Although crime and violent crime occur in all parts of Honduras, the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the countrys highest crime rates. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandezs Migration Task Force continued to coordinate a whole-of-government approach to informing Hondurans about the dangers of irregular migration, including trafficking risks, and the government continued public awareness campaigns warning of trafficking risks along migratory routes through Guatemala and Mexico. 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. The government initially allocated 8.93 million lempiras ($357,150) to CICESCT but later decreased its actual disbursement to 6.18 million lempiras ($247,020) due to pandemic-related funds redistribution and budget cuts. Traffickers particularly target LGBTQI+ Hondurans, migrants, IDPs, persons with disabilities, children in child labor, children whose parents have migrated, and individuals living in areas controlled by organized criminal groups. 0. Criminals expanded the use of social network platforms to recruit victims, often with false promises of employment, and continued to target vulnerable populations. Honduras sees 318 cases of femicide in 2021: Report At least 19 women murdered since beginning of 2022, says Honduras Center for Women's Studies Sinan Doan | 27.01.2022 Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Caption: Activist Massay Crisantho uses her influence and far-reaching platforms to advocate for the rights of women and girls in the country. 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. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 36.33, a 13.52% decline from 2019. Counterfeit U.S. currency is also common. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. 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. Officials in the Returned Migrant Assistance Center conducted evaluations of returned Hondurans and referred suspected trafficking cases to CICESCT; however, screening for trafficking indicators was not systematic among returned migrants, and the government did not report whether these efforts resulted in identification of any victims during the year. My appreciation and congratulations to Ana Cruz and the fantastic work of safe houses! Information published on this website may contain errors. The pandemic, as well as Hurricanes Eta and Iota, negatively affected economic opportunity and furthered inequality, resulting in an increased number of individuals vulnerable to trafficking. Following anticorruption protests in 2015, President Hernandez signed an agreement with the Organization of American States to form the Mission Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH). Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law and be subject to local penalties. Red Cross ambulance: 911, (504) 2227-7474 or (504) 2227-7575. Garza is wanted in Honduras for homicide. Law enforcement, immigration, and social service providers had written procedures for identifying and assisting victims, including screening for indicators of trafficking among vulnerable populations and referring potential victims to CICESCTs immediate response team. Honduran police generally do not speak English. Highlights July 27, 2022: Student Reports of Bullying: Results from the 2019 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey July 12, 2022: Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools in 2019-20: Findings from the School Survey on Crime and Safety June 28, 2022: Honduras is far more deadly than even the most violent U.S. cities. . First responders referred potential trafficking victims to CICESCTs immediate response team, composed of two psychologists and a social worker, for immediate support. The government also enacted a new penal code provision that brought the definition of trafficking in line with the definition under international law. The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages intercity car and bus travel after dark. Do not travel to Gracias a Dios Department due to crime. U.S. citizens are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. The immediate response team provided 67 victims of trafficking and related crimes with assistance, including legal advice, immediate protection, and psychological services. CICESCT and the anti-trafficking prosecution unit each operated trafficking-specific hotlines that functioned throughout the pandemic. Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees. The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. drivers licenses, vehicle registration). Counterfeit medicines are available in pulperas (private home-operated convenience stores), but have also been reported in Farmacias del Ahorro. 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. The campaign and its different audiovisual assets have been broadcasted by over 15 media outlets nationwide and free of charge, including the country's most-watched TV network. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses. This team continued to operate during the pandemic despite restrictions on movement and inadequate funding for personal protective equipment. 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. Officials flew Garza, a 48-year-old . Limited inspections could facilitate movements of terrorists. Incidents of piracy off the coast of Honduras can occur. The police generally treat detained foreigners well. The location and timing of criminal activity are unpredictable. 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 their wellbeing and that of their families. These crimes may have been the result of tips from sources surveilling the airport arrival area. the Copan Mayan ruins and Roatn). Exercise extreme caution driving on isolated stretches of road and passing other vehicles on mountainous curves. Although the trend has decreased as of 2014, Some victims provided testimony through pre-recorded interviews in secure Gesell chambers or, due to the pandemic, video calls. Responding police fired tear gas in and around the main terminal to regain control after protesters entered the building and airport grounds. Even when traffic signals are working, drivers often ignore them. Backlinks from other websites and blogs are the lifeblood of our site and are our primary source of new traffic. CICESCT provided 76,970 lempiras ($3,080) to an NGO operating a shelter that accommodated women, girls, and boys up to age 12 and dedicated 318,040 lempiras ($12,720) to victims immediate needs including food, hygiene supplies, and lodging. While hurricane winds are a concern, much of the damage to infrastructure comes as a result of the ensuing flooding and rock/mudslides. InSight Crime's 2022 Homicide Round-Up covers more countries than ever before, with a major expansion into nations of the Caribbean. The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. . Due to the remote nature of these areas, the governments ability to respond to violence or other problems is often very limited, as is access to medical facilities. 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. One U.S. citizen was reported kidnapped between January and September 2013.. 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. El Salvador is not dangerous for travelers as violence has declined to its lowest level in over 30 years. 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. Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. The following reports are broken down by campus alphabetically: Abington 2022 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (pdf) 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. U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime. In March 2019, the Honduran Government created the National Urban Transportation Security Force to combat extortion and other crimes perpetrated by gangs. 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. Traffickers exploit victims within their own homes or communities, including sometimes their own family members or friends. Explore and easily find UNSDG publications. 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. 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). 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. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. For fire and public safety emergencies, dial 911. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: a. The 18th Street and MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) gangs are the most active and powerful. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. CICESCT reported using online training platforms to educate stakeholders on the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on trafficking trends and how to adapt. A large number of media have distorted the populations perception on violence against women by informing about it in a way that makes it seems as if these are isolated cases, when the reality is that this is an endemic issue in the Honduran society. 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). Overall corruption helped facilitate trafficking crimes. Caption: Honduras has the highest femicide rates in Latin America. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. Victims who tested positive for COVID-19 faced delays or limitations in receiving services from shelters. 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. The government reported 41 calls to the CICESCT hotline led to 22 potential cases referred for investigation. My decision was to die." Vehicles often drive at night without adequate lighting. Visitors can send general inquiries to the communications team. Chicago, for example, has a per capita murder rate of 24 per 100,000. In 2019, there was one murder case involving a resident U.S. citizen in Roatn. The police, along with the Ministry of Defenses Military Public Order Police (PMOP), routinely establish checkpoints and review documentation (e.g. The Mexico 2017 Crime and Safety Report for Mexico City by the US Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) indicates that crimes such as armed robberies, kidnappings, car thefts, credit card fraud and residential theft are "daily concerns" (US 24 Feb. 2017). Nine significant tropical storms/hurricanes since 1995 have affected Honduras. The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. "I am a survivor of domestic violence and I am lucky to be alive," said Rosa Maria Perez at the launch of the campaign. For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. The Secretariat of Labor and Social Security (STSS) monitored and regulated compliance with labor laws and policies that could decrease workers vulnerability to trafficking, including those regulating private employment agencies and establishing protections for vulnerable classes of workers such as domestic workers, seafarers, and temporary workers in Canada; however, the government did not provide details on enforcement. U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. By comparison, the United States has a global safety ranking of 128. The government places specially trained police forces in areas tourists frequent (e.g. Officials report family problems, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare exacerbate these risks. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. The government cooperated with the Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to investigate trafficking cases and detain suspects. 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. My partner did not like me to go out, not even to church. Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal narcotics are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur. Among the findings is that nine out of 10 news stories promote the dissemination of morbid details, include inadequate justifications and stereotypical reporting, which adds on to the misrepresentation of reality, which affects how this type of news is understood and interpreted by the public. Extortion threats commonly originate through social engineering. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. "Honduras: Death of Keyla Martnez demands prompt, exhaustive and impartial investigation", 9 February The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), through the Spotlight Initiative and in partnership with civil society organizations, launched the "The Other Pandemic" campaign in order to activate a social movement to address and prevent gender-based violence. Information provided is subject to change without notice. The state of emergency, in place since Dec. 6 in 165 areas of Honduras' largest two cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, has been expanded to 235 of the country's 298 municipalities, the . and the scope of organized crime in Honduras. 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 . Except in some very rural locations, police are aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. 2018 toyota rav4 pros and cons. The government maintained strong protection efforts, with CICESCTs immediate response team providing robust assistance to victims throughout the year. Many of these U.S. citizens are church and humanitarian aid volunteers working throughout the country, including in gang-controlled neighborhoods. Shall I live on, or shall I die? U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes. Criminal organizations, including gangs, exploit girls in sex trafficking, force children into street begging, and coerce and threaten children and young adults to transport weapons, sell drugs, commit extortion, or serve as lookouts; this occurred primarily in urban areas, but one NGO reported an increase in gang activity in rural areas. There is no information to suggest that criminals specifically target U.S. citizens or foreigners. Review OSACs report, Surviving a Protest. The law on safe houses needs to be passed! The rainy season usually runs May-November. Crime in Honduras in 2012, according to the U.N., Honduras experienced. Although reports of kidnappings have dropped considerably in recent years, they continue to affect both the local and expatriate communities, with victims sometimes paying large ransoms for the prospect of release. Emergency services, even in Tegucigalpa, generally are basic. 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. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. Two U.S. citizens reported incidents of rape or sexual assault between January and September 2013. As reported over the past five years, human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Honduras, and traffickers exploit victims from Honduras abroad. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. 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. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Honduras. They practice "war taxing", which is essentially just demanding money from people. Honduras's prison population has doubled over the past decade, partly due to a 2013 reform that greatly expanded the use of mandatory pre-trial detention. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. NGOs have reported anonymous attacks via social media, alleging that civil society actors are engaged in, or supportive of, criminal activity in Honduras. 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. The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, also known as Suyapa Church or Cathedral, is an important religious site and popular tourist destination. honduras crime and safety report 2022. how to wear a sheath dress to a wedding; apple music not working on android; honduras crime and safety report 2022. figure 8 racing near me 2022; what does the god particle look like; Humanitarian Assistance: Since April 2021, USAID reached approximately 1.9 million people impacted by recurrent droughts, COVID-19, and severe damage from Hurricanes Eta and Iota in northern. Honduras 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report. Caption: Ana Cruz of Asociacin Calidad de Vida, an anti-violence organization. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Spurred by anger with the government over accusations of public corruption, allegations of involvement in narcotics trafficking, and efforts to pass controversial education reform, protests and demonstrations were near-daily occurrences at times during 2019. Civil society continues to advocate for this law to be passed and the United Nations has joined in these efforts. In addition, a lack of implementing regulations leads to long delays in the awarding of titles in some regions. Officials from several ministries conducted additional trainings and awareness-raising activities with support from NGOs and international organizations. Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark. Historically, governments have. There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area. 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. Crime Information for Tourists in Ecuador Crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. Honduras has a long history of sustaining damage due to powerful tropical storms and hurricanes. Cruise ship passengers should take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and book only with reputable tour companies during their stopover in Honduras. The Inescapable Prison of Barrio 18 in Honduras BARRIO 18 / 17 JAN 2023 To Desafio, the Barrio 18 gang in Honduras was everything. Kidnappings declined by 82% since 2013, from 92 in 2013 to 14 in 2018, and 12 in 2019. According to the Global Peace Index, the island of Roatan, as a part of Honduras, shares its ranking of 123 out of 163 countries analyzed. Gracias a Dios is a remote location where narcotics trafficking is frequent, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police/military presence is scarce. Civil unrest in Tegucigalpa and other parts of Honduras remains a constant challenge. Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. Murders are easy to commit because most of Honduras' population is armed. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. However, visitors have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches. 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. According to the International Rescue Committee, femicides are a major concern in Honduras. Figures likely to be an underestimate, says Global Witness, as land defenders are killed by hitmen, crime groups and governments Published: 28 Sep 2022 More than 1,700 environmental activists . Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras urban areas. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit. Correspondent John Holman reports from San Pedro Sula in Honduras, a city with the highest murder rate in the world, on how organized crime is devastating co. The UNSDG guides, supports, tracks and oversees the coordination of development operations in 162 countries and territories. 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. UN teams are now better enabled to support countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. 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. Uniforms and vehicles are all clearly marked. Drug trafficking and gang activity, which includes local micro-trafficking of narcotics and extortion, are the main causes of violent crime in Honduras. The country does not appear to be a terrorist safe haven. Historically, corruption has been pervasive in government procurement, issuance of government permits, customs, real estate transactions (particularly land title transfers), performance requirements, and the regulatory system. Honduras decided in late 2018, based on reciprocity, to institute the same reporting requirement. Of November 2021, almost 39 homicides were committed per 100,000 crimes are carried out by acting., 2022, in Uvalde, Texas in Action - Honduras /a > Qatar iverson house . Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 38.93, a 5.01% decline from 2017. Animals and people wander onto the roads. Reports of kidnappings of U.S. citizens are not common, with zero reports for 2019. The government maintained prevention efforts. Experts observed that judges lack of specialized knowledge or experience in handling trafficking cases impeded successful prosecution and conviction of cases. The new amendments to the penal code lowered the penalties for trafficking crimes, resulting in penalties that were not commensurate with those prescribed for other grave crimes, such as rape. Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel. In 2012, a U.S. citizen reported that his boat was boarded and his passengers were the victims of an armed robbery while sailing in Honduran waters near Puerto Cortes, three miles north of Punta Sal. 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. "My respect to the brave women survivors of domestic violence! You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Violence linked to land disputes also occurs, particularly in the Bay Islands and Bajo Aguan Valley in northern Honduras. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. 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. This is a common practice for most automobile accidents where personal injury occurs, and for cases in which someone is accused of a criminal act.