honduras crime and safety report 2022

From January to June, the OV-UNAH documented eight violent deaths in prisons. Police report for Feb. 27, 2023 | Crime | themercury.com Nine significant tropical storms/hurricanes since 1995 have affected Honduras. osac crime and safety report honduras - bagtical.com The law establishes prison sentences of up to two and one-half years for child abuse. Since MACCIH left, the Attorney Generals Office has harassed and intimidated the head of its own anti-corruption criminal enterprise office, Prosecutor Luis Javier Santos, and members of his team. Long periods of pretrial detention remained common and problematic, with many other pretrial detainees held in the general population with convicted prisoners. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. Her retrial was scheduled for February 2022. Low salaries and a lack of internal controls rendered judicial officials susceptible to bribery. Honduras declares state of emergency against gang crime The STSS did not approve any authorizations through September. The government considers rape a crime of public concern, and the state prosecutes rapists even if victims do not press charges. (white sedan taxis with a sticker on the windshield denoting its established route), (private white sedan taxis with no established routes), and, (small buses that pick up multiple riders). honduras crime and safety report 2022. how to wear a sheath dress to a wedding; apple music not working on android; honduras crime and safety report 2022. figure 8 racing near me 2022; what does the god particle look like; Impunity for such crimes remained high, as was the impunity rate for all types of crime. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reported that authorities at times failed to enforce these requirements effectively. Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Special Representative for Syria Engagement, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Office of the U.S. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. In January, legislators increased the majority needed to amend the provision banning abortion from two-thirds to three-quarters. Sale 2022; Contact; Follow us INSTAGRAM + 18morebest coffeethe bakers wife, mr foxx, and more Contul meu Intr n cont do they still make the marathon candy bar. In addition, Honduras is situated in an active seismic zone, so tremors are to be expected. Penalties for violations of occupational safety and health law were commensurate with penalties for similar crimes. Historically, corruption has been pervasive in government procurement, issuance of government permits, customs, real estate transactions (particularly land title transfers), performance requirements, and the regulatory system. Review OSACs report, Surviving a Protest. 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 Secretariat of Human Rights reported three prisoner deaths due to COVID-19 through September. The Public Ministrys Office of the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights handled cases involving charges of human rights abuses by government officials. Gangs kill, disappear, rape, or displace those who resist. at the date of this reports publication assesses Honduras at Level 3, indicating travelers should reconsider travel due tocrime. osac crime and safety report honduras Posted on July 8, 2021by Published by at June 7, 2022. In June 2020, Congress passed a new penal code that introduced the crime of internal displacement, punishing, with prison sentences of six to nine years, those who, through violence or intimidation, force someone to abandon or change their place of living. Freedom to Participate in the Political Process, Section 4. Review OSACs report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Public-sector trade unionists raised concerns regarding government interference in trade union activities, including its suspension or ignoring of collective agreements and its dismissals of union members and leaders. 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. Corruption: The new trial of former first lady Rosa Elena Bonilla de Lobo on charges of fraud and misappropriation of public funds, originally set to commence in March, was twice delayed for medical reasons. CONADEH received four reports as of August. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. The government provided victims of sexual violence access to other health-care services. On April 23, the Public Ministry arrested and charged Josue Exequiel Martinez Martinez, Siriaco Mejia Santos, Francisco Lopez Lazo, and Mario Anibal Lopez Velasquez for the December 2020 murder of Felix Vasquez. Under the new inspection law, the STSS has the authority temporarily to shut down workplaces where there is an imminent danger of fatalities; however, there were not enough trained inspectors to deter violations sufficiently. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. There were credible complaints that police occasionally failed to obtain the required authorization before entering private homes. Report on the U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root causes of Migration honduras crime and safety report 2021 Hakkmzda. From January to September 2021, 31,894 Hondurans requested asylum in Mexico, the Mexican Commission for Refugee Aid (COMAR) reportedfiling more than 35 percent of Mexicos total asylum petitions. Pandy was a human rights and land rights activist. According to UN reports from 2020, transnational gang activity was a primary contributor to violence-related internal displacement. Sexual Exploitation of Children: The commercial sexual exploitation of children, especially in sex trafficking, remained a problem. The Public Ministry also has the Special Prosecutors Office for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Journalists, Social Communicators, and Justice Officials. 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Honduras, An official website of the United States Government, https://www.state.gov/religiousfreedomreport/, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/International-Parental-Child-Abduction/for-providers/legal-reports-and-data/reported-cases.html, https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/findings. 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. CONADEH reported 69 cases of alleged torture or cruel and inhuman treatment by security forces through August, while the Public Ministry received 18 such reports. honduras crime and safety report 2021 - nautilusva.com Violators face penalties of one to three years in prison and possible suspension of their professional licenses, but the government did not effectively enforce the law. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. See the Department of States International Religious Freedom Report at https://www.state.gov/religiousfreedomreport/. ; these are generally safer areas in which to reside because of their heightened security measures. Defendants may not be compelled to testify or confess guilt. Except in some very rural locations, police are aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. 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. Nongovernmental Impact: Some journalists and other members of civil society reported threats from members of organized criminal groups. It also provides key data, such as crime counts. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. Girls and adolescents younger than 19 carry 15 percent of all pregnancies, the Monitoring Mechanism of the Belm do Par Convention reported in 2016. The directorate issued 1,379 recommendations to the Ministry of Security for disciplinary actions as of September following internal investigations of national police members. Governmental Posture Towards International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Abuses of Human Rights, Section 6. Arbitrary Arrest: CONADEH reported 38 reports of arbitrary arrest through August. Litigants may sue a criminal defendant for damages if authorized by a criminal court. The STSS completed 29 child labor inspections as of September and identified 13 minors working without permission. Counterfeit Honduran lempiras (currency) are common, especially in the 100 and 500 denominations. Although the law generally prohibits such actions, a legal exception allows government authorities to enter a private residence to prevent a crime or in case of another emergency. The police generally treat detained foreigners well. NGOs reported the government did not effectively combat discrimination and promote equal access to government services or employment opportunities. Many of these U.S. citizens are church and humanitarian aid volunteers working throughout the country, including in gang-controlled neighborhoods. honduras crime and safety report 2021. Review OSACs report, 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. Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, there are limited facilities for individuals with disabilities. There are claims of widespread corruption in land sales, deed filing, and dispute resolution, including claims against attorneys, real estate companies, judges, and local officials. Always carry a mobile phone in case of emergency. The Honduras Country Council generally meets monthly on a rotating basis in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and has approximately 70 members. In addition, a lack of implementing regulations leads to long delays in the awarding of titles in some regions. Cruise ship passengers should take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and book only with reputable tour companies during their stopover in Honduras. 2018 toyota rav4 pros and cons. otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. 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. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. drivers licenses, vehicle registration). Gangs are not reluctant to use violence, and specialize in murder-for-hire, carjacking, extortion, and other violent street crime. Voters elected Xiomara Castro of the LIBRE Party as president for a four-year term scheduled to begin in January 2022. International observers generally recognized the elections as free and fair. World Report 2022: Honduras | Human Rights Watch Honduras fragile institutions fail to protect the rights of children, including adolescents, and ensure that they have access to basic services such as education and healthcare, the IACHR reported in 2019. However, there can be communal tension over land ownership, natural resource allocation, and exploitation. Vanessa worked as a volunteer in the Association for Prevention and Education in Health, Sexuality, AIDS, and Human Rights. Employers rarely paid the minimum wage in the agricultural sector and paid it inconsistently in other sectors. Periodic medical evaluations had not found Lobo healthy enough to proceed. 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. Counterfeit U.S. currency is also common. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. In a 2020 survey by UNHCR and UNICEF, half of Hondurans interviewed in Mexico named violence as the main reason for their leaving. Kidnappings declined by 82% since 2013, from 92 in 2013 to 14 in 2018, and 12 in 2019. There is also a Human Rights Committee in the National Congress. Children often worked alongside family members in agriculture and other work, such as fishing, construction, transportation, and small businesses. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. The Secretariat of Human Rights stated it was taking every precaution to protect prisoners rights and assure that the work provided opportunities for prisoners to develop skills they could use in legal economic activities after their release. The constitution prohibits practicing clergy from running for office or participating in political campaigns. The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels. The criminal justice system regularly fails to hold accountable those responsible for crimes and abuses. Women, children, and LGBTQI+ migrants and asylum seekers with pending cases were especially vulnerable to abuse. As of September the STSS had an insufficient number of inspectors to enforce the law effectively. Share this via Reddit 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, e. Status and Treatment of Internally Displaced Persons, Section 3. As of June the Violence Observatory reported killings of 80 persons younger than 18. In September police arrested Denis Abel Ordonez, Michael Andre Mejia, and Walter Antonio Matute Raudales in connection with her murder. On June 17, a riot between alleged members of the 18th Street and MS-13 gangs in the maximum-security prison La Tolva in Moroceli, El Paraiso Department, resulted in five dead and 39 injured. Medical care is limited. Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. Police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime or may not respond at all. The Human Rights Secretariat (SEDH) informed that 314 women were murdered in Honduras in 2021. The accused has the right to an initial hearing before a judge, to ask for bail, consult with legal counsel in a timely manner, have a lawyer provided by the state if necessary, and request an appeal. Authorities continued to investigate the incident. Estimates of the number of children younger than 18 in the countrys workforce ranged from 370,000 to 510,000. Many of these U.S. citizens are church and humanitarian aid volunteers working throughout the country, including in gang-controlled neighborhoods. Between January and March this year, authorities have destroyed . With offices throughout the country, the ombudsperson received cases that otherwise might not have risen to national attention. Review OSACs report, Kidnapping: The Basics. Civil society continued to raise problems with minimum wage violations, highlighting agricultural companies in the south as frequent violators. Civil society organizations criticized the governments failure to investigate threats adequately. The law prohibits night work and overtime for minors younger than 18, but the STSS may grant special permission for minors between the ages of 16 to 18 to work in the evening if such employment does not adversely affect their education. Persons suspected of any of 21 specific felonies must remain in custody, pending the conclusion of judicial proceedings against them. Most crime victims are members of rival gangs, small business owners who resist gang extortion, passengers on public transportation, or those involved in land tenure disputes. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Prosecutors and whistleblowers have received death threats. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are often inadequate; streets are often unmarked even in major cities. World Bank statistics from 2020 put net enrollment for primary school above 90 percent, but the National Center for Social Sector Information stated that 43 percent of persons with disabilities received no formal education. 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. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. A 2019 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights report noted there were insufficient hospital beds and inadequate supplies at the only hospital that serviced Gracias a Dios Department, home to most of the Miskito community. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. Violent organized crime continues to disrupt Honduran society and push many people to leave the country. To reduce overcrowding in response to the pandemic, the legislature approved alternatives to pretrial detention and judges have released more than 1,600 people. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. Counterfeit medicines are available in, (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported in, Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Honduras. Exercise extreme caution driving on isolated stretches of road and passing other vehicles on mountainous curves. Review OSACs reports, The Overseas Travelers Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit. The government investigated and prosecuted some of these crimes, but impunity was widespread. Government officials were somewhat cooperative and responsive to their views, but some human rights organizations criticized government officials for lack of access and responsiveness. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. The law provides for an independent judiciary, but the justice system was poorly funded and staffed, inadequately equipped, often ineffective, and subject to intimidation, corruption, politicization, and patronage. Sexual Harassment: The law criminalizes sexual harassment, including in employment. The government failed to control pervasive gang-related violence and criminal activity within the prisons. The World Bank reported in 2018 that the adolescent birth rate was 72 births per 1,000 girls ages 15 to 19. Download the State Departments Crime Victims Assistance brochure. Honduras received support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation in the development of an e-procurement platform and public procurement auditing. The government launched a new Ministry of Transparency in November 2020 to address some of these concerns. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. 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. Monopoly on the use of force '06 '22 10 1 5 6 5 While the nation-state is recognized by the majority of the population as legitimate, deep mistrust continues to exist between the state and significant parts of its citizens. Counterfeit products are predominately but not solely in the pharmaceutical and apparel industries. The law establishes an independent and impartial judiciary in civil matters, including access to a court to seek damages for human rights violations. The STSS has the power to declare a work stoppage illegal, and employers may discipline employees consistent with their internal regulations, including by firing strikers, if the STSS rules that a work stoppage is illegal. 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. Union leaders and labor activists in both the public and private sector face harassment, dismissal, and violence for their activities. The penalties for rape range from nine to 13 years imprisonment. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. -threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Credible observers noted problems in trial procedures, such as a lack of admissible evidence, judicial corruption, witness intimidation, and an ineffective witness protection program. The court ordered Honduras to train security forces to investigate anti-LGBT violence and to adopt a process allowing people to change the gender listed on their documents to match their identity. The following diseases are prevalent in Honduras: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Zika. In 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota forced more than 55,000 to move into temporary shelters, according to the Red Cross. Thirty-four percent of women ages 20 to 24 had married when they were 15 to 19, a UN Population Fund study conducted from 2005 to 2019 found. Cable signal theft and counterfeit products are the most prevalent violations of intellectual property rights in Honduras. It also provides for paid national holidays and annual leave. Authorities often did not effectively enforce the law. From 2015 through 2019, authorities arrested 4,196 gang members, the National Police reported. 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. Violence against LGBT individuals displaces many internally and forces others to leave the country to seek asylum. Occupational Safety and Health: The government did not effectively enforce occupational safety and health standards, particularly in the construction, garment assembly, and agricultural sectors, as well as in the informal economy. Media noted that family members often faced long delays or were unable to visit detainees. The lack of space for social distancing combined with the lack of adequate sanitation made prison conditions even more life threatening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Counterfeit medicines are available inpulperas (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported inFarmacias del Ahorro. There was limited support for persons with mental illnesses or disabilities. These efforts were insufficient due to limited political will, inadequate staffing, limited or no services in rural areas, absence of or inadequate training and awareness of domestic violence among police and other authorities, and a pattern of male-dominant culture and norms. Due to the lack of enforcement of traffic laws, travelers should make an extraordinary effort to drive defensively. By law all minors between the ages of 14 and 18 in most industries must receive special permission from the STSS to work, and the STSS must perform a home study to verify that there is an economic need for the child to work and that the child does not work outside the country or in hazardous conditions, including in offshore fishing. Credible allegations of corruption in the STSS continued. The Honduran National Police maintain internal security and report to the Secretariat of Security. International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and USAID implementing partners have reported threats and violence when visiting some rural communities. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance forHonduras. Fire Department Ambulance is fully equipped with emergency medical supplies and medical staff. He estimated the companies and drivers have paid an average of about $10 million per month to the gangs in order to operate. The government did not effectively enforce these laws and regulations, although penalties were commensurate with laws related to civil rights, such as election interference. The Jewish community numbered approximately 275 members. The law permits defendants to confront witnesses against them and offer witnesses and evidence in their defense. 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. 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. Media linked her killing to organized criminal groups and drug trafficking organizations. The Directorate of Disciplinary Police Affairs investigated abuses by police forces. Assassinations and violence continue under military supervision. The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. TAIPEI, March 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One in four Americans experienced home burglary in 2022, according to the first annual Global Safety and Security Report released by AlfredCamera, a leading . Infiltrators: corruption in El Salvador has made safety strides and is not as dangerous as it used be! 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.