The main problems are related to corruption, robbery, and vandalism. 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. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to report the matter. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark. The government did not provide an update on its investigation of alleged sexual exploitation of a female prisoner in a correctional facility from the previous year. If you use our datasets on your site or blog, we ask that you provide attribution via a link back to this page. Copyright 2023 United Nations Sustainable Development Group. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. Widespread poverty and unemployment, along with significant street gang and drug trafficking activity, have contributed to the extremely high crime rate. Resolution of disputes in court often takes years. These efforts included identifying more victims of labor trafficking, including children forced to commit unlawful acts, and increasing funding for the Inter-institutional Commission to Combat Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Persons (CICESCT). 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. Members of the LGBTI+ community have reported violent assaults because of gender identity and sexual orientation. While many protests remain relatively peaceful, demonstrations can escalate into violent confrontations with the police resulting in destruction to public and private property. Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch. 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. 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. Land title procedures have been an issue leading to investment disputes involving U.S. nationals who are landowners. The Public Ministry trained 160 prosecutors on human trafficking including on new provisions in the penal code, and the governments judicial training school trained select magistrates, judges, and justices of the peace on human trafficking issues. 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. in Choluteca: the cities of Apacilagua, Orocuina and San Isidro. Backlinks from other websites and blogs are the lifeblood of our site and are our primary source of new traffic. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. Avoid driving at night. 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. In comparison, the government identified 75 victims (66 in sex trafficking and 9 in forced labor) and NGOs identified 78 victims in 2019, and the government identified 73 victims (63 in sex trafficking and 10 in forced labor) in 2018. 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. Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets. It provided a family, a sense of belonging. 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. "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. Municipalities With the Highest Number of Homicides, 600 500 400 478 300 410 200 100 251 112 101 100 94 69 61 56 54 54 54 53 50 45 41 40 37 35 0, January to December 2019, Secretariat of Security Honduran National Police, Honduran Municipalities With Highest Percentage of Homicides 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0%, Honduran Municipalities With Highest Percentage of Homicides. Enforce laws punishing brokers for illegal practices that facilitate trafficking, such as fraudulent offers of employment or illegal fees for migration or job placement. Honduran regulations prohibited charging recruitment fees to workers, but the government did not report enforcement of these regulations in 2020. They practice "war taxing", which is essentially just demanding money from people. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us. Honduras is far more deadly than even the most violent U.S. cities. The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Is Honduras Safe to Travel Alone Traveling solo is becoming more popular and within Latin America, more people including myself have set out to travel alone. In 2019, there were 1,500 traffic fatalities throughout the country. According to the International Rescue Committee, femicides are a major concern in Honduras. Reports of kidnappings of U.S. citizens are not common, with zero reports for 2019. Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Honduras. It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules so as to not create a predictable routine. Honduras has a high homicide rate, with a murder rate of 36 people per 100,000 in 2020. In January 2012, the Peace Corps suspended its program in Honduras in order to review the safety and security of its volunteers. Story written by Maria ElenaClix, Communications and Advocacy Officer at the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Honduras. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Honduras. Please check your download folder. "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. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Counterfeit products are predominately but not solely in the pharmaceutical and apparel industries. Violent crime is a serious issue in the entire country, with crimes such as kidnappings, rape, assaults, and murders. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 36.33, a 13.52% decline from 2019. Chicago, for example, has a per capita murder rate of 24 per 100,000. HMCs lab was reviewed by the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist and found to be up to U.S. standards and quality assurance practices. 2022 estimated. Institutionalize training for anti-trafficking police and prosecutorial units, judges, and CICESCTs immediate response team. Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. Authorities identified five of the victims through calls to government hotlines, and 16 were identified in Mexico or Guatemala and repatriated to 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. Traffickers exploit victims within their own homes or communities, including sometimes their own family members or friends. The government cooperated with the Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to investigate trafficking cases and detain suspects. Crisis in Honduras: Ongoing violence and climate shocks Here are three reasons the International Rescue Committee's Emergency Watchlist ranks Honduras among 20 countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian crisis in 2022. "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. Information provided is subject to change without notice. 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? 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). As a result of Honduran government efforts in close cooperation with the United States, homicide rates have fallen from 86.0 per 100,000 residents in 2012 to 43.6 per 100,000 at the end of 2019. Honduras has a long history of sustaining damage due to powerful tropical storms and hurricanes. However, visitors have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches. In 2021, almost 39 homicides were committed per 100,000 inhabitants in Honduras. 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. 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. 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. Review the State Departments webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers. During 2019, multiple vehicles belonging to U.S. and Honduran employees of the U.S. Embassy were burglarized and/or vandalized on side streets around the Embassy compound. 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. 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. Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns. This amount was an increase from 5.53 million lempiras ($221,400) provided in 2019, though officials reported they lacked adequate financial and human resources to provide comprehensive victim care, support victims throughout the country, and collect and analyze victim data. Increase efforts to identify victims, including among particularly vulnerable populations such as adult migrants, and provide assistance to all victims, including forced labor victims. Migrants from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, the Middle East, and South America who transit Honduras en route to the United States are vulnerable to being exploited in trafficking. Municipalities With Highest Number of Deaths Attributed to Traffic Accidents 200 150 100 179 177 50 61 52 39 0 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 24 23 23 22 21 19 16, January to December 2019, Secretariat of Security Honduran National Police Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report. Most cruise line passengers experience no problems, but there have been reports of associated armed robbery and carjacking. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have lower crime rates than other parts of the country. 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. However, it is situated in a high crime area and has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts. We have also confirmed reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets. Many of these U.S. citizens are church and humanitarian aid volunteers working throughout the country, including in gang-controlled neighborhoods. Extortion threats commonly originate through social engineering. My decision was to die." The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. . When possible, travel in groups. Honduras received support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation in the development of an e-procurement platform and public procurement auditing. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate health coverage while in Honduras. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. Labor inspectors did not identify any suspected trafficking cases in 2020. Some would-be muggers and gang members keep to a daily schedule, riding city buses from one stop to the next, committing criminal acts with impunity along the way. 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. 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. An official website of the United States Government, Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. I was housebound. Avoid using Collectivos (white sedan taxis with a sticker on the windshield denoting its established route), Roleteros (private white sedan taxis with no established routes), and Rapiditos (small buses that pick up multiple riders). honduras crime and safety report 2022. Other Honduran government agencies also provided funds from their budgets for victim assistance. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. 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. 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 U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. In 2013, Honduras had the highest rate of violent deaths of women in the world. January 26, 2022 At a glance Population: 10.1 million 2.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid 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. 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). Uniforms and vehicles are all clearly marked. 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. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas. Police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime or may not respond at all. Since 2010, nine U.S. citizens have been reported as victims of rape or sexual assault in Honduras, signaling an increasing trend in these types of crimes. The UN takes all reports of possible wrongdoing seriously. Airlines estimate that approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens flew into Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or Roatn in 2019. Mediaactivism must be part of the change of paradigm; data plays a key role in understanding the impact on the Honduran population of how media report on violence against women. Honduras remains deeply polarised. 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. Contact OSACs Latin America team with any questions or to join. Authorities convicted two government officials, one on pimping charges and one for paid sexual relations, for their involvement in sex trafficking crimes in 2017. Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. CICESCT sustained its efforts to provide immediate protection to victims and coordinate additional services among other stakeholders without interruption throughout the pandemic. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. Many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI+ community go unpunished. 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. Driving in Honduras can be dangerous. However, with respect to sex trafficking, these penalties were not commensurate with those prescribed for other serious crimes, such as rape. Received a complaint about honduras crime and safety report 2021 at Pioneer Park with murder November 2017 shorter! 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. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report. Medical care is limited. Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. 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. UNODC works on the development of standards for national crime and criminal justice information systems and for the conduct of victimization surveys. 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. Reach the local police anywhere in Honduras by dialing 911. However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas. AUDIE CORNISH,. Head of Police Gustavo Snchez 7 Feb said state of emergency, first imposed in Dec 2022 to tackle extortion, had reduced average number of homicides per day from nine in 2022 to seven so far in 2023. . The Honduran government conducts occasional joint police/military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. OSAC has developed into an enormously successful joint venture, with U.S. companies and organizations receiving the tools they need to cope with security issues in a . Officials report family problems, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare exacerbate these risks. Nine significant tropical storms/hurricanes since 1995 have affected Honduras. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Lima as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Review OSACs report, Surviving a Protest. For more information on the work of the United Nations in Honduras, visit Honduras.UN.org. Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras urban areas. Explore and easily find UNSDG publications. Crime Information for Tourists in Ecuador Crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. However, the government lacked formal procedures for identifying victims among children apprehended for gang-related criminal activity. In addition, a lack of implementing regulations leads to long delays in the awarding of titles in some regions. Violence linked to land disputes also occurs, particularly in the Bay Islands and Bajo Aguan Valley in northern Honduras. Except in some very rural locations, police are aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. As a result of this study, UN Women will be organizing trainings for media outlets on objective and respectful journalism in these types of subjects. Caption: Ana Cruz of Asociacin Calidad de Vida, an anti-violence organization. This helps keep everyone in poverty. Kidnappings declined by 82% since 2013, from 92 in 2013 to 14 in 2018, and 12 in 2019. 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. Victims who tested positive for COVID-19 faced delays or limitations in receiving services from shelters. The government modernized its national identification card system and began distributing new national identification cards in February 2021. Counterfeit medicines are available in pulperas (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported in Farmacias del Ahorro.