To be considered, comments must be placed in the OSAC Comment Form and sent to comments@nist.gov by 11:59 p.m. 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. Credit card skimming is common. 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. Observers noted several significant improvements in transparency procedures, including electoral reforms, an updated voter registry, new national identification cards, and new technologies that included a biometric verification system and a preliminary results transmission system. Persons suspected of any of 21 specific felonies must remain in custody, pending the conclusion of judicial proceedings against them. OSAC encourages travelers to, to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Honduras. 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. U.S. organizations and citizens report corruption in the public sector and the judiciary is a significant constraint to investment in Honduras. The government maintained the Interinstitutional Commission for the Protection of Persons Displaced by Violence and created the Directorate for the Protection of Persons Internally Displaced by Violence within the Secretariat of Human Rights. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). Responding police fired tear gas in and around the main terminal to regain control after protesters entered the building and airport grounds. However, kidnapping figures are likely lower than reality, as families of kidnapping victims often pay ransoms without reporting these crimes to police out of fear of retribution. President Juan Orlando Hernndez of the National Party (PN) was subsequently reelected in 2017 by a narrow margin. Authorities did not generally segregate those with tuberculosis or other infectious diseases from the general prison population. 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. open sources and (U) embassy reporting. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. Honduras - United States Department of Justice Authorities continued to investigate the incident. Its operations to receive and process cases relied on substantial support from UNHCR. 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. On October 17, the Public Ministry charged four unit officials for their involvement in Prezs killing. However, kidnapping figures are likely lower than reality, as families of kidnapping victims often pay ransoms without reporting these crimes to police out of fear of retribution. Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. 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. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. 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. There were several reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. Emergency services, even in Tegucigalpa, generally are basic. in the past 12 months, 32% twice, 6% three times, and 3% more than three times. 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. 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. La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels; other tourist installations have increased private and police security. 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. Review the State Departments webpage on security for travelers with disabilities. Administration: The judicial system is legally responsible for monitoring prison conditions and providing for the rights of prisoners. Cruise lines and port agencies offer approved tour companies offering packages. Congressional Research Service - Honduras - 2019, 2020. Vehicles often drive at night without adequate lighting. Violence linked to land disputes also occurs, particularly in the Bay Islands and Bajo Aguan Valley in northern Honduras. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Review OSACs reports, The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, The Honduras Country Council generally meets monthly on a rotating basis in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and has approximately 70 members. Although the country experiences one of its lowest homicide rates in the last decade, authorities recorded 3,496 violent . 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. The reported killings took place during law enforcement operations or were linked to criminal activity by government agents. Many of these U.S. citizens are church and humanitarian aid volunteers working throughout the country, including in gang-controlled neighborhoods. 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. NGOs reported IDPs were at increased risk of victimization and exploitation by criminal groups. While hurricane winds are a concern, much of the damage to infrastructure comes as a result of the ensuing flooding and rock/mudslides. This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa. Most cruise line passengers experience no problems, but there have been reports of associated armed robbery and carjacking. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. The penalties for rape range from nine to 13 years imprisonment. 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. 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. In addition to complying with local laws, companies involved in natural resource extraction or energy generation should ensure they fully consult with communities in accordance with international standards. The law provides citizens the right to choose their government in free and fair periodic elections held by secret ballot and based on nearly universal and equal suffrage. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. Contraception supplies were limited, as were many other critical medicines, due to the governments dismantling of its public health procurement system in May. Honduras is a signatory to the International Labor Organizations. Avoid traveling at night and always drive with doors locked and windows rolled up to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets. 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. The police, along with the Ministry of Defenses Military Public Order Police (PMOP), routinely establish checkpoints and review documentation (e.g. As a result, there is no longer free travel between Honduras and Nicaragua. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over security forces. 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. Abusive Physical Conditions: Prisoners suffered from severe overcrowding, malnutrition, lack of adequate sanitation and medical care, and, in some prisons, lack of adequate ventilation and lighting. 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. Is the MS13 in Honduras Expanding its Role in the - InSight Crime gangs are the most active and powerful. Contact OSACs, https://www.facebook.com/embajadahonduras/, https://hn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/spsca/, External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein, Travel Advisory: Honduras - Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. On May 26, National Police officers allegedly entered the home of human rights defender Deninson Escalante in El Palenque, Choluteca Department, without a warrant, searched the house, and beat Escalantes parents, brother, and nephew. As of October, at least 24 defendants used the law to have corruption cases dismissed. While all formal workers are entitled to social security, there were reports that both public- and private-sector employers failed to pay into the social security system. 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/. There are no legal cases involving instances of terrorism affecting U.S. citizens or facilities brought before the Honduran judicial system, and no reports of judicial developments that would have a negative impact on U.S. counterterrorism efforts. The government lacks resources to investigate and prosecute cases; police often lack vehicles/fuel to respond to calls for assistance. Powerful special interests, including criminal groups, exercised influence on the outcomes of some court proceedings. Some larger cities have police forces that operate independently of the national police and report to municipal authorities. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. Many of these U.S. citizens are church and humanitarian aid volunteers working throughout the country, including in gang-controlled neighborhoods. 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 had a nascent system to provide legal protection to refugees. The law allows bail for persons charged with some felonies and gives prisoners the right of prompt access to family members. Birth Registration: Children derive citizenship by birth in the country, from the citizenship of their parents, or by naturalization. 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. On January 9, unknown assailants killed Pablo Hernndez in San Marcos de Caiqun, Lempira Department. Victims were primarily impoverished individuals in both rural and urban areas (see section 7.c.). The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. Crisis in Honduras: Ongoing violence and climate shocks Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) - United States Department of There are no legal cases involving instances of terrorism affecting U.S. citizens or facilities brought before the Honduran judicial system, and no reports of judicial developments that would have a negative impact on U.S. counterterrorism efforts. Honduras Travel Advisory - United States Department of State Violence against women, the other pandemic impacting Honduras The country does not appear to be a terrorist safe haven. 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. This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa. NGOs reported 33 violent deaths as of October and 17 hate crimes against LGBTQI+ persons as of August. The law on safe houses, which has been stalled in the National Congress since 2018, aims to recognize and fund safe houses to provide care for survivors of multiple forms of violence, ensuring. Gangs are not reluctant to use violence, and specialize in murder-for-hire, carjacking, extortion, and other violent street crime. 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 Internal Displacement Monitoring Center estimated there were approximately 247,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to violence in the country as of 2021. Review OSACs reports, The Overseas Travelers Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit. About. International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and USAID implementing partners have reported threats and violence when visiting some rural communities. 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. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa. Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. 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. In 2019, there was one murder case involving a resident U.S. citizen in Roatn. Low salaries and a lack of internal controls rendered judicial officials susceptible to bribery. The government noted the decree was to better organize its own public relations efforts and was not intended to monitor or control content. 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. Discrimination occurs against ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community. In November 2019, Tegucigalpa authorities began developing a luxury housing project in the La Tigra bioreserve, just outside of the city. 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. 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. 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. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. HMCs lab was reviewed by the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist and found to be up to U.S. standards and quality assurance practices. CONADEH reported 31 cases of alleged torture or cruel and inhuman treatment by security forces through August, while the Public Ministry received 10 such reports through July. Nine significant tropical storms/hurricanes since 1995 have affected Honduras. Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel. On May 30, protesters blocked several main avenues in Tegucigalpa, including access to Toncontn International Airport (TGU). The law was not effectively enforced, and weak public institutional structures contributed to the inadequate enforcement. -threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. It prohibits employer retribution against employees for engaging in trade union activities. In the 2013 census (most recent data), approximately 8.5 percent of the population identified themselves as members of Indigenous communities, but other estimates were higher. NGOs and other civil society groups generally considered the commissioner independent but at times ineffective. NGOs reported gangs engaged in corrective rape of lesbian or transgender individuals. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report - DocsLib Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. The country was a destination for child sex tourism, particularly in the tourist area of the Bay Islands. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report Since 2010, there have been approximately 60 murders of U.S. citizens reported in Honduras. Although the law prohibits such practices, government officials received complaints and investigated alleged abuses by members of the security forces on the streets and in detention centers. Medical care is limited. The government did not effectively enforce the law. 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. Although its specialists occasionally cannot provide the U.S. standard of care, the hospital and diagnostic departments do have the capability to provide most medical procedures. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) - United States Department of There is often a spike in skimming in December and June, when the working population receive Christmas and mid-year bonuses in the form of one extra months salary. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. The 18th Street and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gangs are the most active and powerful. Inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions. The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. It also provides for paid national holidays and annual leave. OSAC Crime and Safety Report - Honduras (updated March 2020) Copan, Honduras Pre-Trip Guide with student-generated content Jordan Your Guide to Jordan ISC with student-generated content Amman, Jordan Pre-trip Guide with student-generated content Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. The law does not permit active members of the military or civilian security forces to vote. 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. The law provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, with some restrictions, and the government generally respected this right. Forced labor occurred in street vending, domestic service, the transport of illegal drugs and other illicit goods, other criminal activity, and the informal sector. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt. A lower court provisionally dismissed Rubs fraud charge on September 20, and the Public Ministry appealed the decision. Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal narcotics are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. 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. 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. Since 2010, 42. 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. The government attempted to enhance its response to domestic violence by elevating the National Womens Institute to a cabinet-level secretariat in March. Review OSACs report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. 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. 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. OSAC 2022-S-0024, Best Practice Recommendations for Evaluative Forensic DNA Testimony. The quasi-governmental National Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment (CONAPREV) received 28 complaints of the use of torture or cruel and inhuman treatment through September. On January 13, National Police officials in Trujillo, Coln Department, allegedly detained and tortured Luis Alberto Gutirrez and Leonard Brown, beating Gutirrez and Brown in the police station. This is a common practice for most automobile accidents where personal injury occurs, and for cases in which someone is accused of a criminal act. For more information, please visit OSAC.gov . In most prisons, only inmates who purchased bottled water or had water filters in their cells had access to potable water. 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. Involuntary or Coercive Medical or Psychological Practices Specifically Targeting LGBTQI+ Individuals: There were no reports of unnecessary surgeries performed on intersex persons. If a victims physical injuries do not reach the severity required to categorize the violence as a criminal act, the legal penalty for a first offense is a sentence of one to three months of community service. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. On September 21, the court sentenced her to more than 14 years in prison and ordered her to pay a fine of more than 13 million lempiras ($518,000). Authorities continued to investigate the incident. Crime Threats 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. Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. Hernndez had worked to promote Indigenous rights in a variety of roles including as president of the Network of Agroecologists of the Cacique Lempira Biosphere, as a member of the Network of Human Rights Defenders of the Department of Lempira, and as a radio host of the Lenca radio program Radio Tenan. Persons from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities continued to experience discrimination in employment, education, housing, and health services. The 18th Street and MS-13 (. ) 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. 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. Airlines estimate that approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens flew into Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or Roatn in 2019. Local law allows the police to detain someone for up to 24 hours for administrative processing. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. The court acquitted him of charges of violating official duties and fraud, but the Public Ministry appealed the ruling on July 25. The repeal went into effect on June 28. See the Department of Labors Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/findings/. 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. The law mandates that authorities release detainees whose cases have not yet come to trial and whose time in pretrial detention already exceeds the maximum prison sentence for their alleged crime. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. The Jewish community numbered approximately 150 members. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas. The law does not cover domestic workers, the vast majority of whom were women. 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). There is also a Human Rights Committee in the National Congress. The law grants workers the right to form and join unions of their choice, bargain collectively, and strike. It was unclear how many of these threats were related to the victims professions or activism. Some passengers opt to travel armed when using public transportation, which sometimes results in armed confrontations where innocent bystanders are injured or killed in the crossfire. Due to the lack of enforcement of traffic laws, travelers should make an extraordinary effort to drive defensively. 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.

Chance Hurstfield Leaving A Million Little Things, Articles O