- 7. Mai 2023
- Posted by:
- Category: Allgemein
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. DOS Trafficking in Persons Report - 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019. On January 10, unknown assailants shot and killed transgender activist Thala Rodrguez in her home in Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazn Department. Honduras has a long history of sustaining damage due to powerful tropical storms and hurricanes. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are often inadequate; streets are often unmarked even in major cities. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. There were no credible reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities. Civil society had criticized the law for limiting transparency and allowing officials to use the classification of documents to hide corruption. Reports of kidnappings of U.S. citizens are not common, with zero reports for 2019. Gangs control some of the taxi services. Individuals and organizations may appeal adverse domestic decisions to the Inter-American Human Rights system. Reach the local police anywhere in Honduras by dialing, . Indigenous and ethnic minority communities are frequently located in rural areas, which enjoy lower levels of criminal activity. Honduras is a signatory to the International Labor Organizations. On April 28, the National Congress repealed the 2014 hourly wage law, thus bringing all employees under the national labor code and eliminating the previous differences in labor benefits between hourly, temporary, and permanent employees. Nine significant tropical storms/hurricanes since 1995 have affected Honduras. 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. The constitution prohibits practicing clergy from running for office or participating in political campaigns. Due to the lack of enforcement of traffic laws, travelers should make an extraordinary effort to drive defensively. The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over security forces. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. 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. Nearly 46 percent of incarcerated individuals were in pretrial detention. Since its inception in 2016, MACCIH has worked with the Public Ministry to achieve success on several significant cases, including against current and former public officials. 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. Honduras is a constitutional, multiparty republic. 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. Review the State Departments webpage on. These conditions contributed to an unstable, dangerous environment in the penitentiary system. The law permits strikes by workers in export-processing zones and free zones for companies that provide services to industrial parks, but it requires that strikes not impede the operations of other factories in such parks. 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. About. The Public Ministry reported 17 violent deaths of LGBTQI+ persons as of September. 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. 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. Embassy employees and others have experienced skimming at well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers. UN human rights experts stated the lack of access to contraception, particularly in rural areas, together with the prohibition of emergency contraception, contributed to a high rate of adolescent pregnancy. Some employers either refused to engage in collective bargaining or made it very difficult to do so. 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. Fire Department operations: +504-2231-1667. CONADEH received no reports of racial or ethnic discrimination as of August. International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and USAID implementing partners have reported threats and violence when visiting some rural communities. The Public Ministry reported 11 cases of alleged illegal detention or arbitrary arrest as of September. 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 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. On May 30, protesters blocked several main avenues in Tegucigalpa, including access to Toncontn International Airport (TGU). Nongovernmental Impact: Some journalists and other members of civil society reported threats from members of criminal groups. 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. The final verdict was pending a constitutional appeal. Since 2010, 42. 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). The government did not effectively enforce these laws and regulations. Please review OSAC's Honduras-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, Consular Messages, and contact information. 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. Roads have poor lighting and markings. The Public Ministry also has a Special Prosecutors Office for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Journalists, Social Communicators, and Justice Officials. The United Nations reported the adolescent birth rate was 89 births per 1,000 girls ages 15 to 19. Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. 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. NOTE: OSAC RESOURCE TASK GROUP (RTG . Penalties were sometimes applied against violators, but the failure of the government to collect fines facilitated continued violations. Gangs are not reluctant to use violence, and specialize in murder-for-hire, carjacking, extortion, and other violent street crime. 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. 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 law provides a maximum sentence of three years in prison for disobeying a restraining order connected with the crime of violence against a woman. The government did not effectively enforce the law. Review OSACs report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Uniforms and vehicles are all clearly marked. However, there can be communal tension over land ownership, natural resource allocation, and exploitation. Contact OSACsLatin Americateam with any questions or to join. 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. Counterfeit U.S. currency is also common. Discrimination: The law criminalizes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity characteristics and includes crimes committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity as aggravating circumstances to increase penalties for criminal offenses. According to government estimates, children with disabilities attended school at a lower rate than the general population. Discrimination and Societal Abuses, Systemic Racial or Ethnic Violence and Discrimination, Acts of Violence, Criminalization, and Other Abuses Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, or Sex Characteristics, Other Societal Violence and Discrimination, a. Would you like to continue with this session or log out? Violence against LGBTQI+ Persons: NGOs reported police or other government agents incited, perpetrated, condoned, or tolerated violence against LGBTQI+ individuals. 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. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has since added him to the agency's Top 10 Most Wanted List, offering up to $100,000 for information leading to his arrest. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Section 1. Additionally, under the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework, with significant support from UNHCR, the Secretariat of Human Rights and Secretariat of External Relations and International Cooperation continued to build capacity to provide services to vulnerable populations, including IDPs, those at risk of forced displacement, refugees, and returned migrants. The legal age of consent is 18. According to CONAPREV, the system was designed for approximately 13,000 inmates. Many prisons lacked sufficient security personnel. Governmental Posture Towards International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Abuses of Human Rights, Section 6. The Ministries of Security and of Defense both have human rights offices that coordinate human rights-related activities with the Secretariat of Human Rights. Most of these attacks involved gang members demanding extortion payments. Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Honduras. Cable signal theft and counterfeit products are the most prevalent violations of intellectual property rights in Honduras. Child, Early, and Forced Marriage: The minimum legal age of marriage for both boys and girls is 18. For more information, please visit OSAC.gov . - 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 Overseas Security Advisory Council In October 2019, a thief stole the side view mirrors from a U.S. employees personally owned vehicle while it was parked on a side street near the Embassy. Most cruise line passengers experience no problems, but there have been reports of associated armed robbery and carjacking. On May 30, protesters blocked several main avenues in Tegucigalpa, including access to Toncontn International Airport (TGU). Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website. Gang activity, including attacks on and exploitation of nonmembers, was the primary contributor to violence-related internal displacement. Counterfeit Honduran lempiras (currency) are common, especially in the 100 and 500 denominations. Even when traffic signals are working, drivers often ignore them. Reproductive Rights: There were no reports of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization on the part of government authorities. Members of the LGBTI+ community have reported violent assaults because of gender identity and sexual orientation. 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. 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. Meanwhile, 59% reported having been assaulted at least once while a passenger in a taxi (. ) Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. 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 prohibits the sale, distribution, and use of emergency contraception for any reason, including by survivors of sexual violence. 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. 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. Criminals sometimes obtain personal information through social media, the internet, or a victims family member. 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. Enforcement of OSH standards was particularly weak in the construction, garment assembly, and agricultural sectors, as well as in the informal economy. Violence linked to land disputes also occurs, particularly in the Bay Islands and Bajo Aguan Valley in northern Honduras. Review OSACs report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System, The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a. Publishing or 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. 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. 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. Official data on forced displacement, especially displacement due to violence, was limited in part because gangs controlled many of the neighborhoods where individuals were forced from their homes and communities (see section 6, Displaced Children). Persons suspected of any of 21 specific felonies must remain in custody, pending the conclusion of judicial proceedings against them. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. 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. To be considered, comments must be placed in the OSAC Comment Form and sent to comments@nist.gov by 11:59 p.m. Limited inspections could facilitate movements of terrorists. Persons from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities continued to experience discrimination in employment, education, housing, and health services. The law establishes an independent and impartial judiciary in civil matters, including access to a court to seek damages for human rights violations. CONAPREV reported 17 violent deaths in prisons as of September. Animals and people wander onto the roads. Employers frequently refused to comply with Secretariat of Labor orders that required them to reinstate workers who had been dismissed for participating in union activities. Major urban centers and drug trafficking routes experienced the highest rates of violence. The law permits workers in public health care, social security, staple food production, and public utilities (municipal sanitation, water, electricity, and telecommunications) to strike if they continue to provide basic services. 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. 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. Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.
