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). 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. There were reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses. Honduras is a constitutional, multiparty republic. Review OSACs report, Surviving a Protest. In 2019, there was one murder case involving a resident U.S. citizen in Roatn. 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 law does not criminalize domestic violence but provides penalties of up to 12 years in prison for violence against a family member, depending on the severity of the assault and aggravating circumstances. Nevertheless, observers said social discrimination against racial and ethnic groups persisted, as did physical violence. CONADEH received complaints involving human rights abuses and referred them to the Public Ministry for investigation. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. CONADEH received no reports of racial or ethnic discrimination as of August. International observers generally recognized the elections as free and fair. For crimes with minimum sentences of six years imprisonment, the law authorizes pretrial detention of up to two years. There were credible complaints that police occasionally failed to obtain the required authorization before entering private homes. The government generally respected these provisions. 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. Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. Both the Secretariat of Labor and the courts may order a company to reinstate workers, but the secretariat lacked the personnel and transportation resources to verify compliance. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. Same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. Fire Department Ambulance is fully equipped with emergency medical supplies and medical staff. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center estimated there were approximately 247,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to violence in the country as of 2021. The Secretariat of Labor posted job opportunity announcements that specified a gender requirement. No cases were reported during the year. 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. Medical personnel held nationwide strikes and protests on March 30, April 20-30, May 31, and in certain regions on October 24. Penalties for violations of OSH law were commensurate with penalties for similar crimes but rarely applied against violators and rarely collected. 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. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. in the past 12 months, 32% twice, 6% three times, and 3% more than three times. OSAC 2022-S-0024, Best Practice Recommendations for Evaluative Forensic DNA Testimony. These tensions have resulted in intense protests and violence. A study by the National Violence Observatory of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) placed the country as the most violent territory in Central America, with a homicide rate of 38.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. Persons from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities continued to experience discrimination in employment, education, housing, and health services. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Section 1. The law does not permit active members of the military or civilian security forces to vote. NGOs and other civil society groups generally considered the commissioner independent but at times ineffective. HMCs lab was reviewed by the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist and found to be up to U.S. standards and quality assurance practices. The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels. The Ministry of Securitys Directorate of Disciplinary Police Affairs investigated members of the Honduran National Police accused of human rights abuses. The most recent national and local elections were held in November 2021. Journalists and other members of civil society reported they were self-censoring due to fear of criticism, harassment, and retribution by the government and its supporters. The government places specially trained police forces in areas tourists frequent (e.g. Counterfeit products are predominately but not solely in the pharmaceutical and apparel industries. Nongovernmental Impact: Some journalists and other members of civil society reported threats from members of criminal groups. 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. Members of the LGBTI+ community have reported violent assaults because of gender identity and sexual orientation. Extortion threats commonly originate through social engineering. 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. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI+ nightclubs. 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/. LGBTQI+ rights groups asserted that government agencies and private employers engaged in discriminatory hiring practices. The law permits fines for wage and hour violations; these were commensurate with the penalties for similar crimes, such as fraud. 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. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. Responding police fired tear gas in and around the main terminal to regain control after protesters entered the building and airport grounds. 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. Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. International observers acknowledged some of these irregularities but reported they were not systematic and not widespread enough to affect the outcome of the presidential election. Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 0730-1630; Friday, 0800-1500, Tel: +504-2236-9320; After Hours: +504-2236-8497, Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/embajadahonduras/, Banco Atlntida Building, 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park, San Pedro Sula, Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 1200-1600, Website: https://hn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/spsca/. Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. Local law allows the police to detain someone for up to 24 hours for administrative processing. Always carry a mobile phone in case of emergency. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. Latest Posts. Counterfeit medicines are available inpulperas (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported inFarmacias del Ahorro. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. Also see the Department of States Trafficking in Persons Report at https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/. As of August, inspectors conducted 14,221 total inspections, compared with 8,846 total inspections for the same period in 2021. 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. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. Authorities continued to investigate the incident. 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. These tensions have resulted in intense protests and violence. The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. 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. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate health coverage while in Honduras. For fire and public safety emergencies, dial 911. They were, however, commensurate with penalties for violating laws related to civil rights, such as election interference. Counterfeit U.S. currency is also common. Indigenous and ethnic minority communities are frequently located in rural areas, which enjoy lower levels of criminal activity. Low salaries and a lack of internal controls rendered judicial officials susceptible to bribery. Others reported direct acts of intimidation or threats of violence from government officials or supporters for publicly being critical of the government. The Secretariat of Human Rights served as an advocate for human rights within the government. 03 / Select Countries You can add more than one country or area. Involuntary or Coercive Medical or Psychological Practices Specifically Targeting LGBTQI+ Individuals: There were no reports of unnecessary surgeries performed on intersex persons. Availability of Legal Gender Recognition: Transgender persons are prohibited from changing their name and legal gender status. According to the Honduran National Police, there were 12 kidnappings reported nationwide during 2019. Transiting migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations continued to face acute security risks in border zones. 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. Overseas Security Advisory Council Although many press outlets were politically aligned, the press and prevailing democratic norms combined to promote freedom of expression, including for members of the media. During July 2019 alone, the cities of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa recorded 11 attacks leaving 15 people dead, mostly taxi drivers and bus drivers. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). 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. Media reported violent confrontations and killings between gang members in prisons throughout the year. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. On May 30, protesters blocked several main avenues in Tegucigalpa, including access to Toncontn International Airport (TGU). The National Human Rights Commission (CONADEH) reported two arbitrary or unlawful killings by security forces as of August. On September 16, the cabinet approved an executive decree to create a General Directorate of Information and Press under the Ministry of Strategic Planning. 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. The law does not authorize pretrial detention for crimes with a maximum sentence of five years or less. The Jewish community numbered approximately 150 members. These conditions contributed to an unstable, dangerous environment in the penitentiary system. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. Roads have poor lighting and markings. In July, police arrested two men. Crisis in Honduras: Ongoing violence and climate shocks Here are three reasons the International Rescue Committee's Emergency Watchlist ranks Honduras among 20 countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian crisis in 2022. Travelers should be aware, however, that the assistance the Embassy can provide is limited to making sure U.S. citizens are not treated differently from local detainees and providing them with a list of local attorneys. Violence and Harassment: On May 26, unknown assailants shot and killed Metro TV journalist Ricardo vila in Marcovia, Choluteca Department. Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work without incident, but the government lacks the resources to address crime and violence fully. The Secretariat of Labor had an insufficient number of inspectors to enforce the wage, hour, and OSH laws effectively. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. Red Cross ambulance: 911, (504) 2227-7474 or (504) 2227-7575. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. -threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. As a result, there is no longer free travel between Honduras and Nicaragua. . 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. Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. The law states that a womans employment should be appropriate to her physical state and capacity. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website. 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. 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. Counterfeit Honduran lempiras (currency) are common, especially in the 100 and 500 denominations. OSAC encourages travelers to, to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Honduras. drivers licenses, vehicle registration). 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. Under the inspection law, the Secretariat of Labor has the authority to temporarily shut down workplaces where there is an imminent danger of fatalities. 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. 19 Nov. Download the State Departments Crime Victims Assistance brochure. how to horizontally center a div in bootstrap. Passengers on public buses have been the victims of robbery at roadblocks and bus stops, during daytime and nighttime hours. Avoid using Collectivos (white sedan taxis with a sticker on the windshield denoting its established route), Roleteros (private white sedan taxis with no established routes), and Rapiditos (small buses that pick up multiple riders). Violence was often rooted in a broader context of conflict over land and natural resources, corruption, lack of transparency and community consultation, other criminal activity, and limited state ability to protect the rights of vulnerable communities. Despite significant international and local public pressure, MACCIHs mandate ended in January 2020 without agreement for its extension between the OAS and the Honduran government. Embassy employees and others have experienced skimming at well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) expressed concern regarding weak implementation of the law, limited resources available to operate the governments protection mechanism, and insufficient training for new personnel after significant personnel turnover during the year. The country does not appear to be a terrorist safe haven. The Honduras Country Council generally meets monthly on a rotating basis in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and has approximately 70 members. On January 19, alleged security force members detained Indigenous community leader Nicols Rodriguez in Azacualpa, Copn Department, for more than 24 hours before he was released. 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. Only sealed commercial water containers (bottles) are considered safe to drink. 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. 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. Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. Forced labor occurred in street vending, domestic service, the transport of illegal drugs and other illicit goods, other criminal activity, and the informal sector. 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. By law, the secretariat may fine companies that violate the right to freedom of association. Sexual Exploitation of Children: The commercial sexual exploitation of children, especially in sex trafficking, remained a problem, and the government did not effectively enforce the law. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. Civil society continued to raise problems with minimum wage violations, highlighting agricultural companies in the south as frequent violators. Limited inspections could facilitate movements of terrorists. Review OSACs report, If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa. In November 2019, Tegucigalpa authorities began developing a luxury housing project in the La Tigra bioreserve, just outside of the city. The law grants workers the right to form and join unions of their choice, bargain collectively, and strike. The law requires police to inform persons of the grounds for their arrest and bring detainees before a competent judicial authority within 24 hours. Brown Follow Us: January 22, 2021 Many of these U.S. citizens are church and humanitarian aid volunteers working throughout the country, including in gang-controlled neighborhoods. Passing on blind corners is common. Cable signal theft and counterfeit products are the most prevalent violations of intellectual property rights in Honduras. The location and timing of criminal activity are unpredictable. In 2019 (most recent data), 94 percent of births were attended by skilled health-care personnel; however, NGOs reported significant gaps in obstetric care, especially in rural areas. 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. 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).

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