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). Discrimination occurs against ethnic minorities and the LGBTI+ community. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 30,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras. In 2019, there were 1,500 traffic fatalities throughout the country. Wage and Hour Laws: There are 45 categories of monthly minimum wage, based on the industry and the size of a companys workforce; the minimum average was above the poverty line. Powerful special interests, including organized criminal groups, exercised influence on the outcomes of some court proceedings. Both the STSS and the courts may order a company to reinstate workers, but the STSS lacked the personnel and transportation resources to verify compliance. Official data on forced internal displacement, especially displacement due to violence, was limited in part because gangs controlled many of the neighborhoods that were sources of internal displacement (see section 6, Displaced Children). Most of these attacks involved gang members demanding extortion payments. The Honduras Medical Center (HMC) is the primary private hospital that the Embassy uses for emergency response and when hospitalization is required. Crime Threats The law places restrictions on these rights, such as requiring that a recognized trade union represent at least 30 workers, prohibiting foreign nationals from holding union offices, and requiring that union officials work in the same substantive area of the business as the workers they represent. 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. The government has also begun implementing a series of police reforms; it has formed groups such as the National Inter-Agency Security Task Force (FUSINA) and the National Anti-Gang Task Force (FNAMP) to combat crime. Police seized more than $400,000 in cash during the raid that led to his arrest and that of five other alleged associates. 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. Nongovernmental Impact: Some journalists and other members of civil society reported threats from members of organized criminal groups. The law prohibits all forms of forced labor, but the government did not effectively implement or enforce the law. Impunity for such crimes remained high, as was the impunity rate for all types of crime. 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. Unions also raised concerns regarding the use of temporary contracts and part-time employment, suggesting that employers used these mechanisms to prevent unionization and avoid providing full benefits. Civil society continued to criticize the law for classification of documents related to security and national defense, saying it limited transparency and allowed officials to use the classification of documents to obscure wrongdoing. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Slovakia. For more in-depth information, review OSACs. On October 7, the National Congress passed changes to the money-laundering law to designate civil society organizations as politically exposed persons due to organizations use of foreign aid. 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. Driving in Honduras can be dangerous. WebWeather Alert for U.S. Citizens Tropical Storm Julia (7 October, 2022) Message for U.S. Citizens: Absentee Voting Week is October 1-8, 2022 (28 September, 2022) Message for U.S. Citizens: Town Hall with Ambassador Dogu and Consular Services also Available in Roatan, Honduras (14 September, 2022) Review OSACs reports, The Overseas Travelers Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices. 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. 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. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa. Indigenous groups included the Miskito, Tawahka, Pech, Tolupan, Lenca, Maya-Chorti, and Nahua. The law prohibits members of the armed forces and police, as well as certain other public employees, from forming labor unions. Responding police fired tear gas in and around the main terminal to regain control after protesters entered the building and airport grounds. The following diseases are prevalent in Honduras: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever, Malaria, and Zika. Review the State Departments webpage on security for. Reproductive Rights: There were no reports of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization on the part of government authorities. Women Honduras has the fifth-highest rate of violence against women in the world. Land title procedures have been an issue leading to investment disputes involving U.S. nationals who are landowners. The Public Ministry is responsible for prosecuting violations. The government took some steps to address corruption at high levels in government agencies, including arresting and charging senior officials on COVID-related procurement corruption. Before you travel, consider the following resources: The contents of this (U) report in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, Asylum seekers and refugees continued to face acute protection risks in border zones. On October 7, the National Congress increased penalties for forced labor under the trafficking-in-persons article of the penal code from five to eight years imprisonment to 10 to 15 years, bringing the penalties in line with the penalties for other analogous serious crimes, such as kidnapping. OSAC is directed by a council of 34 representatives from companies and government agencies concerned with overseas security. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. HMCs lab was reviewed by the Regional Medical Laboratory Scientist and found to be up to U.S. standards and quality assurance practices. Review OSACs report, Surviving a Protest. Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government, Section 5. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate health coverage while in Honduras. The country was a destination for child sex tourism, particularly in the tourist area of the Bay Islands. Roatn and the Bay Islands are geographically separate from the mainland and experience lower crime rates even when compared with other Caribbean islands. These tensions have resulted in intense protests and violence. The U.S. Department of States Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) keeps Diplomatic Security Service representatives connected with private-sector The law prohibits police from unionizing (see section 7.a.). The government provided victims of sexual violence access to other health-care services. Cruise lines and port agencies offer approved tour companies offering packages. As of September the Secretariat of Human Rights reported the countrys pretrial detention center held 33 individuals. By law the STSS may fine companies that violate the right to freedom of association. 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. The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. There was no information available on any major industrial accidents. Indigenous and ethnic minority communities are frequently located in rural areas, which enjoy lower levels of criminal activity. 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. The STSS may levy a fine against companies that fail to pay social security obligations, but the amount was not sufficient to deter violations. Violence was often rooted in a broader context of conflict over land and natural resources, extensive corruption, lack of transparency and community consultation, other criminal activity, and limited state ability to protect the rights of vulnerable communities. For fire and public safety emergencies, dial 911. These tensions have resulted in intense protests and violence. This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Bratislava. You can add more than one country or area. Long periods of pretrial detention remained common and problematic, with many other pretrial detainees held in the general population with convicted prisoners. The government investigated and prosecuted some of these crimes, but impunity was widespread. Corruption: The new trial of former first lady Rosa Elena Bonilla de Lobo on charges of fraud and misappropriation of public funds, originally set to commence in March, was twice delayed for medical reasons. Abusers caught in the act may be detained for up to 24 hours as a preventive measure. Estimates of the number of children younger than 18 in the countrys workforce ranged from 370,000 to 510,000. The government did not effectively enforce the law. For crimes with minimum sentences of six years imprisonment, the law authorizes pretrial detention of up to two years. These reporting centers were in addition to the 298 government-operated womens offices one in each municipality that provided a wide array of services to women, focusing on education, personal finance, health, social and political participation, environmental stewardship, and prevention of gender-based violence. The government did not effectively enforce these laws and regulations, although penalties were commensurate with laws related to civil rights, such as election interference. The law establishes an independent and impartial judiciary in civil matters, including access to a court to seek damages for human rights violations. Marco Bogran, former director of INVEST-H, the Honduran government entity tasked with providing coronavirus pandemic relief contracts to private firms, remained in pretrial detention awaiting his next court appearance, scheduled for January 31, 2022. Backsliding occurred in cases brought during the four-year mandate of the OAS Mission to Support the Fight Against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras; several of its cases were dismissed or postponed as courts heard appeals based on the new code. Violent transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce. CONAPREV conducted 138 visits to prisons as of September. 03 / Select Countries You can add more than one country or area. Webkatherine noelle wyman; cape breton post obituaries 2022. location symbol text in word; list of female jockeys australia; mike conley house columbus ohio address In 2006, the security situation in Algeria took some notable steps backward and remained a serious issue. 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. On July 5, the National Tribunal Court found Roberto David Castillo Mejia guilty for his role as one of the alleged intellectual authors of her murder. Avoid protests, which can quickly turn violent. Honduras has a long history of sustaining damage due to powerful tropical storms and hurricanes. 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. Son Gncelleme : 26 ubat 2023 - 6:36. The Cattrachas Lesbian Network reported 17 violent deaths of LGBTQI+ persons as of August. 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. Litigants may sue a criminal defendant for damages if authorized by a criminal court. Despite incremental progress, government capacities remained relatively nascent and limited. 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. Media noted that family members often faced long delays or were unable to visit detainees. Passengers on public buses have been the victims of robbery at roadblocks and bus stops, during daytime and nighttime hours. Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, there are limited facilities for individuals with disabilities. Her most recent evaluation was in August, and the court declared her fit to stand trial in September. Exercise extreme caution driving on isolated stretches of road and passing other vehicles on mountainous curves. Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. A wide variety of domestic and international human rights groups generally operated without government restriction, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases. Since 2012, the Honduran government signed agreements with Transparency International, the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative, and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. Hondurans continue to be affected by MS-13 and Calle 18 gang activity in cities such as Tegucigalpa, Choloma, La Ceiba, Tela, and San Pedro Sula. Drug trafficking and gang activity, which includes local micro-trafficking of narcotics and extortion, are the main causes of violent crime in Honduras. Government Human Rights Bodies: A semiautonomous commissioner for human rights, Blanca Izaguirre, served as an ombudsperson and investigated complaints of human rights abuses. Indigenous communities continued to report threats and acts of violence against them and against community and environmental activists. Corruption along with a lack of investigative resources and judicial delays led to widespread impunity, including in security forces. Fire Department operations: +504-2231-1667. 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. ; these are generally safer areas in which to reside because of their heightened security measures. Reports of kidnappings of U.S. citizens are not common, with zero reports for 2019. 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. In October 2019, a thief stole the side view mirrors from a U.S. employees personally owned vehicle while it was parked on a side street near the Embassy. Credit card skimming is common. La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels; other tourist installations have increased private and police security. In addition, a lack of implementing regulations leads to long delays in the awarding of titles in some regions. The Public Ministrys Office of the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights handled cases involving charges of human rights abuses by government officials. Throughout the year, there was a general increase in crime, violence, and new terrorist tactics. Impunity for such crimes remained high, as was the impunity rate for all types of crime. WebHonduras Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. 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. Review OSACs reports, The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, The Honduras Country Council generally meets monthly on a rotating basis in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and has approximately 70 members. The San Pedro Sula area has seen armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels. Reach the local police anywhere in Honduras by dialing 911. Under the new inspection law, the STSS has the authority temporarily to shut down workplaces where there is an imminent danger of fatalities; however, there were not enough trained inspectors to deter violations sufficiently. The constitution prohibits practicing clergy from running for office or participating in political campaigns. The law provides for freedom of internal movement, foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation, and the government generally respected these rights. 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 free expression and media, including threats to media members by criminal elements and the existence of criminal libel laws; 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. These efforts were insufficient due to limited political will, inadequate staffing, limited or no services in rural areas, absence of or inadequate training and awareness of domestic violence among police and other authorities, and a pattern of male-dominant culture and norms. Mifflintown, PA 17059. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor, c. Prohibition of Child Labor and Minimum Age for Employment, d. Discrimination with Respect to Employment and Occupation. Credible allegations of corruption in the STSS continued. Censorship or Content Restrictions: Media members and NGOs stated the press self-censored due to fear of retaliation from organized criminal groups or corrupt government officials. The law prohibits all the worst forms of child labor. new construction homes in florida under $200k, Legal representation for any U.S. citizen reproductive Rights: there were no reports of kidnappings of citizens. 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