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Honduras Remains Violent Despite Decline in Domestic Homicides

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Tegucigalpa - Despite a recent decrease in domestic homicide rates, Honduras continues to be one of the most violent countries globally. The country’s mafia groups have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to further their criminal activities, and corruption remains a significant obstacle to combating organized crime.

Mafia Groups’ Exploitation

• According to sources, mafia groups in Honduras refrained from extortion during the pandemic, allowing them to enter the political sphere by funding allies’ campaigns for municipal positions.
• Transportista groups, comprising family-based networks, have also assisted mafia groups in criminal activities such as transport logistics, cargo security, and money laundering.

Corruption and Political Ties

• Bribery and corruption play a significant role in organized crime groups’ operations, with deep political ties to local law enforcement and public officials facilitating their activities.
• Corrupt officials at different levels of government create opportunities for organized crime, and even construct infrastructure and transportation necessities for criminal entities.

State Security Forces Involvement

• State security forces are involved in the arms and drug trafficking markets, with a former president recently extradited to the US for his involvement in these illegal activities.
• Foreign criminal entities, particularly Colombian and Mexican drug trafficking networks, operate in Honduras through small emissary groups located in large cities and rural areas.

Law Enforcement Capacity

• The country’s law enforcement capacity remains limited, with previous administrations’ legacies posing significant challenges.
• Efforts to increase security at legal ports of entry by investing in port infrastructure and technology have been made, but the country’s location and terrain make it a notable hub for regional trafficking of illicit goods and people.

Anti-Money Laundering Efforts

• Honduras faces critical obstacles in its anti-money laundering efforts due to a lack of investigative capacity, inter-institutional cooperation, and digitalization.
• The country’s economic regulatory system is highly corrupt, leading to the development of a large informal economy benefiting corrupt private sector actors.

Support for Victims of Crime

• The support for victims of crime is highly inadequate, with few mechanisms in place to support victims of modern slavery and inefficient witness protection programs.
• NGOs provide rehabilitation services to drug abuse victims, but prevention initiatives are lacking, with a focus primarily on increased security and territorial integrity.

Press Freedom

• Honduras has a poor record on press freedom, with journalists and media employees at high risk of violence and harassment.
• State security forces perpetrate the highest levels of harassment and violence against journalists and media employees, resulting in rampant judicial corruption and the conviction and imprisonment of journalists falsely accused of defamation.

Human Rights Groups’ Efforts

• Despite these challenges, human rights groups continue to publicly oppose corruption, fight for indigenous land rights, and voice concerns over other prominent human rights-related issues in Honduras.
• The country’s civil society and social protection systems are in dire need of improvement to address the ongoing crisis.

Sources:

• Honduran government reports
• International Crime and Corruption Reports
• Local NGOs and Human Rights Organizations