Child Abuse: The law establishes prison sentences of up to two and one-half years for child abuse. 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. In November 2019, Tegucigalpa authorities began developing a luxury housing project in the La Tigra bioreserve, just outside of the city. Please review OSAC's Honduras-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, Consular Messages, and contact information. There were reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses. The court acquitted him of charges of violating official duties and fraud, but the Public Ministry appealed the ruling on July 25. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. 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. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI+ nightclubs. Freedom of Expression, Including for Members of the Press and Other Media, b. Freedoms of Peaceful Assembly and Association, d. Freedom of Movement and the Right to Leave the Country, f. Status and Treatment of Internally Displaced Persons, Section 3. While the risk from crime in Honduras remains a concern, most U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Honduras are unaffected by violence and visit for tourism or humanitarian aid work without incident. On July 4, alleged members of the 18th Street gang killed six fellow gang members at the El Pozo maximum security prison in Ilama, Santa Brbara Department. - July 2019 CSO Report - Northern Triangle Country Conditions: Ranking the Highest and Lowest Areas of Reported Homicides, Disappearances, and Extortion - May 2019 Northern Triangle and Mexico Country Conditions - May 2019 Foreign Government Reports Canada - The Research Directorate The Office of the Inspector General of the Armed Forces and the Humanitarian Law Directorate investigated and arrested members of the military accused of human rights abuses. Latest Posts. Detained U.S. citizens should insist on speaking to U.S. Embassy representatives as soon as possible. Most cruise line passengers experience no problems, but there have been reports of associated armed robbery and carjacking. The law grants prisoners the right to prompt access to a lawyer of their choice and, if indigent, to government-provided counsel, although the public defender mechanism was weak, and authorities did not always abide by these requirements. The Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), established in 2016 through an agreement between the government and the Organization of American States. The center, administered by the National Prison Institute, was on a military installation and received some support services from the military. The law provides for an independent judiciary, but the justice system was poorly staffed, inadequately equipped, often ineffective, and subject to intimidation, corruption, politicization, and patronage. As of August, CONADEH received 25 reports of discrimination based on sexual orientation. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. NGOs reported IDPs were at increased risk of victimization and exploitation by criminal groups. NGOs reported gangs engaged in corrective rape of lesbian or transgender individuals. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website. While hurricane winds are a concern, much of the damage to infrastructure comes as a result of the ensuing flooding and rock/mudslides. The CA-4 agreement among El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras allows for the inspection-free movement of citizens among these countries, reducing overall inspection at land crossings. There were no credible reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities. HMCs lab was reviewed by the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist and found to be up to U.S. standards and quality assurance practices. Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba) have homicide rates higher than the national average, as do several Honduran departments (a geographic designation like U.S. States), includingAtlntida, Coln, Corts, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, andYoro. Due to the remote nature of these areas, the governments ability to respond to violence or other problems is often very limited, as is access to medical facilities. Major urban centers and drug trafficking routes experienced the highest rates of violence. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The law provides a maximum sentence of three years in prison for disobeying a restraining order connected with the crime of violence against a woman. There are an estimated 7,000-10,000 gang members in a country with an approximate population of ten million people. The government generally respected these provisions. In these sectors, employers frequently paid workers for the standard 44-hour workweek irrespective of any additional hours they worked. There were no reports of political prisoners or detainees. 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. Embassy employees and others have experienced skimming at well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers. On October 17, the Public Ministry charged four unit officials for their involvement in Prezs killing. They were, however, commensurate with penalties for violating laws related to civil rights, such as election interference. Such an order may be effective for up to six days, after which the judge must hold a pretrial hearing to examine whether there is probable cause to continue pretrial detention. Review OSACs report, Kidnapping: The Basics. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. 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. The repeal went into effect on June 28. Penalties for violations of OSH law were commensurate with penalties for similar crimes but rarely applied against violators and rarely collected. These crimes may have been the result of tips from sources surveilling the airport arrival area. DOS: Northern Triangle Country Conditions: Ranking the Highest and Lowest Areas of Reported, Homicides, Disappearances, and Extortion - May 2019. Informal Sector: Most workers were in the informal sector. Criminal groups, including local and transnational gangs and narcotics traffickers, were significant perpetrators of violent crimes and committed acts of homicide, torture, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, intimidation, and other threats and violence directed against human rights defenders, judicial authorities, lawyers, business community members, journalists, bloggers, women, and other vulnerable populations. 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. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. The National Interinstitutional Security Force coordinates the overlapping responsibilities of the National Police, Military Police of Public Order, National Intelligence Directorate, and Public Ministry during interagency operations. Since 2010, 42. Libel/Slander Laws: Citizens, including public officials, may initiate criminal proceedings for libel and slander. Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. Others reported direct acts of intimidation or threats of violence from government officials or supporters for publicly being critical of the government. Cruise ship passengers should take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and book only with reputable tour companies during their stopover in Honduras. Improvements: On March 10, the armed forces officially transferred control of the National Prison Institute to the National Police as part of a government initiative to demilitarize prisons. 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. The Public Ministrys Office of the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights handled cases involving charges of human rights abuses by government officials. The Ministry of Securitys Directorate of Disciplinary Police Affairs investigated members of the Honduran National Police accused of human rights abuses. International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and USAID implementing partners have reported threats and violence when visiting some rural communities. In 2019, there were 1,500 traffic fatalities throughout the country. In addition, women experienced delays in accessing justice due to police who failed to process complaints in a timely manner or judicial system officials who deferred scheduling hearings. Gangs are not reluctant to use violence, and specialize in murder-for-hire, carjacking, extortion, and other violent street crime. Low salaries and a lack of internal controls rendered judicial officials susceptible to bribery. The law also requires that public-sector workers involved in the refining, transportation, and distribution of petroleum products submit their grievances to the Secretariat of Labor before striking. Governmental Posture Towards International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Abuses of Human Rights, Section 6. Observers noted this effort was insufficient due to inadequate budget allocations, limited or no services in rural areas, absence of or inadequate training about and awareness of domestic violence among police and other authorities, and male-dominant culture and norms. LGBTI+ travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. Even when traffic signals are working, drivers often ignore them. Although reports of kidnappings have dropped considerably in recent years, they continue to affect both the local and expatriate communities, with victims sometimes paying large ransoms for the prospect of release. Members of the LGBTI+ community have reported violent assaults because of gender identity and sexual orientation. The rainy season usually runs May-November. On September 22, the court in a preliminary hearing charged Eber Ezequiel Espinoza and Erick David Macas Rodrguez with quadruple homicide. 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. Ethnic minority rights leaders, international NGOs, and farmworker organizations claimed the government failed to redress actions taken by security forces, government agencies, private individuals, and businesses to dislodge Indigenous persons from lands over which they claimed ownership based on land reform law or ancestral land titles. These tensions have resulted in intense protests and violence. Honduras received support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation in the development of an e-procurement platform and public procurement auditing. 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. Former First Lady Rosa Elena Bonilla de Lobo was found guilty of fraud and misappropriation of public funds during a retrial on March 17.
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osac crime and safety report honduras