President Castro’s Reforms in Honduras: Progress and Challenges

Reducing Crime and Corruption: Key Reforms

The administration of President Xiomara Castro has been working to reduce crime and corruption in Honduras. Some notable reforms include:

• Replacing the anti-gang task force: The government has dissolved the anti-gang task force created by former president Juan Orlando Hernández and replaced it with a new police unit.
• Decrease in murder rate: The number of murders in Honduras has decreased from 3,892 in 2021 to 3,439 in 2022.

Accountability for Past Corruption

Recent developments have led to increased accountability for past corruption:

• Hernández’s extradition: Former president Juan Orlando Hernández was flown to New York in April 2022 to face charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. His trial is expected to begin in September.
• Extradition of former police chief: Former police chief Juan Carlos “Tigre” Bonilla was extradited to the US on May 2022 on similar charges.

Transparency and Reforms

The government has taken steps to increase transparency:

• Repeal of “secrets law”: The repeal of the “secrets law” in March 2022 has enabled greater transparency.
• Establishing an anti-impunity commission (CICIH): The plan to establish a CICIH has progressed slowly, with the government signing a memorandum of understanding with the UN in December 2022. However, disagreements remain about the commission’s autonomy and composition.

Challenges Ahead

While progress has been made, challenges persist:

• Amnesty law: Castro’s administration has been criticized for passing an amnesty law that pardons crimes such as money laundering and certain types of corruption.
• Nepotism within the administration: Critics point out a high level of nepotism within Castro’s administration.
• Uncertainty about future reforms: The government’s commitment to implementing other reforms required by the UN is unclear.