osac crime and safety report honduras

The government generally respected these provisions. The government noted the decree was to better organize its own public relations efforts and was not intended to monitor or control content. 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 law requires police to inform persons of the grounds for their arrest and bring detainees before a competent judicial authority within 24 hours. Extortion threats commonly originate through social engineering. The law was not effectively enforced, and weak public institutional structures contributed to the inadequate enforcement. The Secretariat of Labor posted job opportunity announcements that specified a gender requirement. 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. 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. 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, Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, there are limited facilities for individuals with disabilities. The court found the accused guilty of the murder of Vsquez; at years end a date for sentencing was pending. Thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur. Civil society had criticized the law for limiting transparency and allowing officials to use the classification of documents to hide corruption. The law does not permit active members of the military or civilian security forces to vote. The National Human Rights Commission (CONADEH) reported two arbitrary or unlawful killings by security forces as of August. 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. The web site offers its visitors the latest in safety and security-related information, public announcements, warden messages, travel advisories, significant anniversary dates, terrorist groups profiles, country crime and safety reports, special topic reports, foreign press reports, and much more. Authorities continued to investigate the incident. The Honduras Country Council generally meets monthly on a rotating basis in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and has approximately 70 members. The government considers rape a crime of public concern, and the state prosecutes suspected rapists even if survivors do not press charges. Members of the LGBTI+ community have reported violent assaults because of gender identity and sexual orientation. 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. Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel. Persons from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities continued to experience discrimination in employment, education, housing, and health services. 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 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. Download the State Departments Crime Victims Assistance, For fire and public safety emergencies, dial. Meanwhile, 59% reported having been assaulted at least once while a passenger in a taxi (. ) ; these are generally safer areas in which to reside because of their heightened security measures. He was allegedly killed while antigang unit officials tried to arrest him for assaulting a police officer at a soccer match on May 29. 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. Cable signal theft and counterfeit products are the most prevalent violations of intellectual property rights in Honduras. Always carry a mobile phone in case of emergency. The government investigated and prosecuted some of these crimes, but impunity was widespread. As a result of Honduran government efforts in close cooperation with the United States, homicide rates have fallen from 86.0 per 100,000 residents in 2012 to 43.6 per 100,000 at the end of 2019. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. Workers had difficulty exercising the rights to form and join unions and to engage in collective bargaining. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate health coverage while in Honduras. The Ministries of Security and of Defense both have human rights offices that coordinate human rights-related activities with the Secretariat of Human Rights. 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/. Civil society continued to raise problems with minimum wage violations, highlighting agricultural companies in the south as frequent violators. The police, along with the Ministry of Defenses Military Public Order Police (PMOP), routinely establish checkpoints and review documentation (e.g. Some companies also delayed appointing or failed to appoint representatives for required Secretariat of Labor-led mediation, a practice that prolonged the mediation process and impeded the right to strike. The document was compiled from various The government sometimes applied penalties against violators, but failure to collect fines facilitated continued labor code wage and hour violations. Its support focused on providing training to officers of the National Institute for Migration, ensuring support to deal with the backlog of asylum claims submitted during the COVID-19 lockdown, and supporting the improvement of reception conditions for asylum seekers. In some industries, including agriculture, domestic service, and security, employers did not respect maternity rights or pay minimum wage, overtime, or vacation. President Juan Orlando Hernndez of the National Party (PN) was subsequently reelected in 2017 by a narrow margin. The government provided survivors of sexual violence access to other health-care services, such as psychological and social support as well as testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. The most recent national and local elections were held in November 2021. Violence and Harassment: On May 26, unknown assailants shot and killed Metro TV journalist Ricardo vila in Marcovia, Choluteca Department. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Under the inspection law, the Secretariat of Labor has the authority to temporarily shut down workplaces where there is an imminent danger of fatalities. 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. Censorship or Content Restrictions for Members of the Press and Other Media, Including Online Media: Media members and NGOs stated the press self-censored due to fear of retaliation from criminal groups, drug trafficking organizations, or corrupt government officials. As a result, criminals operate with a high degree of impunity. The location and timing of criminal activity are unpredictable. Both the secretariat and the commission focused on developing policies to address IDPs. Gang activity, including attacks on and exploitation of nonmembers, was the primary contributor to violence-related internal displacement. The National Prison Institute reported that as of October 13, the total prison population was 19,619 in 25 prisons and one detention center. Meanwhile, 59% reported having been assaulted at least once while a passenger in a taxi (Colectivo and Rolatero) in the past 12 months, 32% twice, 6% three times, and 3% more than three times. Women, children, and LGBTQI+ individuals were especially vulnerable to abuse. The constitution provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and the government generally respected these rights. in the past 12 months, 32% twice, 6% three times, and 3% more than three times. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. Authorities continued to investigate the incident. Review OSACs report, Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. Uniforms and vehicles are all clearly marked. Passing on blind corners is common. The following diseases are prevalent in Honduras: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Zika. Informal Sector: Most workers were in the informal sector. Public-sector trade unionists raised concerns regarding government interference in trade union activities, including its ignoring or suspending collective agreements and its dismissals of union members and leaders. Counterfeit U.S. currency is also common. 03 / Select Countries You can add more than one country or area. CONADEH received no reports of racial or ethnic discrimination as of August. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reported that authorities at times failed to enforce these requirements effectively. 08 Jul. Prisoners can submit complaints through a lawyer that may emerge from an NGO before the Public Ministry. Credit card skimming is common. The law establishes an independent and impartial judiciary in civil matters, including access to a court to seek damages for human rights violations. Occupational Safety and Health: Occupational safety and health (OSH) standards are appropriate for the main industries in the country, and OSH experts actively identified unsafe conditions, including lack of personal protective equipment against COVID-19, in addition to responding to workers OSH complaints. Police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime or may not respond at all. 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. 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. OSAC is a free service to U.S.-based or incorporated private sector organizations with overseas operations. On January 10, unknown assailants shot and killed transgender activist Thala Rodrguez in her home in Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazn Department. Involuntary or Coercive Medical or Psychological Practices Specifically Targeting LGBTQI+ Individuals: There were no reports of unnecessary surgeries performed on intersex persons. Nicaragua used to be part of the CA-4 agreement, but in late 2017 began requiring travelers to register their travel purpose and destination online seven days in advance. Download the State Departments Crime Victims Assistance brochure. -threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There were several reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. Authorities continued to investigate the incident. Nevertheless, discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons throughout society persisted. The legal age of consent is 18. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI+ nightclubs. Except in some very rural locations, police are aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. 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. Avoid using. 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. Drug trafficking and gang activity, which includes local micro-trafficking of narcotics and extortion, are the main causes of violent crime in Honduras. At least 86 journalists were killed from 2001 through July 2020, the Honduran College of Journalists reported, and 92 percent of those killings remain unpunished. Review OSACs reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Departments webpage on driving and road safety abroad. Authorities continued to search for the individuals who ordered the homicide. This resulted in multiple protests by environmentalist groups claiming the project is illegal due to the damage to the bioreserve and exacerbating the citys already dire water shortage. 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. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. 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 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. The law prohibits and criminalizes all forms of forced labor, but the government did not effectively implement or enforce the law. Arbitrary Deprivation of Life and Other Unlawful or Politically Motivated Killings, c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and Other Related Abuses, Arrest Procedures and Treatment of Detainees, f. Arbitrary or Unlawful Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or Correspondence, a. NOTE: OSAC RESOURCE TASK GROUP (RTG . On May 30, protesters blocked several main avenues in Tegucigalpa, including access to Toncontn International Airport (TGU). Prison conditions were harsh and at times life threatening due to pervasive gang-related violence and the governments failure to control criminal activity within the prisons. Although penalties include prison sentences of up to two years and fines, they were not sufficient to deter violations. The law allows only local unions to call strikes, prohibits labor federations and confederations from calling strikes, and requires that a two-thirds majority of both union and nonunion employees at an enterprise approve a strike. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. Independent Monitoring: The government generally permitted prison visits by independent local and international human rights observers, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. Responding police fired tear gas in and around the main terminal to regain control after protesters entered the building and airport grounds. The law does not authorize pretrial detention for crimes with a maximum sentence of five years or less. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center estimated there were approximately 247,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to violence in the country as of 2021. Reach the local police anywhere in Honduras by dialing 911. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. There is no information to suggest that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. 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. 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. Major cities connect via an inconsistently maintained, two-lane system of paved roads, with many unpaved secondary roads. The law requires an employer to begin collective bargaining once workers establish a union, and it specifies that if more than one union exists at a company, the employer must negotiate with the largest. Counterfeit Honduran lempiras (currency) are common, especially in the 100 and 500 denominations. Limited inspections could facilitate movements of terrorists. In a controversial 2015 decision, the Honduran Supreme Court voided Article 239 of the constitution, which had limited presidents to one term. On July 4, alleged members of the 18th Street gang killed six fellow gang members at the El Pozo maximum security prison in Ilama, Santa Brbara Department. These deaths included several in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba involving U.S. citizens murdered shortly after arriving in the country. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. 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 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. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. Failure to register resulted in denial of public services, including access to health services or school enrollment. 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). Violence against LGBTQI+ Persons: NGOs reported police or other government agents incited, perpetrated, condoned, or tolerated violence against LGBTQI+ individuals. Following the transfer, the National Prison Institute reported progress on visitation rights, food nutrition and quality, and potable water access. A lower court provisionally dismissed Rubs fraud charge on September 20, and the Public Ministry appealed the decision. According to the report, informal workers played a large role in nearly every industry, including agriculture and fishing; mining; manufacturing; utilities; construction; wholesale, retail, hotels, and restaurants; transport and storage; and personal services. Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, there are limited facilities for individuals with disabilities. The law allows bail for persons charged with some felonies and gives prisoners the right of prompt access to family members. It was unclear how many of these threats were related to the victims professions or activism. Red Cross ambulance: 911, (504) 2227-7474 or (504) 2227-7575. There are few U.S.-educated physicians in Tegucigalpa. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. Campbell, who had been on the run for five years after being charged with money laundering in Honduras, was arrested in June 2021 in Nicaragua. The government is implementing similar programs for other locations (e.g. U.S. Department of State. 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. The government did not effectively enforce these laws and regulations. Criminals sometimes obtain personal information through social media, the internet, or a victims family member. 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. Responding police fired tear gas in and around the main terminal to regain control after protesters entered the building and airport grounds. Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Honduras. 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. 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. 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. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). Reproductive Rights: There were no reports of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization on the part of government authorities. NGOs reported IDPs were at increased risk of victimization and exploitation by criminal groups. The law prohibits workers from legally striking until direct negotiations and government-accompanied mediation and conciliation have failed. However, visitors have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches. Unions also raised concerns that employers used temporary contracts to prevent unionization and to avoid providing full benefits. 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. In July, police arrested two men. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. LGBTI+ travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. 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. The law requires prisoners to work at least five hours a day, six days a week. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. These deaths included several in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba involving U.S. citizens murdered shortly after arriving in the country. Libel/Slander Laws: Citizens, including public officials, may initiate criminal proceedings for libel and slander. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. NGOs and other civil society groups generally considered the commissioner independent but at times ineffective. Acting Assistant Secretary of State Todd J. The repeal went into effect on June 28. The country does not appear to be a terrorist safe haven. Many employers discriminated against women. Children, including from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, particularly Miskito boys, were at risk for forced labor in the agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, mining, construction, and hospitality industries. Enforcement of OSH standards was particularly weak in the construction, garment assembly, and agricultural sectors, as well as in the informal economy. Some NGOs and political parties reported irregularities, including late delivery of technology needed to transmit results, late opening of the polls, poll workers with varying degrees of preparation and knowledge of the electoral law and processes, and lack of transparency in campaign financing. For fire and public safety emergencies, dial 911. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. 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. Prisoners suffered from gross overcrowding; insufficient access to food, water, and medical supplies; violence; and alleged abuse by prison officials. Brown Follow Us: January 22, 2021 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. The rainy season usually runs May-November. 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. Honduras is a constitutional, multiparty republic. Review OSACs reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband? The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. Authorities did not generally segregate those with tuberculosis or other infectious diseases from the general prison population. The Public Ministrys Office of the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights handled cases involving charges of human rights abuses by government officials. 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. The law permits fines for wage and hour violations; these were commensurate with the penalties for similar crimes, such as fraud. Cruise ship industry contacts report that approximately one million U.S. citizens enter the country by ship every year, primarily in Roatn, but also in La Ceiba on the northern coast. OSAC 2022-N-0025, Standard for Initial Response at Scenes by Scene Investigators. On May 31, members of the National Anti-Gang Unit shot and killed Wilson Ariel Prez Hernndez in San Pedro Sula, Corts Department. The armed forces, which report to the Secretariat of Defense, are responsible for external security but also exercise some domestic security responsibilities in support of the national police and other civilian authorities. 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. 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. There was limited support for persons with mental illnesses or disabilities. The Public Ministry also has a Special Prosecutors Office for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Journalists, Social Communicators, and Justice Officials.

John Forbes Lumen Prints, Medway Park Swimming Timetable, Jergens Ultra Healing For Scars, Articles O