Yes, despite all the historical crime and violence, which don't affect tourists, El Salvador is safe to visit in 2023. For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. However, there can be communal tension over land ownership, natural resource allocation, and exploitation. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Emergency services, even in Tegucigalpa, generally are basic. 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. Honduras received support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation in the development of an e-procurement platform and public procurement auditing. In contrast, the enrollment in secondary schools dropped to 52%, while post-secondary education was attended by just 26% of the relevant age group in 2020. . Historically, governments have. The UNSDG has a strengthened coordination system that works at a country, regional and global level. Dial 911 for emergency or call (504) 2232-4092. Honduras Country Report 2022. . Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to report the matter. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark. Honduran law allowed foreign victims to receive temporary or permanent residency status, including authorization to work, though the government did not identify any foreign victims in 2020. 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. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have lower crime rates than other parts of the country. Organized 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, Index; Crime Index: 51.16: Safety Index: 48.84: Crime rates in Roatan, Honduras. The government places specially trained police forces in areas tourists frequent (e.g. However, the government lacked formal procedures for identifying victims among children apprehended for gang-related criminal activity. The government is implementing similar programs for other locations (e.g. The country does not appear to be a terrorist safe haven. NGOs reported authorities did not properly identify children forced to engage in illegal activities by criminal groups, reporting that the government may have inappropriately treated such children as criminals instead of victims. Kidnappings have occurred in recent years, with large ransoms paid and infrequent capture of the kidnappers. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. There is no information to suggest that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners. Since 2010, nine U.S. citizens have been reported as victims of rape or sexual assault in Honduras, signaling an increasing trend in these types of crimes. In accordance with the governments intersectoral protocol on victim protection, CICESCT coordinated with relevant government institutions and NGOs to provide additional services to victims, including mental health counseling, legal services, medical care, lodging, food, family reintegration, and repatriation. Courts issued prison sentences ranging from three to 13 years for convicted adult traffickers and ordered some of them to pay monetary fines to the government. A review of crime statistics from the Honduran national police shows that violent crimes are more prevalent in the Departments of Francisco Morazn and Corts. Authorities convicted two government officials, one on pimping charges and one for paid sexual relations, for their involvement in sex trafficking crimes in 2017. CICESCT referred 37 victimsfive boys, 22 girls, and 10 womento government and NGO shelters for additional care. During 2019, multiple vehicles belonging to U.S. and Honduran employees of the U.S. Embassy were burglarized and/or vandalized on side streets around the Embassy compound. These crimes may have been the result of tips from sources surveilling the airport arrival area. The Secretariat of Labor and Social Security (STSS) monitored and regulated compliance with labor laws and policies that could decrease workers vulnerability to trafficking, including those regulating private employment agencies and establishing protections for vulnerable classes of workers such as domestic workers, seafarers, and temporary workers in Canada; however, the government did not provide details on enforcement. Since 2010, there have been approximately 60 murders of U.S. citizens reported in Honduras. The Government of Honduras has a very limited law enforcement presence in some northern coastal areas, including parts of the departments of Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate health coverage while in Honduras. Visitors can send general inquiries to the communications team. Honduras remains deeply polarised. U.S. citizens in Honduras on U.S. government orders are only allowed to visit the Basilica of Suyapa with an organized tour group that provides armed security for the group. Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets. Cruise ship passengers should take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and book only with reputable tour companies during their stopover in Honduras. It is urgent to pass the law on safe houses where women who manage to get away from violent situations are taken care of. Review OSACs report, All That You Should Leave Behind. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. CICESCT reported using online training platforms to educate stakeholders on the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on trafficking trends and how to adapt. My decision was to die." The government convicted 14 traffickers, including 10 for sex trafficking, two for forced labor, and two for both sex trafficking and forced labor, compared with 34 traffickers convicted in 2019 (33 for sex trafficking/procuring commercial sex acts and one for forced labor) and 16 traffickers (including six for procuring commercial sex acts) convicted in 2018. 0. The U.S. Embassy has restricted U.S. government personnel travel to the Gracias a Dios Department in eastern Honduras because of credible threat information against U.S citizens. We have also confirmed reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets. Avoid using Collectivos (white sedan taxis with a sticker on the windshield denoting its established route), Roleteros (private white sedan taxis with no established routes), and Rapiditos (small buses that pick up multiple riders). Honduras is a destination for child sex tourists from Canada and the United States. Child victims could receive care from government or NGO shelters, while women had the option of receiving assistance from NGO shelters; there were no specialized shelters for trafficking victims and no shelters that accepted men. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. Weapons abound in Honduras, and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, there are limited facilities for individuals with disabilities. Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. The Honduran National Police wear blue uniforms, while the PMOP normally wear green camouflage. Shall I live on, or shall I die? honduras crime and safety report 2022. Labor inspectors did not identify any suspected trafficking cases in 2020. Counterfeit Honduran lempiras (currency) are common, especially in the 100 and 500 denominations. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Honduras. 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. Review OSACs report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. The rainy season usually runs May-November. Responding police fired tear gas in and around the main terminal to regain control after protesters entered the building and airport grounds. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. In January 2012, the Peace Corps suspended its program in Honduras in order to review the safety and security of its volunteers. ", expressed the UN Resident Coordinator in Honduras, Alice Shackelford, on Twitter. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are often inadequate; streets are often unmarked even in major cities. Natalia Lozano is a Honduran lawyer, working in the fields of human, women's, LGBT, and youth rights as the Honduran National Coordinator of Right Here Right Now. Fire Department Ambulance is fully equipped with emergency medical supplies and medical staff. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas. 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). Travelers should be aware, however, that the assistance the Embassy can provide is limited to making sure U.S. citizens are not treated differently from local detainees and providing them with a list of local attorneys. Crisis in Honduras: Ongoing violence and climate shocks Here are three reasons the International Rescue Committee's Emergency Watchlist ranks Honduras among 20 countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian crisis in 2022. The events targeted members of at-risk groupsincluding children and students, individuals with disabilities, and indigenous personsas well as potential first responders and officials from key sectors such as education and tourism. The government has established a special tourist police in the resort town of Tela and other tourist destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan, but the number of tourist police deployed is small and coverage is limited. Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel. An official website of the United States Government, Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. Of November 2021, almost 39 homicides were committed per 100,000 crimes are carried out by acting., 2022, in Uvalde, Texas in Action - Honduras /a > Qatar iverson house . 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 U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. 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 San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels. 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. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Until his life grew increasingly violent. Even when traffic signals are working, drivers often ignore them. You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Honduras remained on Tier 2. CICESCT maintained a public website and launched social media accounts to share information on human trafficking with the public. In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 36.33, a 13.52% decline from 2019. Airlines estimate that approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens flew into Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or Roatn in 2019. drivers licenses, vehicle registration). 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. "My respect to the brave women survivors of domestic violence! If I did, I would get beaten up, explained a survivor of gender-based violencewho spoke anonymously with us to protect her safetyduring a visit of UN authorities to a safe house. Highlights July 27, 2022: Student Reports of Bullying: Results from the 2019 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey July 12, 2022: Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools in 2019-20: Findings from the School Survey on Crime and Safety June 28, 2022: Caption: Honduras has the highest femicide rates in Latin America. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. Discrimination occurs against ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community. Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal narcotics are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. If you use our datasets on your site or blog, we ask that you provide attribution via a link back to this page. Resolution of disputes in court often takes years. The public transportation sector is a regular target of extortion, and experiences higher levels of homicide than many other sectors. The Honduran government conducts occasional joint police/military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. During July 2019 alone, the cities of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa recorded 11 attacks leaving 15 people dead, mostly taxi drivers and bus drivers. Develop and implement standardized procedures for victim identification and referral, including screening for indicators of forced criminal activity among children involved in gang-related crimes. In 2019, there were 1,500 traffic fatalities throughout the country. As a result, criminals operate with a high degree of impunity. The immediate response team provided 67 victims of trafficking and related crimes with assistance, including legal advice, immediate protection, and psychological services. San Pedro Sula is not a safe place to travel, with a high crime rate. 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. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. Honduras decided in late 2018, based on reciprocity, to institute the same reporting requirement. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, is common. Gracias a Dios is a remote location where narcotics trafficking is frequent, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police/military presence is scarce. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. Armed robbery is a common problem, with armed bandits attacking minibusses and vans loaded with tourists traveling from the airport to their hotels in San Pedro Sula. 4-Minute Listen Playlist Download Transcript NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with veteran journalist Carlos Dada, founder of El Faro newspaper, about his latest reporting from Honduras. 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. Local law allows the police to detain someone for up to 24 hours for administrative processing. My appreciation and congratulations to Ana Cruz and the fantastic work of safe houses! The UNSDG guides, supports, tracks and oversees the coordination of development operations in 162 countries and territories. Migrants from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, the Middle East, and South America who transit Honduras en route to the United States are vulnerable to being exploited in trafficking. CICESCT provided 76,970 lempiras ($3,080) to an NGO operating a shelter that accommodated women, girls, and boys up to age 12 and dedicated 318,040 lempiras ($12,720) to victims immediate needs including food, hygiene supplies, and lodging. Union leaders and labor activists in both the public and private sector face harassment, dismissal, and violence for their activities. Thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur. One U.S. citizen was reported kidnapped between January and September 2013.. Title insurance is not widely available in Honduras and approximately 80% of the privately held land in the country is either untitled or improperly titled. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages intercity car and bus travel after dark. The Government of Honduras does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. In June, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights found that Honduras had violated the rights to life and personal integrity of Vicky Hernndez, a transgender woman, sex worker and activist killed during the 2009 coup. The ambulance does not have paramedics or emergency medical equipment; it functions solely as transport to hospitals. Goals we are supporting through this initiative, UNSDG Chair's report on the Office for Development Coordination, UN agencies launch emergency response after devastating Trkiye and Syria quakes, Strengthening mental health services in the Pacific during COVID-19 and beyond, A good dose of hope: Data innovation helps Indonesia ramp up COVID-19 vaccination drive, Leaving no smallholder farmer or micro entrepreneur behind: Cell phones come to the rescue and boost jobs in post-COVID Benin, UN deputy chief urges Resident Coordinators in Africa to maximize their convening power to rescue the SDGs, Updates #50 from the UN country teams: Supporting the worldwide response to COVID-19 and accelerating progress towards the Global Goals, Getting out of a jam: Supporting traditional farmers and small business owners during COVID-19, United with India: Supporting India's COVID-19 vaccination drive, The COVID-19 infodemic threatens polio vaccination progress in Benin, 2021 Year in Review: We underestimate this virus at our peril, Updates from the field #48: UN teams tackle the emerging Omicron variant and other challenges, Somalia is on the path of recovery, but real challenges remain, Stronger together: Uruguay, a model of sustainable development, Access to information is the cure of disinformation, Only one way forward: The world confronts multiple crises, 3 ways the UN is supporting Peru to tackle the pandemic, protect the planet and leave no one behind, Post-COVID in Senegal: A reaffirmed commitment to sustainable, equitable and resilient development for all, Remarks to the high-level ministerial meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan. Total Exports. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report. A woman is likely to be killed every 36 hours in this country. Some would-be muggers and gang members keep to a daily schedule, riding city buses from one stop to the next, committing criminal acts with impunity along the way. The new amendments to the penal code lowered the penalties for trafficking crimes, resulting in penalties that were not commensurate with those prescribed for other grave crimes, such as rape. Through this initiative I can be a spokesperson for women who experience this type of violence and I can use my platforms to inform and raise awareness about the issue in a male-dominatedsociety where we normalize this type of situation, said Massay Crisantho, who is and activist and advocate for the human rights and the culture of the Garifunaethnic community. Officials flew Garza, a 48-year-old . 2018 toyota rav4 pros and cons. Increase efforts to identify victims, including among particularly vulnerable populations such as adult migrants, and provide assistance to all victims, including forced labor victims. Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch. Vehicles often drive at night without adequate lighting. The government cooperated with the Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to investigate trafficking cases and detain suspects. Uniforms and vehicles are all clearly marked. Since 1995, 115 U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras; of these, just 32 cases have been resolved. Roads have poor lighting and markings. In November 2019, Tegucigalpa authorities began developing a luxury housing project in the La Tigra bioreserve, just outside of the city. 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. Earlier. 0. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. Victims who tested positive for COVID-19 faced delays or limitations in receiving services from shelters. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. As a result of this study, UN Women will be organizing trainings for media outlets on objective and respectful journalism in these types of subjects. Although Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, thefts, break-ins, assaults, and murders do occur. The law on safe houses needs to be passed! Government agencies, including CICESCT, its local committees, the Public Ministry, the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the Secretariat of Education, provided anti-trafficking trainings to police, lawyers, judges, other government officials, tourism professionals, civil society organizations, teachers, and members of the public throughout the country; due to the pandemic, the government conducted the majority of trainings virtually, which allowed them to reach more stakeholders and decrease costs. Violent crime is a serious issue in the entire country, with crimes such as kidnappings, rape, assaults, and murders. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Lima as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The government conducted law enforcement operations targeting irregular migration and increased border enforcement, leading to 160 arrests for smuggling crimes that increased migrants vulnerability to trafficking. The government reported investigating 82 cases of suspected sex trafficking and related crimes in 2020, compared with 91 suspected cases investigated in 2019 and 145 in 2018. Major cities (e.g. Passing on blind corners is common. The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. In 2013, Honduras had the highest rate of violent deaths of women in the world. international and local public pressure, MACCIHs mandate ended in January 2020 without agreement for its extension between the OAS and the Honduran government. La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels; other tourist installations have increased private and police security. CICESCT sustained its efforts to provide immediate protection to victims and coordinate additional services among other stakeholders without interruption throughout the pandemic. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Criminals sometimes obtain personal information through social media, the internet, or a victims family member. There are an estimated 7,000-10,000 gang members in a country with an approximate population of ten million people. Increase government funding for victim services, including to NGOs, and anti-trafficking police and prosecutorial units. UNODC works on the development of standards for national crime and criminal justice information systems and for the conduct of victimization surveys. Download the State Departments Crime Victims Assistance brochure. Among the 45 Cuban medical professionals the government contracted to assist during the pandemic, some may have been forced to work by the Cuban government.