In January 2012, the Peace Corps suspended its program in Honduras in order to review the safety and security of its volunteers. Among the findings is that nine out of 10 news stories promote the dissemination of morbid details, include inadequate justifications and stereotypical reporting, which adds on to the misrepresentation of reality, which affects how this type of news is understood and interpreted by the public. Authorities convicted two government officials, one on pimping charges and one for paid sexual relations, for their involvement in sex trafficking crimes in 2017. Authorities identified five of the victims through calls to government hotlines, and 16 were identified in Mexico or Guatemala and repatriated to Honduras. The immediate response team provided 67 victims of trafficking and related crimes with assistance, including legal advice, immediate protection, and psychological services. ", expressed the UN Resident Coordinator in Honduras, Alice Shackelford, on Twitter. 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: The following reports are broken down by campus alphabetically: Abington 2022 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (pdf) By comparison, the United States has a global safety ranking of 128. Visas - Most countries do not need a visa in order to enter Honduras for any stays shorter than 30 days.Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your date of arrival. Copyright 2023 United Nations Sustainable Development Group. Honduras: Freedom in the World 2022 Country Report | Freedom House Honduras has a long history of sustaining damage due to powerful tropical storms and hurricanes. 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, 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. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Caption: On 25th November, women and men rallied together to raise awareness of the increasing femicide rates and growing violence against women and girls at a UN-supported event. The government provided 31 victims with witness protection services including measures to protect their identity; shelter; and economic, medical and psychosocial assistance. 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. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Honduras. UNODC collects data on crime and the operation of criminal justice systems in order to make policy-relevant information and analysis available in a timely manner to the international community. Mass protests and the government's heavy-handed response have damaged the economy and sparked deadly . Counterfeit medicines are available in pulperas (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported in Farmacias del Ahorro. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Honduras. These tensions have resulted in intense protests and violence. Reach the local police anywhere in Honduras by dialing 911. The government maintained prosecution efforts. There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth. The government places specially trained police forces in areas tourists frequent (e.g. In October 2019, a thief stole the side view mirrors from a U.S. employees personally owned vehicle while it was parked on a side street near the Embassy. When possible, travel in groups. Is Honduras Safe to Visit in 2023? | Travellers Total Local Production. Review OSACs report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. My decision was to die." 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. Please check your download folder. Animals and people wander onto the roads. If you use our datasets on your site or blog, we ask that you provide attribution via a link back to this page. 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. CICESCT reported using online training platforms to educate stakeholders on the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on trafficking trends and how to adapt. Read more about the coordinated response to COVID-19. Violence against women, the other pandemic impacting Honduras Passing on blind corners is common. The rate of young people killing other young people is down to two main gangs : Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18. Despite significant Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report. . However, there can be communal tension over land ownership, natural resource allocation, and exploitation. 2022 estimated. Honduras Crime Rate & Statistics 1990-2023 | MacroTrends The public transportation sector is a regular target of extortion, and experiences higher levels of homicide than many other sectors. However, visitors have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches. Counterfeit Honduran lempiras (currency) are common, especially in the 100 and 500 denominations. According to the UNDP report on Honduras, in 2020, the primary school enrollment rate reached 92%. Received a complaint about honduras crime and safety report 2021 at Pioneer Park with murder November 2017 shorter! 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. Criminals expanded the use of social network platforms to recruit victims, often with false promises of employment, and continued to target vulnerable populations. This team continued to operate during the pandemic despite restrictions on movement and inadequate funding for personal protective equipment. Fire Department operations: +504-2231-1667. Three LGBTQ+ People Were Killed in Honduras on Same Day Since 2010, there have been approximately 60 murders of U.S. citizens reported in Honduras. Criminal organizations, including gangs, exploit girls in sex trafficking, force children into street begging, and coerce and threaten children and young adults to transport weapons, sell drugs, commit extortion, or serve as lookouts; this occurred primarily in urban areas, but one NGO reported an increase in gang activity in rural areas. The main problems are related to corruption, robbery, and vandalism. 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. "Honduras: Death of Keyla Martnez demands prompt, exhaustive and impartial investigation", 9 February The campaign and its different audiovisual assets have been broadcasted by over 15 media outlets nationwide and free of charge, including the country's most-watched TV network. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. 2.2. 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. Honduras sees 318 cases of femicide in 2021: Report At least 19 women murdered since beginning of 2022, says Honduras Center for Women's Studies Sinan Doan | 27.01.2022 Traffickers particularly target LGBTQI+ Hondurans, migrants, IDPs, persons with disabilities, children in child labor, children whose parents have migrated, and individuals living in areas controlled by organized criminal groups. Review OSACs reports, The Overseas Travelers Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit. Caption: UN Resident Coordinator in Honduras, Alice Shackelford meets with survivors at a local safe house. Is Roatn Safe - Is it Safe for Tourists to Travel on the Island of Roatn? Weather Alert for U.S. Citizens - Tropical Storm Julia (7 October, 2022) Message for U.S. Citizens: Absentee Voting Week is October 1-8, 2022 (28 September, 2022) Message for U.S. Citizens: Town Hall with Ambassador Dogu and Consular Services also Available in Roatan, Honduras (14 September, 2022) honduras crime and safety report 2022 - rccw.rocks honduras crime and safety report 2021 - nautilusva.com Death threats and gang violence forcing more families to - ReliefWeb CICESCT and the anti-trafficking prosecution unit each operated trafficking-specific hotlines that functioned throughout the pandemic. In November 2019, Tegucigalpa authorities began developing a luxury housing project in the La Tigra bioreserve, just outside of the city. Honduran regulations prohibited charging recruitment fees to workers, but the government did not report enforcement of these regulations in 2020. Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas and departments due to instances of violent crime, increased gang activity and violent demonstrations: within 20 km of the border with Guatemala with the exception of Copn Ruinas. 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. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI+ nightclubs. 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. Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers. Corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remained significant concerns, inhibiting law enforcement action during the year. 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. Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba) have homicide rates higher than the national average, as do several Honduran departments (a geographic designation like U.S. States), including Atlntida, Coln, Corts, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and Yoro. and the scope of organized crime in Honduras. Cruise lines and port agencies offer approved tour companies offering packages. The country does not appear to be a terrorist safe haven. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. 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. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. Caption: Activist Massay Crisantho uses her influence and far-reaching platforms to advocate for the rights of women and girls 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. 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) Traffickers exploit Honduran women and children in sex trafficking within the country and in other countries such as Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. The government maintained strong protection efforts, with CICESCTs immediate response team providing robust assistance to victims throughout the year. U.S. organizations and citizens report corruption in the public sector and the judiciary is a significant constraint to investment in Honduras. Pilar Lagos, Allan Chan, and PaulVanDeCarrfrom the Development Coordination Office (DCO) provided editorial support. Amend the penal code to ensure the penalties prescribed for trafficking crimes are commensurate with the penalties prescribed for other grave crimes, such as rape. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. There have been multiple incidents of gang members destroying city buses and taxis, and reports that gang members rob, assault, rape, kidnap, or murder passengers. For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. 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. Since 2010, Honduras has had one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, ranging between 59 and 86 per 100,000 according to the U.S. Department of State. As a result, criminals operate with a high degree of impunity. The government is implementing similar programs for other locations (e.g. In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country. The location and timing of criminal activity are unpredictable. In Honduras, the United Nations is committed to continue working together with a wide range ofsectors of the country in achieving a more just and equitable society, where it isnt dangerous to be a woman. Honduras has the highest femicide rate in the Latin American region, with6.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Crime in Honduras in 2012, according to the U.N., Honduras experienced. 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. The government cooperated with the Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to investigate trafficking cases and detain suspects. San Pedro Sula is not a safe place to travel, with a high crime rate. We have provided a few examples below that you can copy and paste to your site: Your image export is now complete. Crime Information for Tourists in Ecuador Crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. Peru Crime & Safety Report - LimaEasy Union leaders and labor activists in both the public and private sector face harassment, dismissal, and violence for their activities. Alerts and Messages - U.S. Embassy in Honduras Honduras - United States Department of Justice Explore and easily find UNSDG publications. A significant percentage of vehicles are in disrepair, underpowered, beyond their lifecycle, and would not meet U.S. road safety standards. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. 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 their wellbeing and that of their families. MUST READ! Is Honduras Safe to Visit in 2022? - The Broke Backpacker There is street crime even in gated communities commonly referred to locally as Barrio Seguros; these are generally safer areas in which to reside because of their heightened security measures. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law and be subject to local penalties. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. 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. Cruise ship passengers should take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and book only with reputable tour companies during their stopover in Honduras. 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. In 2019, there were 1,500 traffic fatalities throughout the country. 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. Crime in Roatan, Honduras. The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels, and there have also been armed robberies along the road to Copan. 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. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. Weapons abound in Honduras, and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables. Shall I live on, or shall I die? Avoid driving at night. Cable signal theft and counterfeit products are the most prevalent violations of intellectual property rights in Honduras. However, Honduran law enforcement authorities ability to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents and prosecute criminals is limited. 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. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. 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. 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. . Thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur. 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. The government did not make efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts. "I am a survivor of domestic violence and I am lucky to be alive," said Rosa Maria Perez at the launch of the campaign. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, is common. Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. A study conducted by the Spotlight Initiative and civil society partnersincluding the University Institute for Democracy, Peace and Security (IUDPAS) of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) and the communications company Sienprovided data on howmedia messages about violence against womenareframedin the news. Honduras is one of the murder capitals of the world. Review OSACs report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. Red Cross ambulance: 911, (504) 2227-7474 or (504) 2227-7575. Contact OSACs Latin America team with any questions or to join. 0. ERO Houston removes twice-deported foreign fugitive wanted in Honduras 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. Always carry a mobile phone in case of emergency. First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandezs Migration Task Force continued to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to informing Hondurans about the dangers of irregular migration, including trafficking risks, and the government continued public awareness campaigns warning of trafficking risks along migratory routes through Guatemala and Mexico. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), through the Spotlight Initiative and in partnership with civil society organizations, launched the "The Other Pandemic" campaign in order to activate a social movement to address and prevent gender-based violence. Visitors can send general inquiries to the communications team. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. Most cruise line passengers experience no problems, but there have been reports of associated armed robbery and carjacking. 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. This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas. 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. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: a. honduras crime and safety report 2021 - honolulu-supplies.com Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Honduras. A woman is likely to be killed every 36 hours in this country. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. For fire and public safety emergencies, dial 911. U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa Avenida La Paz, Tegucigalpa Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 0730-1630; Friday, 0800-1500 Tel: +504-2236-9320; After Hours: +504-2236-8497 Website: http://hn.usembassy.gov Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embajadahonduras/, U.S. Consular Agency San Pedro Sula Banco Atlntida Building, 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park, San Pedro Sula Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 1200-1600 Tel: +504-2558-1580 Website: https://hn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/spsca/. 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 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. Safety in El Salvador. Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel.