U.S. citizens should exercise caution while sailing or mooring in Honduran waters. The government places specially trained police forces in areas tourists frequent (e.g. Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. Airlines estimate that approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens flew into Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or Roatn in 2019. Honduran law prohibited the prosecution of victims for unlawful acts traffickers compelled them to commit. One U.S. citizen was reported kidnapped between January and September 2013.. 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. 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. . Although Honduras has made some progress, many perceive the property registration system as unreliable and a constraint on investment, particularly in the Bay Islands. Gangs are not reluctant to use violence, and specialize in murder-for-hire, carjacking, extortion, and other violent street crime. An NGO noted courts continued to delay trafficking cases despite a requirement in the anti-trafficking law to process such cases in a timely manner, an issue further exacerbated by the pandemic. However, Honduran law enforcement authorities ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents and prosecute criminals is limited. Honduras's prison population has doubled over the past decade, partly due to a 2013 reform that greatly expanded the use of mandatory pre-trial detention. 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). Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. Until his life grew increasingly violent. Assaults in these areas may be based on tips from sources at airport arrival areas, so visitors are strongly urged to exercise caution in discussing travel plans in public. "Indeed, women are the affected ones, but as men, we have a greater opportunity to influence other men and make them reflect on how we impact our sisters, friends and colleagues with our behaviour. It provided a family, a sense of belonging. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. 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. Thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur. Caption: Activist Massay Crisantho uses her influence and far-reaching platforms to advocate for the rights of women and girls in the country. 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? Major cities connect via an inconsistently maintained, two-lane system of paved roads, with many unpaved secondary roads. Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers. This team continued to operate during the pandemic despite restrictions on movement and inadequate funding for personal protective equipment. Due to the remote nature of these areas, the governments ability to respond to violence or other problems is often very limited, as is access to medical facilities. Authorities reported restrictions implemented to mitigate the pandemic impeded investigations in commercial venues where trafficking has been known to occur and slowed investigations and prosecutions of trafficking crimes. The immediate response team provided 67 victims of trafficking and related crimes with assistance, including legal advice, immediate protection, and psychological services. 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The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Honduras. 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. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit. Honduras has a high homicide rate, with a murder rate of 36 people per 100,000 in 2020. 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. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses. The government offered services to both forced labor and sex trafficking victims but identified a disproportionately low number of forced labor victims compared to the estimated prevalence of forced labor in the country. Traffickers exploit Honduran adults and children in forced labor in street vending, forced begging, domestic service, drug trafficking, and the informal sector in their own country, as well as forced labor in other countries, particularly Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. Report on the U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Root causes of Migration international and local public pressure, MACCIHs mandate ended in January 2020 without agreement for its extension between the OAS and the Honduran government. Regional advisory - Avoid non-essential travel. El Salvador is not dangerous for travelers as violence has declined to its lowest level in over 30 years. Historically, governments have. Officials flew Garza, a 48-year-old . honduras crime and safety report 2022 - rccw.rocks International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and USAID implementing partners have reported threats and violence when visiting some rural communities. Honduras: Freedom in the World 2022 Country Report | Freedom House Humanitarian Assistance: Since April 2021, USAID reached approximately 1.9 million people impacted by recurrent droughts, COVID-19, and severe damage from Hurricanes Eta and Iota in northern. 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 to crime. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate health coverage while in Honduras. According to a report published in June 2020 by the Network Against Anti-Union Violence, 36 trade unionists were murdered between 2009 and 2019. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area. Counterfeit U.S. currency is also common. A woman is likely to be killed every 36 hours in this country. Honduras has the highest femicide rate in the Latin American region, with6.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. U.S. Citizen Murdered in Roatan | Cruise Law News Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report. Article 219 of the Honduran penal code, which came into effect in June 2020, criminalized sex and labor trafficking and prescribed penalties of five to eight years imprisonment. The rainy season usually runs May-November. This is the second consecutive year that the murder rate falls below 40 per 100,000 population since 2014, which. As a result, there is no longer free travel between Honduras and Nicaragua. Embassy employees and others have experienced skimming at well- known restaurants, hotels, and retailers. We have provided a few examples below that you can copy and paste to your site: Your image export is now complete. According to the International Rescue Committee, femicides are a major concern in Honduras. 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. There is no information to suggest that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners. 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. "I think it is important that young people, and particularly men, raise awareness about this type of violence," added Daniel Vijil, from the youth institution El Milenio. On May 30, protesters blocked several main avenues in Tegucigalpa, including access to Toncontn International Airport (TGU). 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. 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 last two years have shone an unflattering light . In 2012, a U.S. citizen reported that his boat was boarded and his passengers were the victims of an armed robbery while sailing in Honduran waters near Puerto Cortes, three miles north of Punta Sal. The UN takes all reports of possible wrongdoing seriously. Review the State Departments webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers. Although crime and violent crime occur in all parts of Honduras, the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the countrys highest crime rates. CountryReports 1997 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved. La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels; other tourist installations have increased private and police security. Massay Crisantho is one of the 21 most influential people named ambassadors to help advocate on ending violence against women and girls by the United Nations in Honduras. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded. Honduras Crime. Safety and crime information on Honduras 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. Alerts and Messages - U.S. Embassy in Honduras Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report. The government lacks resources to investigate and prosecute cases; police often lack vehicles/fuel to respond to calls for assistance. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2011 Global Study on Homicide, Honduras has the highest per capita homicide rate in the world, with 86 homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants. The women who have lost their lives violently this year are women who can no longer contribute to the economy and development of Honduras", she regretted. The government provided 31 victims with witness protection services including measures to protect their identity; shelter; and economic, medical and psychosocial assistance. We have also confirmed reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. The following day, protesters started a fire outside of one of the U.S. Embassys entrances during demonstrations against public-sector reforms in the country. For more in-depth information, review OSACs Honduras country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Honduras - Safety & Security ; Honduras - Country Commercial Guide Honduras Country Commercial Guide. 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. Total Local Production. "Two years ago, I came asking for help at a time when I couldn't take it anymore, to the extent that I intended to attempt against my life, with no hope for anything. 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. These tensions have resulted in intense protests and violence. 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. Most often, pickpocketing and theft of bags and wallets occur here. HOUSTON Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston, with assistance from ERO Tegucigalpa and the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force, removed Rufino Garza Monroy, a twice-deported foreign fugitive from the United States on Feb. 24. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Ecuador Crime. Safety and crime information on Ecuador | CountryReports Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. Please check your download folder. There are claims of widespread corruption in land sales, deed filing, and dispute resolution, including claims against attorneys, real estate companies, judges, and local officials. Crime Information for Tourists in Ecuador Crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. UN teams are now better enabled to support countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. See the description of highways/areas to be avoided in the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section below for details. Honduras received support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation in the development of an e-procurement platform and public procurement auditing. CICESCT referred 37 victimsfive boys, 22 girls, and 10 womento government and NGO shelters for additional care. Extortion threats commonly originate through social engineering. The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. Police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime or may not respond at all. Sources indicate that organized criminal organizations have been . It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. 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. My partner did not like me to go out, not even to church. The government identified fewer victims overall and investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fewer suspects. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. However, the government lacked formal procedures for identifying victims among children apprehended for gang-related criminal activity. The government and NGOs identified 42 trafficking victims in 2020, including 31 exploited in sex trafficking and 11 in forced labor; two of the labor trafficking victims were children forced to commit unlawful acts. UNODC works on the development of standards for national crime and criminal justice information systems and for the conduct of victimization surveys. Safety in El Salvador. 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. Violence against women, the other pandemic impacting Honduras Exercise extreme caution driving on isolated stretches of road and passing other vehicles on mountainous curves. 2022 estimated. 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. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. For fire and public safety emergencies, dial 911. DOS Trafficking in Persons Report - 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019. Kidnappings have occurred in recent years, with large ransoms paid and infrequent capture of the kidnappers. The government investigated two police officials for suspected trafficking crimes and six police officials for smuggling crimes that may have increased migrants vulnerability to trafficking. Quarter of residents in Yangon's poorest areas often go without income, From Grief to Growth: Supporting a Woman Farmer in Lebanon, Reaching the last mile in Uganda: Decentralised Coordination for impact, Strengthening Resident Coordinator Leadership, Violence against women, the other pandemic impacting Honduras, United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. For more information on the work of the United Nations in Honduras, visit Honduras.UN.org. 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. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Land title procedures have been an issue leading to investment disputes involving U.S. nationals who are landowners. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. 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. Review OSACs report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas. Preliminary Observations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on its Visit to Honduras - May 15 TO 18, 2010 Honduras: Human Rights and the Coup D' ETAT - Dec. 2009 Return to the Top of the Page Justice System Foreign Government Reports Canada Responses to Information Requests (RIRs) Weapons abound in Honduras, and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. Although many tourists come to this city, there is a high crime rate, which is worth remembering when planning a trip to this city. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. U.S. organizations and citizens report corruption in the public sector and the judiciary is a significant constraint to investment in Honduras. Intentional homicides are estimates of unlawful homicides purposely inflicted as a result of domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, intergang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. This report is a result of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and complies with Federal reporting requirements, specifically 20 U.S. Code Section 1092 (f). Some victims provided testimony through pre-recorded interviews in secure Gesell chambers or, due to the pandemic, video calls. CICESCT reported using online training platforms to educate stakeholders on the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on trafficking trends and how to adapt. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. Criminals sometimes obtain personal information through social media, the internet, or a victims family member. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. 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. Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal narcotics are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Download Historical Data. Driving in Honduras can be dangerous. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to report the matter. Copyright 2023 United Nations Sustainable Development Group. This helps keep everyone in poverty. the Copan Mayan ruins and Roatn). This report of the Central America Monitor aims to define a baseline for the indicators related to reducing violence and combatting organized crime in Honduras. In March 2019, the Honduran Government created the National Urban Transportation Security Force to combat extortion and other crimes perpetrated by gangs. BTI 2022 Honduras Country Report Authorities initiated prosecutions of nine suspects (seven for sex trafficking and two for forced labor), compared with 55 initiated in 2019 (53 for sex trafficking including procuring commercial sex acts and two for forced labor) and 35 in 2018. Three LGBTQ+ People Were Killed in Honduras on Same Day In 2019, there were 1,500 traffic fatalities throughout the country. 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. s Honduras Safe For Tourists? Expert Tips & Advice for 2023 - Layer Culture The 18th Street and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gangs are the most active and powerful. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us. The country does not appear to be a terrorist safe haven. In 2021, almost 39 homicides were committed per 100,000 inhabitants in Honduras. To find out more about the results of our work in this area and in others, read the UNSDG Chair's report on the Office for Development Coordination. Homicide rate in Honduras 2022 | Statista