osac crime and safety report honduras

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). Local law allows the police to detain someone for up to 24 hours for administrative processing. osac crime and safety report hondurasmary catherine o'shea daughter of virginia mayo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt. -threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. 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. 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. The governments National Policy to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination seeks to promote equality and combat discrimination related to the countrys two Afro-descendent and seven Indigenous groups (see below), with a focus on social and political participation; access to education, health care, justice, and employment opportunities; and rights to ancestral lands and natural resources. ET on January 31, 2022. Nonetheless, many prisoners remained in custody after completing their full sentences, and sometimes even after an acquittal, because officials failed to process their releases expeditiously. Counterfeit medicines are available inpulperas (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported inFarmacias del Ahorro. 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. 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. The Secretariat of Labor has the power to declare a work stoppage illegal and grants employers the ability to discipline employees consistent with their internal regulations, including by firing strikers, if the secretariat rules that a work stoppage is illegal. Always carry a mobile phone in case of emergency. Access to Asylum: The law provides for granting asylum or refugee status. Gangs are not reluctant to use violence, and specialize in murder-for-hire, carjacking, extortion, and other violent street crime. On January 10, unknown assailants shot and killed transgender activist Thala Rodrguez in her home in Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazn Department. 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. There is no information to suggest that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. The trial on murder charges of Josu Exequiel Martnez, Siriaco Meja Santos, Francisco Lpez Lazo, and Mario Anbal Lpez Velsquez began on November 25. The law permits fines, and the penalty is commensurate with those for other laws involving denials of civil rights, such as discrimination. Violators face penalties of one to three years in prison and possible suspension of their professional licenses, but the government did not effectively enforce the law. 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. 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. 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. Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. Members of the LGBTI+ community have reported violent assaults because of gender identity and sexual orientation. LGBTQI+ rights groups asserted that government agencies and private employers engaged in discriminatory hiring practices. Impunity for such crimes remained high, as was the impunity rate for all types of crime. Major cities connect via an inconsistently maintained, two-lane system of paved roads, with many unpaved secondary roads. Download the State Departments Crime Victims Assistance, For fire and public safety emergencies, dial. Kidnappings declined by 82% since 2013, from 92 in 2013 to 14 in 2018, and 12 in 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. , which requires free prior notice and informed consent from indigenous communities before any development projects can begin; the congress has not approved a law regulating this process. On September 16, the cabinet approved an executive decree to create a General Directorate of Information and Press under the Ministry of Strategic Planning. OSAC Embassy employees and others have experienced skimming at well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Civil society had criticized the law for limiting transparency and allowing officials to use the classification of documents to hide corruption. 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. 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). This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa. Transgender women were particularly vulnerable to employment and education discrimination; many could find employment only as sex workers, increasing their vulnerability to violence and extortion. Due to the lack of enforcement of traffic laws, travelers should make an extraordinary effort to drive defensively. There are few U.S.-educated physicians in Tegucigalpa. Fire Department operations: +504-2231-1667. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report - DocsLib On January 9, unknown assailants killed Pablo Hernndez in San Marcos de Caiqun, Lempira Department. 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. 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. Persons with HIV and AIDS continued to be targets of discrimination, and they suffered disproportionately from gender-based violence. Although the law generally prohibits such actions, a legal exception allows government authorities to enter a private residence to prevent a crime or in case of another emergency. The Secretariat of Labor may levy a fine against companies that fail to pay social security obligations, but the amount was not sufficient to deter violations. Authorities charged two individuals with her murder, one of whom remained at large. Cruise lines and port agencies offer approved tour companies offering packages. Reproductive Rights: There were no reports of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization on the part of government authorities. 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. Low salaries and a lack of internal controls rendered judicial officials susceptible to bribery. The Public Ministry also has a Special Prosecutors Office for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Journalists, Social Communicators, and Justice Officials. Except in some very rural locations, police are aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. Discrimination: Although the law accords women and men the same legal rights and status, including property rights in divorce cases, many women did not fully enjoy such rights due to barriers in access to justice and lack of information regarding legal protections. The government prosecuted some officials who committed human rights abuses or engaged in corruption, but a weak judicial system and corruption were major obstacles to obtaining convictions. 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. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa. President Juan Orlando Hernndez of the National Party (PN) was subsequently reelected in 2017 by a narrow margin. The Office of the Inspector General of the Armed Forces and the Humanitarian Law Directorate investigated and arrested members of the military accused of human rights abuses. 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 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reported that authorities at times failed to enforce these requirements effectively. Involuntary or Coercive Medical or Psychological Practices Specifically Targeting LGBTQI+ Individuals: There were no reports of unnecessary surgeries performed on intersex persons. 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. 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. HMCs lab was reviewed by the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist and found to be up to U.S. standards and quality assurance practices. 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. 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. There is street crime even in gated communities commonly referred to locally as. Transiting migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations continued to face acute security risks in border zones. Only sealed commercial water containers (bottles) are considered safe to drink. 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. Profile. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. CONADEH received no reports of racial or ethnic discrimination as of August. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) - United States Department of 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. The media also engaged in self-censorship to avoid losing lucrative advertising contracts with the government. These deaths included several in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba involving U.S. citizens murdered shortly after arriving in the country. Members of the LGBTI+ community have reported violent assaults because of gender identity and sexual orientation. Dial 911 for emergency or call (504) 2232-4092. The purpose of the labor stoppage and demonstrations was to denounce the nonpayment of wages by the Secretariat of Health and other issues. Embassy employees and others have experienced skimming at well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers. 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. According to a November 2019 study entitled Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility for the Central District and Comayaguela, 48% of passengers reported having been assaulted one time in the past 12 months while traveling on a Rapidito, 31% twice, 11% three times, and 10% more than three times. Reports of kidnappings of U.S. citizens are not common, with zero reports for 2019. 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. While there are no areas in major urban cities free of violent crime, notably dangerous locations in Tegucigalpa include the areas surrounding Suyapa Cathedral, downtown Comayagela, downtown Tegucigalpa, and neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city that are generally controlled by gangs. Honduras decided in late 2018, based on reciprocity, to institute the same reporting requirement. Honduras: Freedom in the World 2021 Country Report | Freedom House 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. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. Most of these attacks involved gang members demanding extortion payments. Gracias a Diosis a remote location where narcotics trafficking is frequent, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police/military presence is scarce. The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages intercity car and bus travel after dark. The government did not effectively enforce the law. A lower court provisionally dismissed Rubs fraud charge on September 20, and the Public Ministry appealed the decision. Bureau of Diplomatic Security These crimes may have been the result of tips from sources surveilling the airport arrival area. However, there can be communal tension over land ownership, natural resource allocation, and exploitation. otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels; other tourist installations have increased private and police security. Overseas Security Advisory Council Honduras - United States Department of Justice Credit card skimming is common. In most prisons, only inmates who purchased bottled water or had water filters in their cells had access to potable water. Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Honduras. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. Penalties were sometimes applied against violators. Exercise extreme caution driving on isolated stretches of road and passing other vehicles on mountainous curves. 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 2021 Secretariat of Labor figures, approximately 75 percent of workers worked in the informal economy, equivalent to approximately 2.7 million persons, while a 2020 UN Development Program report estimated that 82 percent of workers were part of the informal economy. The National Human Rights Commission (CONADEH) reported two arbitrary or unlawful killings by security forces as of August. Brown Follow Us: January 22, 2021 Cable signal theft and counterfeit products are the most prevalent violations of intellectual property rights in Honduras. Persons suspected of any of 21 specific felonies must remain in custody, pending the conclusion of judicial proceedings against them. While hurricane winds are a concern, much of the damage to infrastructure comes as a result of the ensuing flooding and rock/mudslides. Civil society continued to raise problems with minimum wage violations, highlighting agricultural companies in the south as frequent violators. open sources and (U) embassy reporting. There is no information to suggest that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners. Failure to register resulted in denial of public services, including access to health services or school enrollment. 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. By law, workers may remove themselves from situations that endanger their health or safety without jeopardizing continued employment. The Secretariat of Labor had an insufficient number of inspectors to enforce the wage, hour, and OSH laws effectively. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. 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. 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. NGOs reported the government did not effectively combat discrimination or promote equal access to government services and employment opportunities. The government tasks CONAPREV with visiting prisons and making recommendations for protecting the rights of prisoners. gangs are the most active and powerful. Tasked with securing diplomacy and protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents, the Diplomatic Security Service has the largest global reach of any U.S. federal law enforcement agency, with offices in 29 U.S. cities and in more than 270 locations around the world. 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. 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. 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. On October 17, the Public Ministry charged four unit officials for their involvement in Prezs killing. The law does not permit active members of the military or civilian security forces to vote. 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. By law, the secretariat may fine companies that violate the right to freedom of association. Overseas Security Advisory Council - U.S. Embassy in Honduras Latest News. Honduras and U.S. Relations. January 26, 2022 At a glance Population: 10.1 million 2.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid Indigenous and ethnic minority communities are frequently located in rural areas, which enjoy lower levels of criminal activity. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. Since 2010, 42. The government allocated a budget of 20 million lempiras ($796,000) to operate a protection mechanism for journalists, human rights defenders, and judicial sector operators. drivers licenses, vehicle registration). OSAC 2022-S-0024, Best Practice Recommendations for Evaluative Forensic DNA Testimony. 03 / Select Countries You can add more than one country or area. 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. 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. It was unclear how many of these threats were related to the victims professions or activism. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. Honduras. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. 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. 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. Media noted that family members often faced long delays or were unable to visit detainees. Country-Specific Resources | VIGH Student Portal | Vanderbilt University 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 does not cover domestic workers, the vast majority of whom were women. PF79-84SW: Honduras 2018 Crime & Safety Report - Archive Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. Some larger cities have police forces that operate independently of the national police and report to municipal authorities. There were no credible reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. The government generally respected these provisions. how to horizontally center a div in bootstrap. 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). 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. Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. Independent Monitoring: The government generally permitted prison visits by independent local and international human rights observers, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. Long periods of pretrial detention remained common, with many pretrial detainees held with convicted prisoners. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas. Contact OSACsLatin Americateam with any questions or to join. The government did not effectively enforce these laws and regulations. The government continued to prosecute individuals allegedly involved in the 2016 killing of environmental and Indigenous activist Berta Cceres. The law prohibits employers from requiring pregnancy tests as a prerequisite for employment. The government operated six consolidated reporting and support centers in major cities and one mobile unit for the departments of Yoro and Corts where women could report crimes, seek medical and psychological attention, and receive other services. The Public Ministry reported 11 cases of alleged illegal detention or arbitrary arrest as of September. The law criminalizes sexual harassment, including in employment. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over security forces. There are an estimated 7,000-10,000 gang members in a country with an approximate population of ten million people. Republic of Honduras - United States Department of Justice 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. Others reported direct acts of intimidation or threats of violence from government officials or supporters for publicly being critical of the government. 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. These workers are not covered by the contributory social security system and are not protected by the labor code. 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. Libel/Slander Laws: Citizens, including public officials, may initiate criminal proceedings for libel and slander. Governmental Posture Towards International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Abuses of Human Rights, Section 6. 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. Civil unrest in Tegucigalpa and other parts of Honduras remains a constant challenge. The repeal went into effect on June 28. Reach the local police anywhere in Honduras by dialing, . 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. 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. As of September, CONAPREV reported the countrys detention center for high-profile suspects and those in need of additional security, including police and military officials, held 29 individuals. Organized-crime organizations, such as drug traffickers and local and transnational gangs including MS-13 and the 18th Street gang, committed killings, extortion, kidnappings, human trafficking, and intimidation of police, prosecutors, journalists, women, and human rights defenders. NGOs reported gangs engaged in corrective rape of lesbian or transgender individuals. Individuals and organizations may appeal adverse domestic decisions to the Inter-American Human Rights system. Gangs control some of the taxi services. Enforcement of OSH standards was particularly weak in the construction, garment assembly, and agricultural sectors, as well as in the informal economy.

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