Financial Crime World

Honduras: A Nation Confronting Multifaceted Challenges

Honduras is grappling with a multitude of issues affecting various aspects of society. This article delves into the complexities of public security, women’s and girls’ rights, migration, asylum, internal displacement, sexual orientation and gender identity, and disability rights in Honduras.

Public Security: A Crisis Unfolding

Honduras has one of the highest homicide rates globally, with 3,661 murders reported in 2022. The government declared a state of emergency due to organized crime, but this measure has been criticized for its impact on human rights.

  • Severe overcrowding: Prisons are severely overcrowded, with almost 19,000 detainees as of September, which is 72% more than their capacity.
  • Homicide rate: Honduras has one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

Women’s and Girls’ Rights: A Threat to Safety

Honduras has the highest rate of femicide in Latin America, according to 2021 data from the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. The Centro de Derechos de Mujeres counted 317 femicides from January through September 2023.

  • Abortion: Abortion is illegal under all circumstances with prison sentences of up to six years.
  • Femicide rate: Honduras has the highest rate of femicide in Latin America.

Migration, Asylum, and Internal Displacement: A Journey of Risk

From January through September, Mexico’s refugee agency reported 31,055 Hondurans had requested asylum there, second only to Haitians. Migrants face serious risks including kidnapping, robbery, and discrimination throughout their journey.

  • Migrant risks: Migrants face serious risks including kidnapping, robbery, and discrimination.
  • Asylum requests: Mexico’s refugee agency reported 31,055 Hondurans had requested asylum there.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: A Struggle for Rights

LGBT people in Honduras continue to suffer high levels of violence and discrimination forcing some to flee the country. Cattrachas registered 40 homophobic or transphobic killings from January through October 2023.

  • Violence against LGBT: LGBT people in Honduras continue to suffer high levels of violence and discrimination.
  • Killings: Cattrachas registered 40 homophobic or transphobic killings from January through October 2023.

Disability Rights: A Barrier to Inclusion

Deficiencies in public infrastructure, difficulties in accessing employment, mistreatment in public transportation services, and poor access to information are part of the barriers people with disabilities face in Honduras. The ombudsperson report estimates that 14% of Hondurans have some type of physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial disability.

  • Disability rates: The ombudsperson report estimates that 14% of Hondurans have some type of physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial disability.
  • Barriers to inclusion: Deficiencies in public infrastructure, difficulties in accessing employment, mistreatment in public transportation services, and poor access to information are part of the barriers people with disabilities face in Honduras.