Participation of Women and Members of Minority Groups: No laws limit the participation of women or members of minority groups in the political process, and they did participate. gangs are the most active and powerful. In addition, women experienced delays in accessing justice due to police who failed to process complaints in a timely manner or judicial system officials who deferred scheduling hearings. The law also requires that public-sector workers involved in the refining, transportation, and distribution of petroleum products submit their grievances to the Secretariat of Labor before striking. Some passengers opt to travel armed when using public transportation, which sometimes results in armed confrontations where innocent bystanders are injured or killed in the crossfire. Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel. or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, a. There is often a spike in skimming in December and June, when the working population receive Christmas and mid-year bonuses in the form of one extra months salary. Honduras is a signatory to the International Labor Organizations. These conditions contributed to an unstable, dangerous environment in the penitentiary system. However, visitors have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches. Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings; torture and cases of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by government agents; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrest or detention; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media, including threats to media members by criminal elements; serious government corruption; lack of investigation of and accountability for gender-based violence; and crimes involving violence or threats of violence against Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, and against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex persons. The law permits strikes by workers in export-processing zones and free zones for companies that provide services to industrial parks, but it requires that strikes not impede the operations of other factories in such parks. Profile. ; these are generally safer areas in which to reside because of their heightened security measures. The government tasks CONAPREV with visiting prisons and making recommendations for protecting the rights of prisoners. -threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Airlines estimate that approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens flew into Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or Roatn in 2019. Wage and Hour Laws: There are 45 categories of monthly minimum wage, based on the industry and the size of a companys workforce; minimum wages were above the poverty line. They had limited representation in the national government and consequently little direct input into decisions affecting their lands, cultures, traditions, and the allocation of natural resources. Media noted that family members often faced long delays or were unable to visit detainees. Avoid using. Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 0730-1630; Friday, 0800-1500, Tel: +504-2236-9320; After Hours: +504-2236-8497, Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/embajadahonduras/, Banco Atlntida Building, 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park, San Pedro Sula, Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday, 1200-1600, Website: https://hn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/spsca/. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are often inadequate; streets are often unmarked even in major cities. If a victims physical injuries do not reach the severity required to categorize the violence as a criminal act, the legal penalty for a first offense is a sentence of one to three months of community service. Thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur. Observers noted several significant improvements in transparency procedures, including electoral reforms, an updated voter registry, new national identification cards, and new technologies that included a biometric verification system and a preliminary results transmission system. The government maintained the Interinstitutional Commission for the Protection of Persons Displaced by Violence and created the Directorate for the Protection of Persons Internally Displaced by Violence within the Secretariat of Human Rights. The law prohibits the use of children younger than 18 for exhibitions or performances of a sexual nature or in the production of pornography. -threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The government is implementing similar programs for other locations (e.g. Women, children, and LGBTQI+ individuals were especially vulnerable to abuse. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. By law, police may make arrests only with a warrant unless they make the arrest during the commission of a crime, there is strong suspicion that a person has committed a crime and might otherwise evade criminal prosecution, or they encounter a person in possession of evidence related to a crime. On March 1, the National Congress repealed the Law for the Classification of Public Documents Related to National Security and Defense, better known as the Secrets Law. NGOs reported 33 violent deaths as of October and 17 hate crimes against LGBTQI+ persons as of August. Criminals sometimes obtain personal information through social media, the internet, or a victims family member. The following day, protesters started a fire outside of one of the U.S. Embassys entrances during demonstrations against public-sector reforms in the country. The Public Ministry reported 11 cases of alleged illegal detention or arbitrary arrest as of September. Such an order may be effective for up to six days, after which the judge must hold a pretrial hearing to examine whether there is probable cause to continue pretrial detention. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. 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. Civil unrest in Tegucigalpa and other parts of Honduras remains a constant challenge. 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 foreign environment. Some judges, however, ruled that such suspects may be released on the condition that they continue to report periodically to authorities. The Office of the Inspector General of the Armed Forces and the Humanitarian Law Directorate investigated and arrested members of the military accused of human rights abuses. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours. Abusers caught in the act may be detained for up to 24 hours as a preventive measure. Former First Lady Rosa Elena Bonilla de Lobo was found guilty of fraud and misappropriation of public funds during a retrial on March 17. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report Since 2010, there have been approximately 60 murders of U.S. citizens reported in Honduras. open sources and (U) embassy reporting. These workers are not covered by the contributory social security system and are not protected by the labor code. Review OSACs report, The limited capacity of the government to enforce international standards related to natural resource exploitation has resulted in higher levels of conflict in the extractive and electrical generation industries. CONAPREV reported every prison had a functioning health clinic with at least one medical professional, but basic medical supplies and medicines were in short supply throughout the system. These crimes may have been the result of tips from sources surveilling the airport arrival area. Indigenous and ethnic minority communities are frequently located in rural areas, which enjoy lower levels of criminal activity. drivers licenses, vehicle registration). The law mandates that authorities release detainees whose cases have not yet come to trial and whose time in pretrial detention already exceeds the maximum prison sentence for their alleged crime. Victims were primarily impoverished individuals in both rural and urban areas (see section 7.c.). Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work without incident, but the government lacks the resources to address crime and violence fully. Review OSACs reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Departments webpage on driving and road safety abroad. Honduras is a signatory to the International Labor Organizations 169 Convention, which requires free prior notice and informed consent from indigenous communities before any development projects can begin; the congress has not approved a law regulating this process. Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. According to CONAPREV, the system was designed for approximately 13,000 inmates. The government has an Office for Persons with Disabilities located within the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion, but its ability to provide services to persons with disabilities was limited. Low salaries and a lack of internal controls rendered judicial officials susceptible to bribery. Cruise ship industry contacts report that approximately one million U.S. citizens enter the country by ship every year, primarily in Roatn, but also in La Ceiba on the northern coast. Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. CONADEH reported 31 cases of alleged torture or cruel and inhuman treatment by security forces through August, while the Public Ministry received 10 such reports through July. Medical care is limited. 08 Jul. The OSAC information exchange mechanism also . 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. Discrimination occurs against ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community. Despite being considered the best private hospital in Tegucigalpa, it is not Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited; JCI is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations. Review the State Departments webpage on security for, Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, there are limited facilities for individuals with disabilities. Authorities continued to investigate the incident. On September 6, the Public Ministry charged former Minister of National Risk and Contingency Management Gabriel Rub and two other government officials with fraud and violation of official duties for the nearly six million lempira ($239,000) purchase in 2020 of a mobile hospital and COVID-19 isolation unit that was only a tent. Administration: The judicial system is legally responsible for monitoring prison conditions and providing for the rights of prisoners. In addition, the monitoring center estimated approximately 937,000 individuals were forcibly displaced by 2020 natural disasters. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa. The law states that a womans employment should be appropriate to her physical state and capacity. Penalties were sometimes applied against violators. While there are no areas in major urban cities free of violent crime, notably dangerous locations in Tegucigalpa include the areas surrounding Suyapa Cathedral, downtown Comayagela, downtown Tegucigalpa, and neighborhoods in the outskirts of the city that are generally controlled by gangs. Discrimination: The law criminalizes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity characteristics and includes crimes committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity as aggravating circumstances to increase penalties for criminal offenses. The Honduras Country Council generally meets monthly on a rotating basis in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and has approximately 70 members. Gracias a Diosis a remote location where narcotics trafficking is frequent, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police/military presence is scarce. The law allows bail for persons charged with some felonies and gives prisoners the right of prompt access to family members. Others reported direct acts of intimidation or threats of violence from government officials or supporters for publicly being critical of the government. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. In addition, a lack of implementing regulations leads to long delays in the awarding of titles in some regions. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Honduras. The quasi-governmental National Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment (CONAPREV) received 28 complaints of the use of torture or cruel and inhuman treatment through September. Civil society continued to raise problems with minimum wage violations, highlighting agricultural companies in the south as frequent violators. The government failed to control pervasive gang-related violence and criminal activity within the prisons. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. It was unclear how many of these threats were related to the victims professions or activism. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. The 18th Street and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gangs are the most active and powerful. Violence against LGBTQI+ Persons: NGOs reported police or other government agents incited, perpetrated, condoned, or tolerated violence against LGBTQI+ individuals. NOTE: OSAC RESOURCE TASK GROUP (RTG . The CA-4 agreement among El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras allows for the inspection-free movement of citizens among these countries, reducing overall inspection at land crossings. Both the Secretariat of Labor and the courts may order a company to reinstate workers, but the secretariat lacked the personnel and transportation resources to verify compliance. Title insurance is not widely available in Honduras and approximately 80% of the privately held land in the country is either untitled or improperly titled. On January 13, National Police officials in Trujillo, Coln Department, allegedly detained and tortured Luis Alberto Gutirrez and Leonard Brown, beating Gutirrez and Brown in the police station. According to the Honduran National Police, there were 12 kidnappings reported nationwide during 2019. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. On December 2, the court found Aarn Jeriel lvarez Pavn guilty of Rodrguezs murder. The trial on murder charges of Josu Exequiel Martnez, Siriaco Meja Santos, Francisco Lpez Lazo, and Mario Anbal Lpez Velsquez began on November 25. In addition to complying with local laws, companies involved in natural resource extraction or energy generation should ensure they fully consult with communities in accordance with international standards. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. Despite incremental progress, government capacities remained relatively nascent and limited. Many employers discriminated against women. The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The Public Ministrys Office of the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights handled cases involving charges of human rights abuses by government officials. Censorship or Content Restrictions for Members of the Press and Other Media, Including Online Media: Media members and NGOs stated the press self-censored due to fear of retaliation from criminal groups, drug trafficking organizations, or corrupt government officials. . Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate health coverage while in Honduras. Independent Monitoring: The government generally permitted prison visits by independent local and international human rights observers, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. OSAC encourages travelers to, to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Honduras. Despite significant international and local public pressure, MACCIHs mandate ended in January 2020 without agreement for its extension between the OAS and the Honduran government. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. The government considers rape a crime of public concern, and the state prosecutes suspected rapists even if survivors do not press charges. Credit card skimming is common. Children, including from Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, particularly Miskito boys, were at risk for forced labor in the agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, mining, construction, and hospitality industries. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. Transgender women were particularly vulnerable to employment and education discrimination; many could find employment only as sex workers, increasing their vulnerability to violence and extortion. There are an estimated 7,000-10,000 gang members in a country with an approximate population of ten million people. The constitution prohibits practicing clergy from running for office or participating in political campaigns. In a controversial 2015 decision, the Honduran Supreme Court voided Article 239 of the constitution, which had limited presidents to one term. Nearly 46 percent of incarcerated individuals were in pretrial detention. The court found the accused guilty of the murder of Vsquez; at years end a date for sentencing was pending. Abusive Physical Conditions: Prisoners suffered from severe overcrowding, malnutrition, lack of adequate sanitation and medical care, and, in some prisons, lack of adequate ventilation and lighting. The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. As of October, at least 24 defendants used the law to have corruption cases dismissed. The location and timing of criminal activity are unpredictable. Nine significant tropical storms/hurricanes since 1995 have affected Honduras. Brown Follow Us: January 22, 2021 Medical personnel held nationwide strikes and protests on March 30, April 20-30, May 31, and in certain regions on October 24. Discrimination occurs against ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community. OSAC 2022-N-0025, Standard for Initial Response at Scenes by Scene Investigators. In April 2019, one or more individuals attempted a surreptitious breach of perimeter fencing at a U.S. Embassy residence. There were no reports of this law being used to limit womens employment. The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. how to horizontally center a div in bootstrap. A significant percentage of vehicles are in disrepair, underpowered, beyond their lifecycle, and would not meet U.S. road safety standards. Review OSACs report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. The government has a police investigative unit dedicated to investigating violent crimes against the LGBTI+ and other vulnerable communities, composed of Public Ministry prosecutors, members of ATIC (prosecutors investigative agency), and the Honduran National Police; however, it has limited resources and functions primarily in the major urban areas. The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. Although many press outlets were politically aligned, the press and prevailing democratic norms combined to promote freedom of expression, including for members of the media. Sexual Harassment: The law criminalizes sexual harassment, including in employment, and stipulates penalties of one to three years in prison and possible suspension of the abusers professional licenses. 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. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center estimated there were approximately 247,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to violence in the country as of 2021. The Secretariat of Labor may levy a fine against companies that fail to pay social security obligations, but the amount was not sufficient to deter violations. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. There are no legal cases involving instances of terrorism affecting U.S. citizens or facilities brought before the Honduran judicial system, and no reports of judicial developments that would have a negative impact on U.S. counterterrorism efforts. The Secretariat of Human Rights served as an advocate for human rights within the government. The ambulance does not have paramedics or emergency medical equipment; it functions solely as transport to hospitals. The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages intercity car and bus travel after dark. Unions also raised concerns that employers used temporary contracts to prevent unionization and to avoid providing full benefits. Major cities connect via an inconsistently maintained, two-lane system of paved roads, with many unpaved secondary roads. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. The Secretariat of Labor posted job opportunity announcements that specified a gender requirement. The Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), established in 2016 through an agreement between the government and the Organization of American States. 04 Jan. fire department utv grants 1 Comment. 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. The law requires prisoners to work at least five hours a day, six days a week. The Secretariat of Labor has the power to declare a work stoppage illegal and grants employers the ability to discipline employees consistent with their internal regulations, including by firing strikers, if the secretariat rules that a work stoppage is illegal. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. The following diseases are prevalent in Honduras: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Zika. Those traveling with tour/missionary groups report fewer criminal incidents. -threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. - July 2019 CSO Report - Northern Triangle Country Conditions: Ranking the Highest and Lowest Areas of Reported Homicides, Disappearances, and Extortion - May 2019 Northern Triangle and Mexico Country Conditions - May 2019 Foreign Government Reports Canada - The Research Directorate The law requires an employer to begin collective bargaining once workers establish a union, and it specifies that if more than one union exists at a company, the employer must negotiate with the largest. Although its specialists occasionally cannot provide the U.S. standard of care, the hospital and diagnostic departments do have the capability to provide most medical procedures. Nevertheless, observers said social discrimination against racial and ethnic groups persisted, as did physical violence. Both the secretariat and the commission focused on developing policies to address IDPs. Also see the Department of States Trafficking in Persons Report at https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/. La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels; other tourist installations have increased private and police security. The web site offers its visitors the latest in safety and security-related information, public announcements, warden messages, travel advisories, significant anniversary dates, terrorist groups profiles, country crime and safety reports, special topic reports, foreign press reports, and much more. On April 28, the National Congress repealed the 2014 hourly wage law, thus bringing all employees under the national labor code and eliminating the previous differences in labor benefits between hourly, temporary, and permanent employees. On May 30, protesters blocked several main avenues in Tegucigalpa, including access to Toncontn International Airport (TGU). Displaced Children: Civil society organizations reported that common causes of forced displacement for youth included death threats for failure to pay extortion, attempted recruitment by gangs, witnessing criminal activity by gangs or criminal groups, domestic violence, attempted kidnappings, family members involvement in drug dealing, victimization by traffickers, rape (including commercial sexual exploitation by gangs), discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, sexual harassment, and discrimination for having a chronic medical condition. in the past 12 months, 32% twice, 6% three times, and 3% more than three times. The government noted the decree was to better organize its own public relations efforts and was not intended to monitor or control content. It prohibits employer retribution against employees for engaging in trade union activities. The government allocated a budget of 20 million lempiras ($796,000) to operate a protection mechanism for journalists, human rights defenders, and judicial sector operators. CONADEH received complaints involving human rights abuses and referred them to the Public Ministry for investigation. As a result, criminals operate with a high degree of impunity. The law criminalizes discrimination based on race and ethnicity and includes crimes committed against individuals because of race or ethnicity as aggravating circumstances to increase penalties for criminal offenses. Nonetheless, many prisoners remained in custody after completing their full sentences, and sometimes even after an acquittal, because officials failed to process their releases expeditiously. To be considered, comments must be placed in the OSAC Comment Form and sent to comments@nist.gov by 11:59 p.m. Enforcement of OSH standards was particularly weak in the construction, garment assembly, and agricultural sectors, as well as in the informal economy. Always carry a mobile phone in case of emergency. There were several reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. See the Department of States Trafficking in Persons Report at https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/. On May 26, National Police officers allegedly entered the home of human rights defender Deninson Escalante in El Palenque, Choluteca Department, without a warrant, searched the house, and beat Escalantes parents, brother, and nephew. Land title procedures have been an issue leading to investment disputes involving U.S. nationals who are landowners. Crime Threats Although the law generally prohibits such actions, a legal exception allows government authorities to enter a private residence to prevent a crime or in case of another emergency. 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. Most women in the workforce engaged in lower-status and lower-paying informal occupations, such as domestic service, without the benefit of legal protections. The government cooperated with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other humanitarian organizations in providing protection and assistance to refugees, returning refugees, and asylum seekers, as well as other persons of concern. There were credible complaints that police occasionally failed to obtain the required authorization before entering private homes. Since its inception in 2016, MACCIH has worked with the Public Ministry to achieve success on several significant cases, including against current and former public officials. Availability of Legal Gender Recognition: Transgender persons are prohibited from changing their name and legal gender status. 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. However, protesters will also block, key intercity transportation routes and intracity intersections with burning tires, rocks and other debris, to include the roads leading to the international airports in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and the CA-5 and CA-11 highways. Violators face penalties of one to three years in prison and possible suspension of their professional licenses, but the government did not effectively enforce the law. Review OSACs report, Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. The law allows only local unions to call strikes, prohibits labor federations and confederations from calling strikes, and requires that a two-thirds majority of both union and nonunion employees at an enterprise approve a strike.
Itowa Uchc Email Login, David Einhorn Wife, Coeur D Alene Death Records, Farmville Herald Police Reports, Articles O